In this post, I will review my favourite 5 art books. You may also watch the video link above if you prefer video content. My top 5 favourite art books are:
Imaginary Realism, by James Gurney
Imaginative Realism is a clear and concise guide to illustrating any subjects you don’t have an exact and complete reference for.
This books goes over all aspects of image creation, from collecting photo references, to creating maquettes, lighting, composition principles, and more.
The author, James Gurney, is the creator of Dinotopia. This book has useful information for any kind of illustrations, but focuses primarily on paleo reconstructions, world building and fantasy.
Buy it on Amazon.ca.
Buy it on Amazon.com.
The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling, by John Muir Laws
The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling is a beginner friendly introduction to observational drawing of many natural science subjects.
This book covers a wide variety of techniques and subjects. It features many simple step-by-step illustration projects suitable for a beginner or child.
However, it also contains useful information about anatomy and animal behaviour. It also contains useful tips for creating effective and accurate drawings. This extra information makes this a useful reference for more experienced artists as well
Buy it on Amazon.ca.
Buy it on Amazon.com.
Botanical Sketchbook, by Mary Ann Scott
Botanical Sketchbook is a guided tour through the sketchbook and finished paintings Mary Ann Scott completed while studying for the Society of Botanical Artists diploma course.
It is an inspirational book, which allows the reader to view the authors progression as an artist over the course of the sketchbook.
Botanical Sketchbook also contains feedback from SBA tutors. Each page is also loaded with helpful observations and tips about composition, colour studies and more.
Buy it on Amazon.ca.
Buy it on Amazon.com.
Botany for the Artist, by Sarah Simblet
This is one of several useful art books by artist Sarah Simblet, and the most applicable to my career as a botanical artist.
This books includes basic information about plant structure and how to draw plant shapes. It will be useful for even beginner painters.
It is also an extremely inspirational book. Botany for the Artist features many of Sarah Simblet’s lively ink drawings of botanical subjects. While botanical art often suffers from looking stiff and posed, Sarah Simblet’s drawings all have incredible movement and energy. This is the book I reach for when I need a shot of botanical inspiration.
Buy it on Amazon.ca.
Buy it on Amazon.com.
Color and Light, by James Gurney
Color and Light is the reference book I reach for at least once a week. James Gurney tackles the complicated subjects of light, colour, form and paint mixing and breaks them down into simple, easy tips and techniques.
This book does not focus specifically on botanical or natural science art, and would be equally useful for artists in other disciplines such as portraiture or fantasy.
