Martina's Art Book Recommendations

Books have to be heavy because they whole world is inside of them!

The choice of a good art instruction book is not easy at times, because we can't judge a good book by its cover. And all books are not equal. ​


​There is an incredible number of publications I refuse to advocate. In fact some are so terrible, they teach bad habits. I often hear the question in my art classes what books I would recommend, so to make it easier for everyone,  I've created this list of recommendations. These books made it into my own collection.

Figure Drawing - Design & Invention

Pen & Ink Drawing - A Simple Guide
by Michael Hampton
This is definitely one of my favourites. Well executed drawings and descriptions of the structure within the human form.  A must have.
by Anphonso Dunn
One of the great pen and ink books. Explains all basic materials and fundamentals of this medium. Great illustrations.

The  Artist's Complete Guide To Figure Drawing

Daily Painting
by Anthony Ryder
A brilliant book on figure drawing by Anthony who is a master in the classical sense and has absolute control of line and hatching.
by Carole Marine
You will find Carole's painting on my Pinterest. She offers wisdom and hits the nail on the head.  To get into the habit of painting, a little every day instead of longer hours at first. 

Coloured Pencil Solution Book

Problem Solving For Oil Painters
by Janie Gildow
It is one of the most easy to read books with every technique important for this medium. Step by step demonstrations. A must!
by Gregg Kreutz
This is one of the books I use a lot in my classes and recommend to get this as one of your must have oil painting books. It is filled with valuable advice.

Pencil Drawing - Project Book For Beginners

Oil Painting Secrets From A Master
By Walter Foster / Reeves
This is a great book for beginners with a step-by-step approach for still life landscapes, animals, glass, metal, foliage and fur. Also great for kids.
by Linda Cateura
This books was written by one of David's students who took notes over a few years of his teaching. He has great knowledge on the subject. 

Henry Yan's Figure Drawing Techniques & Tips

The Artist's Illustrated Encyclopedia
by Henry Yan
Experienced Academy drawer Henry Yan shows his excellent talent within this publication. 
by Phil Metzger
This must be the most comprehensive and visually pleasing book if its kind. I love it.

Giovanni Civardi's Complete Guide to Drawing

Life Drawing
By Giovanni Civardi
Brings together the 7 books from the Art of Drawing series for Drawing. Portrait, Scenery, Light & Shade, the nude, hands & feet, clothed figure etc.
By Robert Barrett
How to portray the figure with accuracy is the main theme of this book.  A good choice.

Figure Drawing For Artists

Figure Drawing Studio
By Steve Huston
Both for beginners and pros. It summons the same two-step method taught to artists at DreamWorks, Warner Bros and Disney Animation. I love the use of core shadow.
By Butch Krieger
The artists guides you through many important fundamentals. More than 1,500 high resolution full colour images.

Draw Portraits in Colored Pencil

The Anatomy of Style
By Ann Kullberg
Thousands of hours of experience from 29 master artists. With 11 complete portraits and 18 step-by-step demos.
By Patrick J. Jones
Award winning figurative artist explores foundational techniques and offers Masterclass Study Sheets.

How To Draw Portraits in Charcoal

Figures From Life
By Nathan Fowkes
Seasoned artist and instructor Nathan created an easy to follow and valuable guide for portrait drawing in charcoal.
By Patrick J. Jones
In-depth exploration for life drawing with step-by-step demonstrations and drawing study sheets.

​The Oil Painter's Color Handbook

The Art of Still Life
By Todd M. Casey
A master painter providing, a comprehensive updated and accessible foundation of colour theory and advanced techniques every oil painter at every skill level needs in their toolbox.
By Todd M. Casey
A contemporary guide to classical study techniques, composition and painting. Another most valuable book by Todd that offers a comprehensive manual of its finest.  

Classic Still Life Painting

By Jane Jones
Jane Jones, a prolific artist of present times, exposes how to attain an aesthetic reminiscent of the Old Masters using current day art supplies. She utilises underpainting and glazing methods to create paintings which can radiate a unique luminosity and vibrancy!
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