30 Best 「art technique」 Books of 2024| Books Explorer

In this article, we will rank the recommended books for art technique. The list is compiled and ranked by our own score based on reviews and reputation on the Internet.
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Table of Contents
  1. Drawing the Head and Hands
  2. Figure Drawing
  3. Constructive Anatomy: Includes Nearly 500 Illustrations (Dover Anatomy for Artists)
  4. Figure Drawing: Design and Invention
  5. If You're Bored With WATERCOLOUR Read This Book (If you're ... Read This Book)
  6. You Can Draw in 30 Days: The Fun, Easy Way to Learn to Draw in One Month or Less
  7. Artist's Painting Techniques: Explore Watercolors, Acrylics, and Oils. Discover Your Own Style. Grow as an Artist
  8. Watercolour for the Absolute Beginner: The Society for All Artists (Absolute Beginner Art)
  9. Creative Illustration
  10. The Art Spirit
Other 20 books
No.2
99

The illustrator Andrew Loomis (1892-1959) is revered among artists - including comics superstar Alex Ross - for his mastery of figure drawing and clean, Realist style.His hugely influential series of art instruction books have never been bettered, and Figure Drawing is the first in Titan's programme of facsimile editions, returning these classic titles to print for the first time in decades.

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No.4
83

Discover the transformative power of figure drawing with Michael Hampton's definitive guide, "Figure Drawing: Design and Invention." Tailored for both the budding artist and the seasoned professional, this book distills complex anatomical concepts into an accessible, step-by-step process. 1. **Master the Mechanics**: Learn the intricacies of the human figure with a simplified approach to surface anatomy. 2. **Fuel Your Creativity**: Leverage your newfound knowledge to push boundaries and invent unique, dynamic characters. 3. **From Theory to Canvas**: Benefit from a practical, hands-on approach that takes you from conceptual understanding to application, turning theories into a streamlined workflow. 4. **Comprehensive Coverage**: Dive into an array of topics including gesture, figure construction, head drawing, and more, ensuring a well-rounded skill set. 5. **The Proven Choice**: Celebrating its 12th printing, this trusted resource has empowered artists globally to elevate their craft

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No.5
83

Are you bored of painting tasteful landscapes, light seascapes and delicate still-lifes? Or are you labouring under the misconception that that is simply all watercolour is good for? Maybe you're so bored of looking at watercolour paintings that you've never even tried it!Whether you're at the beginning of your artistic journey, stuck in a rut and in desperate need of some inspiration or simply looking to improve your skills with watercolour, this book is sure to awaken your creativity.Stimulate your artistic minds and open your paint boxes to a whole new realm of possibility, using things like bleach, salt and combs - yes, the thing you'd ordinarily use to brush your hair with - to create exciting results.Professional fashion illustrator Veronica Ballart Lilja shares a wealth of new techniques based on her years of working with the medium that will open up watercolour for beginners, and encourage experts to stray from their more traditional methods.Jam packed with fresh ideas, adventurous tips and techniques, detailed theory and engaging exercises, this book allows you to develop and practise your skills in a free and expressive way.

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No.6
83

Pick up your pencil, embrace your inner artist, and learn how to draw in thirty days with this approachable step-by-step guide from an Emmy award-winning PBS host.Drawing is an acquired skill, not a talent -- anyone can learn to draw! All you need is a pencil, a piece of paper, and the willingness to tap into your hidden artistic abilities. With Emmy award-winning, longtime PBS host Mark Kistler as your guide, you'll learn the secrets of sophisticated three-dimensional renderings, and have fun along the way -- in just twenty minutes a day for a month. Inside you'll find:Quick and easy step-by-step instructions for drawing everything from simple spheres to apples, trees, buildings, and the human hand and face More than 500 line drawings, illustrating each step Time-tested tips, techniques, and tutorials for drawing in 3-D The 9 Fundamental Laws of Drawing to create the illusion of depth in any drawing 75 student examples to encourage you in the process

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No.7
74

Whether you're trying your hand at painting for the first time or honing your artistic ability, Artist's Painting Techniques is the handiest guide to teach you how to paint.Starting with the basics such as observational skills and learning how to draw, Artist's Painting Techniques will guide you into working with watercolors, acrylics, and oil paints. Discover everything you need to know about tone, color, pattern, brushwork, and composition to create your own masterpieces with confidence. Learn a range of key watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting techniques, including laying a flat wash, painting fur, and creating impasto sculptural effects. Embark on exciting artistic exercises and projects to discover your style and grow as an artist.Follow the fully illustrated step-by-step guides and get inspiring advice and encouragement from practicing artists. Kickstart your creativity and develop your own style with Artist's Painting Techniques.

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No.9
72

During his career as one of America's most sought-after illustrators, Andrew Loomis (1889-1959) taught at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and in 1939 he codified his lessons in his first manual, Fun with a Pencil. Four years later it had already been through six printings, and he followed up over the next two decades with a series of even more successful how-to books that remain the gold standard for artists to this day.Creative Illustration is considered Loomis's magnum opus, which was aimed primarily at the professional-level illustrator. Divided into seven sections: Line, Tone, Color, Telling the Story, Creating Ideas, Fields of Illustration, and Experimenting and Studies, this book is filled with instructions, tips, insider experiences, and incredible illustrations.

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No.10
70

The Art Spirit

Henri, Robert
Basic Books

A classic work of advice, criticism, and inspiration for aspiring artists and lovers of art"Art when really understood is the province of every human being." So begins The Art Spirit, the collected words, teachings, and wisdom of innovative artist and beloved teacher Robert Henri. Henri, who painted in the Realist style and was a founding member of the Ashcan School, was known for his belief in interactive nature of creativity and inspiration, and the enduring power of art. Since its first publication in 1923, The Art Spirit, has been a source of inspiration for artists and creatives from David Lynch to George Bellows. Filled with valuable technical advice as well as wisdom about the place of art and the artist in American society, this classic work continues to be a must-read for anyone interested in the power of creation and the beauty of art.

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No.12
70

J.C. Leyendecker

Cutler, Laurence
Harry N. Abrams

Oversize and filled with hundreds of popular and rare images, with a revealing text that delves into both his artistic evolution and personal life, J.C. Leyendecker restores this iconic image maker’s rightful position in the pantheon of great American illustrators and artists.“The wealth of illustrations here allows readers to reassess for themselves. Leyendecker represented the epitome of craft.” —Steven Heller, New York TimesOne of the most prolific and successful artists of the Golden Age of American Illustration, J.C. Leyendecker captivated audiences throughout the first half of the 20th century.Leyendecker is best known for his creation of the archetype of the fashionable American male with his advertisements for Arrow Collar. These images sold to an eager public the idea of a glamorous lifestyle, the bedrock upon which modern advertising was built. He also was the creator of instantly recognizable icons—such as the New Year’s baby and the Santa Claus that are to this day an integral part of the lexicon of Americana—and was commissioned to paint more Saturday Evening Post covers than any other artist. Chapters include: The Leyendecker Life The Leyendecker Look The Art of Advertising in a Product-Oriented Society Master of the Magazine Cover Book Illustration Posters: The People’s Art And more!Leyendecker lived for most of his adult life with Charles Beach, the Arrow Collar Man, on whom the stylish men in his artwork were modeled. From National Museum of American Illustration cofounders Laurence S. Cutler and Judy Goffman Cutler, J.C. Leyendecker features his masterworks, rare paintings, studies, and other artwork, including the 322 covers he did for the Post.

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No.13
70

A revised edition of the classic bestselling how to draw book. A life-changing book, this fully revised and updated edition of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is destined to inspire generations of readers and artists to come.Translated into more than seventeen languages, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is the world's most widely used instructional drawing book. Whether you are drawing as a professional artist, as an artist in training, or as a hobby, this book will give you greater confidence in your ability and deepen your artistic perception, as well as foster a new appreciation of the world around you. This revised/updated fourth edition includes:• a new introduction;• crucial updates based on recent research on the brain's plasticity and the enormous value of learning new skills/ utilizing the right hemisphere of the brain;• new focus on how the ability to draw on the strengths of the right hemisphere can serve as an antidote to the increasing left-brain emphasis in American life-the worship of all that is linear, analytic, digital, etc.;• an informative section that addresses recent research linking early childhood "scribbling" to later language development and the importance of parental encouragement of this activity;• and new reproductions of master drawings throughout

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No.15
69

The Art of Eliza Ivanova is an evocative, edgy, and beautiful book filled with the work of this exciting artist. A graduate of the California Institute of Arts, Bulgarian-born Eliza now lives in San Francisco where she created much of the art on these pages. She produces effortless movement with her sketched lines and animation-influenced dynamic touches. Well known for her portraits and figures of women and children, Eliza’s style is distinctive and rich in detail. In addition to a gallery filled with a mix of old favorites, new creations and bespoke commissions for this book, you will be invited into Eliza’s world. Enter her studio to discover her workspace and favorite tools. Eliza also shares techniques with us in step-by-step workshops to help us capture some of that dynamic movement that infuses her work. Both aspiring and established artists will benefit from Eliza’s technical tips and words of wisdom about life, work, and more.

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No.16
69

Uncover important technique and theories to improve your painting. Take a look at visual refrences and concepts from historical and contempary artists.

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No.17
69

Eclipse:The Well and The Black Sea

Justin Sweet & Vance Kovacs
BrandName

This book features the conceptual art of Justin Sweet and Vance Kovacs for a world they have collaborated on for nearly 20 years. The images in this book have been rendered in many different mediums, all with an intent to bring out, more than anything else, an impression that most closely reveals the feeling that was sought after. In many cases, a more rendered image will be replaced with one that emotionally reveals what we want our places and subjects to be like as opposed to literal design. Justin and Vance are freelance artists in the film, games, entertainment, and publishing industries. Together they are the creators of Carbon Canyon Studios. A studio devoted to delivering artistically guided projects. They have been friends and collaborators for over 20 years.

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No.18
68

Figure Drawing for Artists: Making Every Mark Count is not a typical drawing instruction book; it explains the two-step process behind juggernauts like DreamWorks, WB and Disney.Though there are many books on drawing the human figure, none teach how to draw a figure from the first few marks of the quick sketch to the last virtuosic stroke of the finished masterpiece, let alone through a convincing, easy-to-understand method.That changes now!In Figure Drawing for Artists: Making Every Mark Count, award-winning fine artist Steve Huston shows beginners and pros alike the two foundational concepts behind the greatest masterpieces in art and how to use them as the basis for their own success.Embark on a drawing journey and discover how these twin pillars of support are behind everything from the Venus De Milo, to Michelangelo's Sibyl, to George Bellow's Stag at Sharkey's, and how they're the fundamental tools for animation studios around the world. Not to mention how the best comic book artists since the beginnings of the art form use them whether they know it or not.Figure Drawing for Artists: Making Every Mark Count sketches out the same two-step method taught to the artists of DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, and Disney Animation, so pick up a pencil and get drawing.The For Artists series expertly guides and instructs artists at all skill levels who want to develop their classical drawing and painting skills and create realistic and representational art.

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No.19
68

Continuing with an entirely new way of looking at comic book art — the Sparrow series of art books. The second release in this new line features 48 pages of stunning art by Phil Hale goodness, presented in a special hardcover format.

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No.20
68

Much of the learning to practice as well as to appreciate art is concerned with understanding the basic principles. One of these principles is what Harold Speed calls "dither," the freedom that allows realism and the artistic vision to play against each other. Very important to any artist or work of art, this quality separates the scientifically accurate from the artistically accurate. Speed's approach to this problem is now considered a classic, one of the few books from the early years of this century that has continued to be read and recommended by those in the graphic arts.In this work, Harold Speed approaches this dynamic aspect of drawing and painting from many different points of view. He plays the historical against the scientific, theory against precise artistic definition. He begins with a study of line drawing and mass drawing, the two basic approaches the artist needs to learn. Further sections carry the artistic vision through unity and variety of line and mass, balance, proportion, portrait drawing, the visual memory, materials, and procedures. Throughout, Speed combines historical backgrounds, dynamic aspects which each technique brings to a work of art, and specific exercises through which the young draughtsman may begin his training. Although not a technique book in the strict sense of the terms, The Practice and Science of Drawing brings to the beginner a clear statement of the principles that he will have to develop and their importance in creating a work of art. Ninety-three plates and diagrams, masterfully selected, reinforce Speed's always clear presentation.Harold Speed, master of the art of drawing and brilliant teacher, has long been cited for this important work. For the beginner, Speed will develop a sense for the many different aspects which go into an artistic education. For the person who enjoys looking at drawings and paintings, Speed will aid developing the ability to see a work of art as the artist meant it to be seen.

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No.22
68

Molly Bang's brilliant, insightful, and accessible treatise, revised and expanded for its 25th anniversary, that helps provide clarity to the timeless question "what is art?""A revised and expanded 25th-anniversary edition of Bang's go-to text about visual perception, or 'how pictures work,' delivers sublime design and picture-book–art commentary for readers and artists alike."—Kirkus ReviewsFirst published in 1991, Picture This has changed the way artists, illustrators, reviewers, critics, and readers look at and understand art.In this revised and expanded edition, Bang's powerful ideas remain unparalleled in their simplicity and genius. Her thought-provoking text, brilliantly illustrated by step-by-step cut-paper illustrations of scenes from Little Red Riding Hood, includes thoughts about how the visual composition of images works to engage the emotions, and how the elements of an artwork can give it the power to tell a story.Bang asks the right questions to get your wheels turning—Why are diagonals dramatic? Why are curves calming? Why does red feel hot and blue feel cold?—while the illustrations and thoughtful designs bring the words to life.EXPLORE 12 PRINCIPLES OF VISUAL PERCEPTION: By experimenting with basic art elements (color, placement, size, shape, and space), Bang's unique and insightful work encourages you to answer one question: "How does the structure of a picture—or any visual art form—affect our emotional response?"FOR ART STUDENTS & CREATIVES OF ALL AGES: Written in an accessible and engaging style, Picture This has opened a window of understanding for generations of artists. Her simple, powerful principles apply to painting, photography, graphic design, animation, and illustration of all kinds.AN ART BOOK LIKE NO OTHER: Beyond a how-to guide or art reference book, Picture This has been called a "must-have book for anyone wanting to learn or teach about art elements and principles" (Kirkus Reviews). It makes an imaginative and inspiring gift for any artist or loved one who is interested in design.Perfect for: Artists, educators, and readers curious about the psychology of perception, emotion, and art Gift giving for aspiring and experienced artists of all ages for birthday, holiday, art school acceptance, or graduation Fans of Molly Bang and her award-winning work, including her Caldecott Honor children's books When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry; Ten, Nine, Eight; and The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher Adding to a collection of art theory, design, or art history books

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No.23
67

This book is about the fundamentals of light, shadow and reflectivity; the focus is firmly on helping to improve visual understanding of the world around and on techniques for representing that world. Rendering is the next step after drawing to communicate ideas more clearly. Building on what Scott Robertson and Thomas Bertling wrote about in How To Draw: Drawing and Sketching Objects and Environments from Your Imagination, this book shares everything the two experts know about how to render light, shadow and reflective surfaces. This book is divided into two major sections: the first explains the physics of light and shadow. One will learn how to construct proper shadows in perspective and how to apply the correct values to those surfaces. The second section focuses on the physics of reflectivity and how to render a wide range of materials utilizing this knowledge. Throughout the book, two icons appear that indicate either “observation” or “action.” This means the page or section is about observing reality or taking action by applying the knowledge and following the steps in creating your own work. Similar to our previous book, How To Draw, this book contains links to free online rendering tutorials that can be accessed via the URL list or through the H2Re app.

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No.24
67

From New York Times best-selling author of the Dinotopia series, James Gurney, comes a carefully crafted and researched study on color and light in paintings. This art instruction book is the follow up to the acclaimed Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist.James Gurney, New York Times best-selling author and artist of the Dinotopia series, follows Imaginative Realism with his second art-instruction book, Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter. A researched study on two of art's most fundamental themes, Color and Light bridges the gap between abstract theory and practical knowledge. Beginning with a survey of underappreciated masters who perfected the use of color and light, the book examines how light reveals form, the properties of color and pigments, and the wide variety of atmospheric effects. Gurney cuts though the confusing and contradictory dogma about color, testing it in the light of science and observation. A glossary, pigment index, and bibliography complete what will ultimately become an indispensible tool for any artist."James Gurney's new book, Color and Light, cleverly bridges the gap between artistic observation and scientific explanation. Not only does he eloquently describe all the effects of color and light an artist might encounter, but he thrills us with his striking paintings in the process." --Armand Cabrera, Artist

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No.25
67

All You Need Is a Pencil, Paper and Your Imagination!Ever wondered how you could become a character designer for video games, film or animation? Veteran art director and concept artist Marc Taro Holmes shares proven methods for honing the skills and building the portfolio necessary to become a pro gaming artist. This is the first and only work-at-your-own pace home study program that teaches the crucial insider knowledge needed to break into the entertainment-design industry and develop your own style--all you need are a pencil, paper and your imagination.The projects within this straightforward guide are constructed to help you apply your existing drawing and digital art skills to character design. Or, if you're still working on your skills, it will help you improve while at the same time turning your mind into an idea-generating machine.Unlock the Secrets to Character and Creature Design• Follow the creature design process from start to finish: 35 projects are divided into 4 challenge levels, ranging from brainstorming and drawing character blueprints to completing market-ready illustrations. As the levels advance, the projects become more complex.• Learn to solve design problems: Every project introduces you to an open-ended fictional assignment inspired by industry experience. Each project has a list of minimum deliverables--the basics to get to the next stage--plus bonus goals. You receive virtual merit badges for each achievement you complete.• Think like a pro: Over the 155 possible artistic achievements, you'll be asked to find a solution to every type of conceptual problem you might encounter as a professional creature or character designer.• Build your portfolio: Work toward creating an outstanding portfolio. Improve your skills and push yourself to create a fine-tuned presentation that could get you your eventual dream job."This is a workout for the imagination, a boot camp for creativity." --Marc Taro Holmes

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No.26
67

Perspective is a discipline often set aside when it comes to general art study, though it is essential to master in order to produce any piece of art that is and feels realistic. Framed Perspective 1 equips artists with the technical knowledge needed to produce successful visual storytelling-related drawings: from understanding the basics of the space around us and how we perceive it, all the way to more sophisticated endeavors, like creating entire locations that will become the believable set ups our characters and stories will happen within. As intimidating as perspective may seem, best-selling author and artist Marcos Mateu-Mestre delivers each lesson in an accessible and informative way that takes the mystery out of achieving successful scenes. The book includes extensive step-by-step practical explanations of how to build objects and environments of all sorts, taking that first sketch to a fully rendered artwork with many of his finished illustrations as examples. Sure to be the most popular book in your art library, it will train you to see the world in a way that allows you to enjoy every curve and slope you see in it and, more importantly, translate that vision into art with accuracy and a great sense and understanding of depth and proportion. Your perspective will never be the same!

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No.27
67

"You must read this book." —Neil GaimanThe bestselling international classic on storytelling and visual communication.Praised throughout the cartoon industry by such luminaries as Art Spiegelman, Matt Groening, and Will Eisner, Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics is a seminal examination of comics art: its rich history, surprising technical components, and major cultural significance. Explore the secret world between the panels, through the lines, and within the hidden symbols of a powerful but misunderstood art form.

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No.28
67

The ultimate guide to visual storytelling! How to make the audience ""feel"" the story while they are ""reading"" the story. Using his experiences from working in the comic book industry, movie studios and teaching, Marcos introduces the reader to a step-by-step system that will create the most successful storyboards and graphics for the best visual communication.After a brief discussion on narrative art, Marcos introduces us to drawing and composing a single image, to composing steady shots to drawing to compose for continuity between all the shots. These lessons are then applied to three diverse story lines - a train accident, a cowboy tale and bikers approaching a mysterious house.In addition to setting up the shots, he also explains and illustrates visual character development, emotive stances and expressions along with development of the environmental setting to fully develop the visual narrative.

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No.29
67

No matter what stage artists are in their careers, “it’s necessary to look toward the future eager to learn and to be better every day,” writes artist and best-selling author Marcos Mateu-Mestre (Framed Ink, Framed Perspective Vol. 1 & 2) in his latest book, Framed Drawing Techniques, which is packed with opportunities to do just that. In exquisite and thoughtful detail, Mateu-Mestre lays out distinct approaches to drawing in the book’s chapters―The Ballpoint Pen, Graphite Pencil, The Digital Way, and The Gray Scale―outlining the benefits and challenges of each, and specific digital editing techniques that can be applied to one’s work in all the mediums to achieve the greatest results. Alongside his important technical lessons, on everything from depicting reflected light on a character’s hair to how to add rain to dramatize a scene, is Mateu-Mestre’s awe-inspiring artwork, which serves to educate and motivate artists of all levels to discover what incredible storytelling is possible with a single pen or pencil (or tablet).

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No.30
67

The definitive book on animation, from the Academy Award-winning animator behind Who Framed Roger Rabbit?Animation is one of the hottest areas of filmmaking today--and the master animator who bridges the old generation and the new is Richard Williams. During his fifty years in the business, Williams has been one of the true innovators, winning three Academy Awards and serving as the link between Disney's golden age of animation by hand and the new computer animation exemplified by Toy Story.Perhaps even more important, though, has been his dedication in passing along his knowledge to a new generation of animators so that they in turn could push the medium in new directions. In this book, based on his sold-out master classes in the United States and across Europe, Williams provides the underlying principles of animation that every animator--from beginner to expert, classic animator to computer animation whiz --needs. Urging his readers to "invent but be believable," he illustrates his points with hundreds of drawings, distilling the secrets of the masters into a working system in order to create a book that will become the standard work on all forms of animation for professionals, students, and fans.

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