As an artist you should never stop learning. One of the best ways to stay learning is to build your at-home library with inspirational or technical books. Highlight or bookmark your favourite parts to be able to go back to them in times of need. There is no embarrassment in needing a little motivation from time to time. In fact, many artists get stuck in creative ruts. Some even write about how to get out of them. Who else better to learn from than someone with personal experience?

With all of the noise of social media and distractions that come along with it, more and more artists are turning to physical books when they need to log off. This list of 12 must-read inspiring and influential books are by artists for artists (or art lovers). 

1. Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney 

James Gurney is a New York Times best-selling author. This book is a deep dive into the study of color and light. Gurney strategically fills the gaps between abstract theory and practical knowledge. Themes in the book include light revealing form, the properties of color and pigments, and the wide variety of atmospheric effects. 

2. Figure Drawing: Design and Invention by Michael Hampton 

This book is geared towards new and experienced artists looking to learn more about figure drawing. It is instructional with a theme of simplifying figures and anatomy. This book is a must for creating a skill-set in the mechanics of the figure that can be applied to multiple types of media. Hampton focuses on practicality with a step by step process that will help create a working creative process.

3. Alla Prima II: Everything I Know About Painting - and More by Richard Schmid and Katie Swatland

Whether you already consider yourself an artist or are an aspiring art lover, this book has something for you to learn. Schmid offers the insight of traditional education, as well as what he has learned being a painter and teacher throughout his life. Themes of this book include trials of an artist, mysteries of color, and a new view of design. Unlike other art technique books, Schmid gives you pointers on what to do when it seems like everything is going wrong. 

4. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert writes about her own creative process as well as passing on her point of view and life lessons learned about the creative world. She dives into how to find motivation and how to create habits to help you live your best life. In this book, Gilbert finds the sweet spot between a self-help book and creative practices. 

5. Mastering Composition: techniques and principles to dramatically improve your painting by Ian Roberts

If you're looking for a book that will give visual instructions including step-by-step presentations on how to paint to the best of your ability, you’ve found it. Roberts created a guide for artists to learn all about composition and designing using the picture plane. He shows readers how to create movement, harmony, narrative, and fluidity in their work. This book will help artists and art lovers understand the basic principles of design while helping build confidence. 

6. The Mission of Art by Alex Grey

This book is an art classic and an encouraging piece for art lovers that are looking to find their voice. Grey shares an inspirational message that art is powerful and can create a personal release as well as a spiritual awakening. He uses his wisdom of art history paired with his life experiences as an artist to create a thought provoking book. 

7. Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland

The themes of this book are the way art gets made, why art doesn’t get made, and obstacles artists face. Since Bayles and Orland are both artists, they bring insider information and insight from the art world. This classic book was written for artists while they discover their creative process. This is a great read if you’re an artist that’s feeling stuck or uninspired. 

8. The Art Spirit by Robert Henri

Henri is an innovative artist and teacher who uses this book to teach about his belief in the interactive nature of creativity and inspiration. This book is filled with technical advice and knowledge about the power of art. Themes include the force of creativity, the beauty of art, and critiques the place of art and the artist in an American society. 

9. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron

In this book, Cameron helps readers start their own artistic trek and discover their artistic process and purpose. She includes prompts, exercises, activities, and vital tools to get out of a creative funk. She offers her guidance to readers to follow along with their self-discovery journey. 

10. Just Kids by Patti Smith

In this book, Smith recounts her experiences as an artist in the late sixties and early seventies. It is highly rated for being an inspirational and honest book about being a young artist in New York City. It’s a nonfiction story that might just influence your next piece of work. 

11. The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art by Don Thompson

In this book, Thompson dives into artists, dealers, auction houses, and wealthy collectors of the international contemporary art world. With a focus on economics and psychology, he explores themes of money, lust, and what makes art valuable. He also discusses how marketing and branding can make or break a piece of work. The book includes exclusive interviews with artists, buyers, and executives in the industry. 

12. Steal like an artist by Austin Kleon

In this self-help book, Kleon preaches that you don’t need to be a genius, you just have to be yourself. He focuses on the fact that creativity is everywhere, and for everyone. This book will easily put readers in touch with their creative side. It is a quick read that will challenge and motivate readers in unique ways. 

Whether you’re an artist, art lover, or looking for a gift for someone that identifies as one, these books are sure to unleash motivation and creativity. Each of the above books were chosen for their unique collection of wisdom and techniques. By settling into your artistic exploration, you are taking one step closer to being the artist of your dreams.