I love books, and I’m always in search of a good book. My favorite art books are the ones that give me something back: that are uplifting, inspiring, teaching me something or leave me speechless with their honesty. I’ve found a few I truly treasure, ones that stay with me through life.
Some books teach technique, others dive into the artistic mindset, and then there are those that just make you want to live and breathe art.
Here are the books that have shaped my creative journey—ones I keep returning to, ones that have made me pick up the brush, and ones that make me feel like I belong to the great, chaotic, beautiful world of artists.
So, here are 7 of my most favorite art books that spark creativity (in random order):
The Artist's Way - Julia Cameron
The book that made me start painting again. It’s not just a book, it’s a 12-week program, but one I see myself repeating over and over. Small steps, little tasks—all designed to keep you looking at the world through an artist’s eyes.
It made me understand my inner artist as a child that needs to be nurtured, held tenderly, and played with. It’s about discovering yourself through your likes, dislikes, fears, memories, and dreams. A book that doesn’t just tell you to be creative, but gently guides you back to it.
Just Kids - Patti Smith
A memoir of the artist’s life in NYC—reading it felt like stepping into another time, another air. A time when life was less comfortable but raw, passionate, electric with creativity.
The book made me want to be there, in this old Chelsea hotel, to know those people, to feel that hunger for art. So many obsessed with creating, all in the same place, in the same era. It’s like an alternative to movies or TV, but for artists—a window into a world where art was everything.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin
I love Rick Rubin. I am a fan. This book is as wise and tender as he seems in real life. He is the kind of teacher you wish you had—one that doesn’t impose but simply unlocks something within you. You can open this book randomly, any time, and always find something that speaks to your situation at that moment.
And if you haven’t yet, listen to his podcast “Tetragrammaton” on YouTube. It’s just as inspiring.
The Landscape Painter’s Workbook – Mitchell Albala
I’m not a landscape painter. Not even close. But this book? Still invaluable. Even if you never plan to paint a mountain or a river, the way Albala breaks down color choices, composition, and the impact of subtle changes is eye-opening.
The visuals are rich, colorful, and high-quality, and the book itself is surprisingly easy to read. A great one to have on your shelf—even if only to rethink how you see color and space.
Clear Seeing Place – Brian Rutenberg
How does someone create such enormous, powerful, emotion-evoking paintings? This book offers a peek inside an artist’s brain—his techniques, his thoughts, his struggles. It’s a great companion for any artist, and I’ve even written down quotes from it.
Brian also has a YouTube channel, which I highly recommend.
Art in Nature – Tove Jansson
I have a lot of Moomin mugs at home, and I love the classic Finnish books about Moomins, but this one? It’s different. One of the rare books Tove Jansson wrote for adults, and it reflects her own life as an artist—living on a remote Finnish island with her partner. It’s a glimpse into an artist’s joys, disappointments, surprises, and relationships.
It’s quirky, lovely, and never takes itself too seriously—just like Jansson herself. And honestly, if I could teleport to any artist’s little world, this would be high on my list.
PS. I love this blog post about Tove!
Bohemian Living – Robyn Lea
A book I found in a fantastic bookstore in Kuala Lumpur, and I just couldn’t put it down. So I carried it all the way back home to Europe. Even though it’s thick! It’s full of artistic homes from around the world, packed with pictures and eccentric details, and stories of people who live art in every sense.
I often flip through this book just for the sheer inspiration it brings—so many creative, courageous souls in one place. It makes me want to paint bigger, live bolder, and never hesitate to add a touch of madness to my space.
So, these were my favorite art books
Books that are not just about art—they are about being an artist and living in your own art world. Some of them teach, some of them inspire, and some of them simply remind you why you create in the first place. Whether you’re looking for a push to start creating, insights into the artist’s mind, or simply a beautiful book to flip through with a cup of coffee, these are my top picks. I would wholeheartedly recommend these to my best friends—without a moment’s hesitation.
Which are your favorite art books? Please let me know!
