Books are portals. Some whisper, some ignite. I seek the ones that give—the ones that return something greater than the sum of their pages. The ones that uplift, expand, reveal. The ones that leave me speechless.
Some books teach technique—the sacred mechanics of line and form. Others unlock the mindset—the unseen architecture of creativity. And then, there are the books that make you feel—as if you were meant to live and breathe art, as if the world itself were a vast, untamed canvas.
These are the books that have shaped me. The ones I return to, again and again. The ones that make my hands itch to create. The ones that remind me I belong to something greater—this chaotic, beautiful lineage of artists.
Here are 7 art books that spark creativity (+ a surprise at the end):
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.


A Little Extra: Art Books That Famous People Have Recommended
Bento's Sketchbook –
John Berger
A book about drawing—but also about philosophy, politics, and seeing the world. Berger takes inspiration from Baruch Spinoza (whose childhood nickname was Bento), imagining the philosopher’s lost sketchbook and using it as a lens to explore the act of drawing. Through stories, reflections, and sketches, he examines how we connect with what we see. A quiet yet radical meditation on creativity.
Tilda Swinton, known for her avant-garde approach to acting and art, has said this book shaped her understanding of visual culture.
-
📖 Recommended by: Tilda Swinton
📍 Source: New Humanist
The Art of Noticing - Rob Walker
“This might have been a risky choice for a book club because there is no real narrative here—it’s a smorgasbord of 131 exercises and inspirational quotes designed to get you looking and listening and exploring and discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary life around you. But it was a big hit — Rob’s a kindred spirit, and his newsletter rules — and best of all, we had a nice discussion about it.”
Austin Kleon is a writer and artist known for his books on creativity, including Steal Like an Artist, where he encourages artists to embrace influence, remix ideas, and stay consistently creative.
-
📖 Recommended by: Austin Kleon
📍 Source: Radical Reads
Leonardo da Vinci Notebooks – Leonardo da Vinci
A collection of thoughts, sketches, and ideas from one of history’s greatest minds. Da Vinci’s notebooks are filled with anatomical studies, engineering designs, and artistic experiments, offering a glimpse into his restless curiosity.
Jean-Michel Basquiat was a self-taught artist whose raw, expressive paintings blended graffiti, anatomy, African symbolism, and poetry into a unique visual language. His work tackled themes of race, power, and identity, often filled with bold text and cryptic imagery.
-
📖 Recommended by: Jean-Michel Basquiat
📍 Source: Austin Kleon’s Tumblr
Humboldt's Gift– Saul Bellow
A novel about the clash between art and money. A writer navigates success, failure, and the legacy of his mentor.
Jack Nicholson, legendary actor with a career spanning decades. Known for The Shining, Chinatown, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
-
📖 Recommended by: Jack Nicholson
📍 Source: The Independent
On Creativity – David Bohm
In On Creativity, physicist David Bohm delves into the essence of creative thinking. He emphasizes that creativity isn’t merely about talent, noting that “there are a tremendous number of highly talented people who remain mediocre.” True creativity involves breaking free from preconceptions to perceive the world anew.
Marina Abramović is a pioneering performance artist known for pushing the limits of physical endurance, emotional vulnerability, and the relationship between artist and audience.
-
📖 Recommended by: Marina Abramovic
📍 Source: Radical Reads
Letters to a Young Poet – Rainer Maria Rilke
A series of letters offering guidance on creativity, solitude, and self-discovery. Rilke encourages young artists to trust their inner voice and embrace uncertainty.
Lady Gaga is a singer, songwriter, and actress known for her bold artistic vision, reinvention, and advocacy for self-expression.
-
📖 Recommended by: Lady Gaga
📍 Source: YouTube
The Philosophy of Andy Warhol – Andy Warhol
Warhol’s musings on life, love, beauty, and business—equal parts absurd and profound.
Ai Weiwei is a renowned Chinese artist and activist whose work spans sculpture, installation, architecture, and social media, often tackling issues of freedom, human rights, and government censorship. His art is known for its bold political statements, such as his installation Sunflower Seeds, which critiques mass production and the loss of individuality.
-
📖 Recommended by: Ai Weiwei
📍 Source: Elle
The Art Spirit – Robert Henri
A timeless guide to the philosophy of art: insights into the creative process, focusing on the artist’s mindset, discipline, and emotional depth. Lynch has mentioned this book as an influential part of his creative journey, appreciating its wisdom on the artist’s soul and the transformative power of art.
David Lynch was a visionary filmmaker, artist, and musician, known for his surreal, darkly atmospheric films and television series that explore the subconscious and the complexities of human nature.
-
📖 Recommended by: David Lynch
📍 Source: Trebuchet Magazine
An Episode in the Life of a Landscape Painter – Cesar Aira
A surreal, short novel that blends fiction and reality, the book follows the journey of a 19th-century artist who, while working in the wilds of Argentina, becomes increasingly absorbed in his own perceptions and the landscapes he paints.
Patti Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and author, renowned for her poetic lyrics, groundbreaking music career, and her deeply personal memoirs that blend music, art, and literature.
-
📖 Recommended by: Patti Smith
📍 Source: The New York Times
The Artist in His Studio– Alexander Liberman
A seminal collection of essays in which Susan Sontag explores the cultural and philosophical implications of photography, examining how it shapes our perception of reality. Sontag reflects on the power of images to define history, evoke emotion, and alter the way we understand the world.
Annie Leibovitz is an iconic American portrait photographer, best known for her evocative images of celebrities and cultural figures, as well as her collaboration with Susan Sontag on various works.
-
📖 Recommended by: Annie Leibovitz
📍 Source: Radical Reads
So, these were my favorite art books
…+ art books that are highly praised by some art world legends.
These are 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.
Which are your favorite art books? Please let me know!