Here is a list of the top 10 painting books for aspiring artists. These books are selected based on:
- The knowledge of the author
- The ability of the author to communicate that knowledge
- Readability
- Usefulness to an aspiring painter
I have provided links to purchase these painting books from Amazon if you wish. I receive a small commission on any purchases at no additional cost to you. These funds are used to help maintain this website.
A brilliant book for beginners through to master painters. This is not so much a step-by-step painting book, but rather a book which covers some of the more fundamental areas of painting.
An expensive book but a must read for any serious painter.
A great book on landscape painting by Kevin Macpherson. There is some useful information on painting with a limited palette to produce vivid results in this book.
Kevin Macpherson has a brilliant eye for color and creates some beautiful landscape paintings, which can be a great source of inspiration for any painter.
(If you want to learn more about color, make sure to grab my free Color Theory Cheat Sheet).
Mitchel Albala is a fantastic painter and educator. In his book he breaks down complex theory into simple concepts which can be understood by even the most beginner artists.
(If you want to learn more about landscape painting, make sure to grab my free Landscape Painting Starter Kit).
Inspired By Light is a showcase of inspiring paintings and words by Ken Howard. A must have for beginner artists, however even advanced artists will find value from this book.
A great book for landscape oil painters, however there are many concepts in this book which can be applied to all kinds of painting styles.
This book is a showcase of not only the stunning works of Suzanne Brooker, but also many other great landscape painters. There is step-by-step instruction and demonstration of some key painting concepts.
A great book for those who want to pursue painting but are limited for time. Daily Painting focuses on painting in regular intervals and creating many small paintings using an alla prima technique.
If you find yourself struggling with painting large, time-consuming artworks, maybe it is time to change things up with some smaller daily paintings.
Not as popular as many of the other books on this list, but not any less valuable. A great book for learning how to compose your paintings written by a master.
A inspirational book, especially for those looking to paint in a loose, impressionistic style. Dan McCaw is a gifted painter and he generously shares his processes in this wonderfully illustrated book.
An interesting read for learning composition techniques. The information in this book can be applied generally to all your paintings.
Not so much an art education book, but an inspirational read nonetheless. Julian Merrow-Smith is a brilliant artist and this book as a beautiful showcase of paintings.
I recommend these books based on my own personal experience, so I am sure there are many other fantastic painting books available.
If you have read any painting books which would you like to recommend, please add them in the comment section below.
Thanks for Reading!
Feel free to share with friends. If you want more painting tips, check out my fundamentals course.
Happy painting!
Dan Scott
Draw Paint Academy
sophiacousoulis says
Love the list of books. ♥️♥️I have some of them. Thank u ?
Dan Scott says
No problem Sophia 🙂
Dan
Sisse says
I have several of these books and from a previous post you also recommended Stephen Quillers “Color Choices” which I have had great pleasure in. For lerning abort Color, I Think that book is some of the basics to have.
Dan Scott says
Thanks Sisse I have not read that one but I will check it out!
Dan
JOAN SPECKING says
Hi Dan, I also have Kevin Macpherson’s “Landscape Painting Inside and Out” which in addition to your lessons and his “Fill your oil paintings with Light and Color” has helped me a great deal; I refer to them over and over. Thank you for sharing your list!