Top Art Books
Hello there! Its almost November already and I don’t know about you but I’ve definitely started thinking about the big ‘C’ that’s around the corner! So, for this blog I thought I would chat about a few of my favourite Art books incase you needed an idea (or several!) Christmas dressy suggestions. I dug around through my books and although it was hard I’ve decided on these, in no particular order, but all for different reasons.
The Natural History Book. The Ultimate Guide to Everything on Earth
I discovered this book about a year ago and I just love flicking through it. I generally use it as a reference or starting point and I always find it inspirational. The photographs are just beautiful and include close up details as well as sections of informative text. It is absolutely full of photographs and it is very easy to loose yourself when looking through it. A favourite of mine, it really does encapsulate the weird, strange and beauty in our natural world!
Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Portfolio 31
I visited this exhibition last year and loved it! I was in awe of the talent (and patience!) of the photographers and impressed by the variety of subjects. The photographs were incredibly emotive and beautiful; some celebrating the interaction and reality within nature, others highlighting the destruction of it, usually by mankind. The photographs are the main focus of the book with information to give context on the subject and the photographer. This is another beautiful book to flick through and get lost in.
The Motherhood of Art, Marissa Huber and Heather Kirtland.
I found this book when I started creating my own work again when my children were starting school and I found it both inspiring and motivating at what can be an isolating time. I went from a full-time mummy to having time to discover what I wanted to do, albeit within art, and the stories in this book made me think it was possible. Marissa and Heather interviewed many different artist mothers all at various points in motherhood and their art careers for this book. The artists discuss the transition into motherhood, maintaining a balance between motherhood and being creative, and how motherhood has impacted their identity as an artist. Each artist has something different to share from their experiences in a positive, insightful and hopeful way.
Sketchbook Explorations, Shelley Rhodes.
This is a lovely book full of experimentation, variety of materials and lots of ideas and possibilities! Shelley Rhodes offers suggestions and advice on materials and tools to create different effects and results as well as various ways to use a sketchbook. The main focus is to experiment and see what happens and the playfulness in this book is both inspiring and freeing! I have dipped into this book many times when feeling a little lost creatively.
Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon
A great book and an easy, quick read. Austin Kleon has a great approach to writing; he is witty and chatty as well as very down to earth. This book is a must for all creatives, and one that should be read several times. It encourages the reader to explore their creativity by understanding other artists, to have the confidence to create, and to just get on with it without putting too much pressure on yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it gave great advice in a light hearted but informative way. I actually think I might pop this on my bedside table for another read!
The Story of Art Without Men, Katy Hessel.
The Story of Art without Men is on my Christmas list! I have heard its great but I will have to let you know (depending on whether Father Christmas pops it in my stocking of course!)
Hope you enjoyed this months blog - let me know!
Kelly x