My Favourite Art Books and How They Influence My Creative Journey
- Deborah Burrow
- Jun 4
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 8
I love books and my favourite ones are definitely lifelong keepers! In the past I had shelves rammed with all sorts of books, but these days, in the advent of kindle, I only keep reference books that are mostly in Art, Astronomy, Nature and Ancient History. I love the feel of a good hardback with it's weight in my hands and the large pages full of colourful images and text.
My love for books started at an early age and I was then encouraged to read as a past-time. I grew up without a tv from the age of 8, so books were an important way to learn, escape and be entertained. In my early years I received book tokens for birthdays and christmas giving me the chance to choose my own collection, some of which I still have. Even today I can't pass a book shop without popping in to experience the wonder and smell that brings me the thrill of exploring new and second hand books.
In this post I will describe my favourite books that have been relevant in my journey as an artist. On my book shelf in the studio I have many lovely books, and they can be categorised as:
Books containing my favourite illustrations
Instructional art books
Coffee table art books
Books Containing my Favourite Illustrations
"Mudlarks" by Vernon Stokes and Cynthia Harnett
I was given this old book when I was very young by a neighbour who was a retired teacher. I loved it so much that I kept hold of it, and still have it on my shelf. It was printed in 1940, and not only is it a lovely story for children but it has the most wonderful illustrations. The drawings hold such narrative and are executed with such sensitivity and expression, that I was totally drawn in by it as a child, and it still evokes emotion today. The use of pencil and watercolour gives it such spontaneity and delicacy. I can see that the illustrators stops short from overworking the design, so that sensitivity remains. I find that inspiring and it informs me that I have to be observant at each stage of my own work to prevent overdoing something.
"Winnie the Pooh" by A A Milne Illustrated by E H Shepard during 1920s
Everyone loves Pooh, and I love the stories, but the illustrations are just wonderful. Again, these illustrations narrate beautifully, and give meaning to the stories, which appeal to children and adults alike. The use of ink and watercolour gives each image an individual moment in time with a consistent style throughout. It is free, but controlled illustrating, which is something I admire. It is a technique I love to use myself when sketching. It is interesting that I can now make a connection between how I love to sketch, and what I loved as a child. I find this reassuring and grounding on my creative journey.
Little Evie in the Wild Wood by Jackie Morris
Illustrated by Catherine Hyde
As a fan of Catherine Hyde's work, I really love this book. Her paintings combined with stories are evocative and enchanting. Catherine's illustrations are quite often deep in colour and loaded with symbolism and mystery. Even though it is a children's book, her moody paintings really work. They really capture how woodland has a hushed, cool and shady atmosphere and is full of hidden wildlife that you imagine is watching you moving through its territory. She remains true to her own artworks in this book too, which is lovely to see. It teaches me that we don't have to change the way we work in order to fulfill a brief, and that a genuine author will find you based on your artworks, and not expect you to compromise your authenticity.
Birdsong by Madeleine Floyd
I picked up this book many years ago in a National Trust gift shop. I immediately fell in love with it, and it continues to be one of my all time favourites. Each bird is beautifully illustrated by Madeleine using ink and watercolour. They are loosely executed, and yet each one is instantly recognisable as the bird described in the text. The book acts as a reference book, but with a lovely twist. Under each image is the handwritten sound of the birdsong using common words to mimic sounds. Not only is this a lovely companion to carry whist out in the field, but it's also inspiring. It reminds me to not get bogged down in detail when drawing.
My Top Instructional Art Books
Colour Choices by Stephen Quiller
This book has been a companion right through my professional art career, and I have learned so much from it, and continue to do so. Stephen Quiller's approach throughout has resulted in an informative, instructional and encouraging book with good examples. He has created his signature "Quiller Wheel" which really helps to make sense of the colour wheel, and where tubes of colour you can get from the art shop sit on the wheel. He then goes on to demonstrate how different colour schemes work in practice. He expands on this showing you how to use the colour wheel out in the field and back in the studio, and the application of opaque and translucent paint. His last chapter is dedicated to briefly touching on the master colourists from art history.
Mastering Composition by Ian Roberts
This book has also been a important companion in my artistic studies. Ian Roberts' approach is well thought out and organised into chapters that explore armatures, cropping & framing, colour shapes and guiding the eye around the painting. He uses demonstrations to explain the major principles of compositions with clear images, and always uses an encouraging tone in his words. He finishes off with a gallery of the greats with excellent examples, and finally a gallery of his own to help develop your own artistic voice. I have learned so much through this book, and it is fair to say that I will continue to learn from such an in depth book.
Landscape Painting by Mitchell Albala
As a landscape painter, this book is invaluable. It is a recent addition to my collection, and I am still reading 2 years after it was gifted to me! Mitchell Albala starts off with talking about the special challenges to landscape painters, including simplifying, composition and the interpretation of light & colour. The following chapters approach all the important considerations of painting landscapes, from location to the studio, including working from photographs. He demonstrates paintings from start to finish with detail and reasoning, including in the studio and en plein air. He finishes his book with a chapter on abstracting nature and a chapter on style, inspiration and lifelong learning.
I like the way this book is laid out, and the way it reads. I can already see that this is a book that will stay with me for life, and will be a staple for my studio.
Experimental Landscapes by Ann Blockley
This book is a joy to look at and read. I still have wow moments with this book. Ann Blockley's way of painting is beautiful, and in the book she shares her joy and methods in painting in watercolour and mixed media. She encourages the reader to be "curious and nurture the childish inner creative soul through adventure and play." I love this about her book. It is all about daring to be different and following what lights the fire within. Through her own painting images she then takes you through a series of landscape interpretations that she has made, to give examples of how you might use the techniques she has discussed in the earlier chapters. She also gives you an insight to the thinkings behind these examples which I find helpful.
Even though my main work is in acrylic, this book has really reminds me to be daring and creative with my work, and it will always be a favourite.
My Favourite Coffee Table Art Books
Landscape by Charlie Waite
This book is a wonderful personally selected collection of photos by Charlie Waite. The images are taken in countries far and wide, and are striking and expressive. Each photo is accompanied by his own words to reveal the thought processes and techniques behind them. The photos span thirty years and give a real insight into the pursuit of the perfect photo.
This book is inspiring to me and an education into finding the perfect crop of a photo I take out on location for a painting. It is also encouraging to read about the struggle another artist has. Charlie is honest about his anxieties and decisions in getting the photos, and this resonates with my own experience with trying to capture a scene in paint. The advantage I have with a painting is that I can push and pull paint to create the image I want, but the initial quest for the right conditions in a scene can be challenging. This book reminds me to be patient.
A Year in Impressionism Prestel Publishing
This book is a new addition to my collection. I have a smaller book on impressionism, but because the movement was such an early interest for me in art, I decided to upgrade to a larger book with more images. I really like the format in that each page spread gives room to make notes. The images are good quality and I think as I work through it I will make notes about what I love in each painting. Some of them I have seen in real life and some I remember having as postcards pinned on my noticeboard at home during my O levels.
I am enjoying this book so far and it is a lovely reminder of how the impressionist paintings inspire me and that the paintings are still important today. I am sure it will continue to be an education too.
Like most artists I have a collection of art books that over the years have become reliable friends in my studio. They offer insight, inspiration and education. My favourite ones will stand the test of time and provide me with a future resource to expand my artistic vision. I should also mention that many art books are works of art and design in themselves, and are very much enjoyed because of it.
There are many more books on I would like to add to my shelves. The one at the top of my wish list is Kurt Jackson's "A New Genre in Landscape Painting". Next on the list is Ernst Haeckel's Art Forms in Nature. Perhaps when I do get these books, I'll add them to this blog :)
I hope you have enjoyed reading about my favourite art books. Feel free to tell me about your own favourites in the comments below.
Until next time,
Keep creative!
Debs x
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