I know there's a (huge) thread of people's libraries of art books, but I thought it might be a useful reference to have a single list of the cream of the crop of books to learn from (I'm going to exclude purely "art books" because the list would just get huge). Obviously, there's plenty of gaps and probably some obvious omissions I've somehow stumbled over, but if you'd like to contribute, I'd be much obliged.
Hope somebody finds this useful.
The Artist's Reading List
All of Andrew Loomis' books are long out of print, and even picking up a used copy is going to run you a hefty bill. There have been rumors of a reprint, but I wouldn't count on it. I'm not posting any links, but there are PDFs of all of his books easily found on the web.
Figure Drawing for All It's Worth
- Andrew Loomis
Description: N/A
Topics: figure, drawing
Successful Drawing
- Andrew Loomis
Description: N/A
Topics: drawing, perspective
Creative Illustration
- Andrew Loomis
Description: N/A
Topics: composition, color, illustration
Fun With a Pencil
- Andrew Loomis
Description: N/A
Topics: basics
Eye of the Painter
- Andrew Loomis
Description: N/A
Topics: painting
Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing From Life
- George Bridgman
Description: My personal favorite anatomy book. Used by such great illustrators as Jeffery Jones & Frank Frazetta to learn anatomy, it's filled with wonderful illustrations of dynamic anatomy. No, it doesn't have the most complete collection of every muscle in the body, but Bridgman organizes and illustrates the muscles that are important for artists. His methods of construction are immensely helpful
Topics: anatomy
Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters
- Robert Beverly Hale
Description: Hale is one of the great instructors of art in the past 100 years, and his books carry on this legacy. The book is broken into chapters beginning with different principles to drawing, followed by a collection of master drawings which Hale proceeds to analyze in extreme detail. Learn from the masters like never before.
Topics: drawing
Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters
- Robert Beverly Hale
Description: Similar to "Drawing Lessons," this book has an emphasis on anatomy and learning it from the old masters.
Topics: anatomy
Master Class in Figure Drawing
- Robert Beverly Hale
Description: Since Hale was mainly known for teaching anatomy, it's only natural that his famous course by put into book form. Hale again uses old master drawings to illustrate his explanations.
Topics: anatomy
Hawthorne On Painting
- Charles Hawthorne
Description: This bite-sized book can be a little odd to read since it is largely a compilation of criticisms of student works by Hawthorne without illustrations of the pieces he's discussing. That said, there's a plethora of great painting wisdom to be found within.
Topics: painting
Oil Painting Techniques and Materials
- Harold Speed
Description: Though some of the material is dated (I seem to recall him talking about some new brushes known as "filberts"), there's a ton of useful knowledge. Necessary read for painters.
Topics: painting
The Practice and Science of Drawing
- Harold Speed
Description: N/A
Topics: drawing
Artistic Anatomy
- Illustrations by Paul Richer, Edited by Robert Beverly Hale
Description: With original plates from Paul Richer, this is a translated & edited version by Hale.
Topics: anatomy
Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist
- Stephen Rogers Peck
Description: Perhaps one of the best artist's reference guide to anatomy. It features a mix of photos, highly rendered illustrations, and simple sketches to help understand complicated forms. A must-have reference guide.
Topics: anatomy
How Pictures Work
- Molly Bang
Description: Probably my favorite book on composition. It explains some very complicated principles in a remarkably simple manner.
Topics: composition
Understanding Comics
- Scott McCloud
Description: Scott McCloud is a real expert on comics and this book is great way to wrap your head around a lot of the theory of comics. A good backbone for anyone interested in comics.
Topics: comics
Making Comics
- Scott McCloud
Description: Anyone interested in drawing comics needs to have this book. Scott McCloud, in comic book format, goes over all of the elements of making comics in thorough detail.
Topics: comics, drawing
How To Draw Comics the Marvel Way
- Stan Lee
Description: N/A
Topics: comics, drawing
Anatomy for the Artist
- Sarah Simblet & John Davis
Description: N/A
Topics: anatomy
Alla Prima: Everything I Know About Painting
- Richard Schmid
Description: N/A
Topics: painting
Art Spirit
- Robert Henri
Description: N/A
Topics: art, painting
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