We rigorously researched the best books for painting ideas and inspiration, evaluating them on accessibility, guidance, skill level, painting medium, color theory, and techniques. Our top pick, Daily Painting, covers all painting mediums, inspires consistency, and motivates artists through establishing confidence in their skill set and craft. Here are the best books for painting ideas and inspiration. It’s our choice for the best overall category because it is inclusive of all painting mediums, helps make a regular practice feel more attainable, and supports productivity and consistency. The painting book also helps establish more confidence as an artist through detailed insight on composition and value, plus it’s a great pick for someone looking to create and sell their art, as it covers how to photograph and sell paintings online, too. This book is all about establishing a daily painting practice and has the structure to help you do so. However, some artists might feel that this book is too structured for their preferred process. Additionally, those who are more established artists might feel that it is a little too beginner-friendly. One of the things we love the most about this book is that it has fantastic examples that allow the reader to grasp the information, plus it shows how to fix problems, which is something you typically get from taking a class, not reading a book. The only downside to this book is that it mostly focuses on acrylic painting, so it’s not the best match for someone looking to learn how to oil paint or watercolor. The only thing this book doesn’t have a lot of is brushing and painting techniques, or a focus on putting paint to canvas. While there are some, most of the comprehensive guidelines focus on the foundation of acrylic painting, which is why it’s a great guide for preparation of color mixing, palette creation, and other important factors. Our only issue with this book is that it’s a whopping 7.5 pounds. And while it makes a stunning coffee table book, it almost feels too pretty to use near our paints. If you’re looking for a book that will get you in the habit of regular watercolor painting, this is our top choice. That being said, it’s not so great for those who are ultra-new to painting, since it doesn’t cover color theory and other beneficial and foundational skills. On top of that, the product recommendations are on the pricey side, which can make you feel like you need to fork over a bunch of cash on a new hobby, which definitely isn’t the case since you can absolutely go for more affordable and beginner-friendly watercolor products instead. The book only has one fault and that is its complexity. Thanks to the subject matter, it’s hard not to get super complex. However, this book can be hard to digest in a traditional way. Because of that, we recommend keeping it on hand as a reference or for sparking inspiration through color palettes versus reading it cover to cover. The book is a great read for all skill levels, however, those who are a little more experienced with gouache might find the teachings a little too simple (but they might still love the illustrations).
Skill Level
If you’re new at painting, your skill level is important to consider. Picking up a book that is designed with your experience in mind will help make the ideas, inspiration, and execution all the more accessible.
Supplies
If you plan on using your book as a guide for painting, be sure to consider the recommended supplies and purchase what you need beforehand. It also helps to check out the book reviews for insight on where to make investments in your supplies, and where to look for more budget-friendly alternatives.
Why Trust The Spruce Crafts
Contributing writer Jessie Quinn has a Bachelor’s Degree from Academy of Art University and, as the daughter of an artist, has painted for nearly all of her life. When researching the best books for painting ideas and inspiration, Jessie used her background in art and painting as a guide, plus her personal passion for curating her own shelf of inspiring art books to use as inspiration. She rigorously researched dozens of painting books—considering the subject matter, customer reviews, and everything in between—before landing on the above roundup, which showcases titles for various painting techniques, mediums, and skill levels for your inspiration and reading pleasure.
