10 Art Books That Changed My Life

In this video, I talk through 10 of some of my favorite books that helped me as an artist.
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▻ Book Links
Color Harmony - amzn.to/3StDu1D
Secret Lives of Color - amzn.to/3SveeYT
The Story of Art - amzn.to/3E4X1B6
Seeing Ourselves - amzn.to/3SuQ1Sl
Daily Painting - amzn.to/3y6yJCK
Picture This - amzn.to/3rkcmGj
Keys to Drawing from Imagination: amzn.to/3SKVDrp
Creative Illustration: amzn.to/3Rm2feM
Figure Drawing For All It's Worth: amzn.to/3EcxSEz
101 Great Illustrators from Golden Age: amzn.to/3y6zgot
* Some links provided are affiliate links but they have no effect on prices or reviews! *
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:20 Color
2:01 The Story of Art
2:47 Seeing Ourselves
4:05 Daily Painting
5:59 Ad
6:48 Picture This
7:56 Drawing With Imagination
8:58 Creative Illustration
10:08 Figure Drawing
11:03 101 Great Illustrators
12:13 Self-Improvement
▻ Videos Mentioned:
Self Portrait Series:
Pt 1 - • I’m Painting a SELF-PO...
Pt 2 - • Painting a SELF-PORTRA...
Pt 3 - • I Finished My Biggest ...
Sketchbook Date: • SKETCHBOOK DATE! Can T...
EDITING:
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Who edits your videos? - I do :)
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What program do you use to edit your videos? - Adobe Premier Pro
Microphone? - amzn.to/3w49fnK

[@artofjesskarp]

Book suggestions? ❤️📚

[@imaginationscraftyart]

Thank you so much for sharing such useful books you are great dear Jess💕

[@stranger_official1]

Thank you Jess!! You are such a great inspiration,😀

[@themetalpig7613]

Facial Expressions: A Visual Reference For Artists by Mark Simon

[@Sarah-over-here]

Color and Light. A guide for the realist painter by James Gurney.

[@raliceart]

The Art and Science of Drawing by Brent Eviston

[@TumbleCreatures]

I'm one of the artists featured in Daily Painting. That's my painting of the girl with the Hound's head on her shoulder. This was so cool to see ❤️❤️❤️

[@wanderlustaesthete4117]

I love it. You’re a great painter.

[@TumbleCreatures]

@@wanderlustaesthete4117 thank you ☺️

[@artofjesskarp]

Awesome!

[@carinacruz2613]

I'm a beginner in art and some times it just feels really hard to actually start something yk? You inspire me so much❤️❤️

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you

[@CJShopland_Art]

This is a real passion of mine to help others get past that frozen state; happy you feel inspired by Jess to help get started 😊

[@ChauntelleDupreeArt]

Wow! As someone trying to pick back up later in life (I’m 40) and trying to teach myself, I thank you for these awesome recommendations!! Always so inspiring! Love your work and your kind, positive attitude ❤❤❤❤❤

[@patti3d]

Drawing on the right side of the Brain and Drawing with Children are two of my favorites. New book that I just browsed through but have t read yet is Color Choices: making color sense out of color theory.

[@doriaware2965]

Those are two of my favorite books, too. Color theory is difficult for me to understand, so thanks for the tip!

[@joywhitley3141]

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain helped me immensely in ‘seeing’. ❤️ Thanks for all your book suggestions!

[@patti3d]

Yes great book. It’s one I own.

[@PaulaScardamalia]

One of my sons gave me "Natural Palettes: Inspiration from Plant-based Color" by Sasha Duerr. Includes 25 color palettes with 500 swatches, everything from California Sagebrush to English Ivy Vines and beyond.

[@artofjesskarp]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing eh

[@mariatrapani851]

HELLO JESS, I TOOK SOME FANTASTIC PHOTOS WHEN WE WERE IN MEXICO, AND I INTEND DRAWING AND PAINTING SOME LOVELY SCENERIES, A BREATHTAKING COUNTRY, MY FAVOURITE IN CANCUN. CIAO, MARIA XXX

[@michaelgeisert289]

The Natural Way to Draw. Kimon Nicolaïdes. Great classic I used at art school back in the seventies.

[@artofjesskarp]

Awesome! Thanks

[@carolinependleton8445]

You are truly inspirational,i just love how you can just draw anythingl,I am 64 and a bit late getting into it,but youth and optimism have given me a kick-start...love your book selection. Thankyou

[@sehrwani3413]

Thank you 😊 for book suggestions. Perfect time I was wondering which book should I get .. and here you go .. Giving book suggestions 😊 Thank you

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks for watching!

[@artbyjennifers]

Lately I've been looking for new art books to add to my collection, so the timing of this video couldn't have been any better 🥰 I recently purchased the Pantone Complete Color Harmony book and I would 100% agree - it's amazing!! So, thanks for all the book recommendations! 😍😍

[@cosmic1981]

Thanks for the recommendations, been wanting to start learning Art History but didn't know where to start. Excited for the book to come.

[@moondrawz6859]

Finally a video on art books🙏🥹❤️

[@artofjesskarp]

😊❤

[@moondrawz6859]

Omg it’s actually you 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹❤❤❤

[@gardengrrlWendy]

"Blue and Yellow Don't Make Green." It has really helped me understand how to mix color.

[@maryzhang1196]

Thank you so much for this amazing recommending ! Some of the books really talk to me.

[@swapnamittra3458]

Your, deer artwork was the best cutest art. To say the truth, that painting attracted me to this channel😊😍

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you

[@kerenvalentin7082]

That was a great list, I wish I had some of those books when I was a younger. So young people, get one or two of those books and expand your art work and don't ever give up!!

[@zoesmith9682]

Wonderful suggestions! These are really helpful to me as I’m try to improve my art skills and confidence. Thank you for making such a helpful and detailed video❤❤

[@janineheifetz8825]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I am reading Daily Painting that you recommended and in the first chapter I am already inspired!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you! I’m so glad you like it :)

[@renee1292]

Great book suggestions and overview! Daily Painting and Picture This intrigue me. Thank you for sharing these!

[@CopeAesthetic]

I just made it my goal to get, read, and create from every one of these books! Thank you for sharing them with us. 🙏🏻💖

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful selection of references for me to add to my library. It is very beneficial for a self-taught/educated artist 👩🏻‍🎨 like myself. I am really enjoying your channel!

[@camilabarranco5435]

Such great recommendations! Some of them I already knew, but I'm really happy to find new titles to look out for

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!

[@joycenewhouser1970]

Hi Jess, You have helped me as an artist by sharing all of these great books. I found all of them important. I like to learn something new every day.

[@artofjesskarp]

Awesome. Thanks so much for watching

[@marials9245]

I wish you upload videos every single day, I love them!!! Very interesting book recommendations, thanks! 😘

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!

[@rajeshraii]

Thank you so much Jess for sharing these precious books with us,It was really overwhelming ,I went deep into the emotions and feelings of art through this video, And also learned some lessons for my creative life, Although I don't have any art books but I still try to capture the mother nature and alll my surroundings , It's my big dream to draw from imagination,but whenever I try it ,I fail but I will try more🙂. Thanks for always sharing Inspirational videos.

[@jbkhan1135]

Great suggestions, thank you!!

[@ajabell5058]

Thank you for this informative video. I discovered you recently and have been enjoying your content. Thank you so much.

[@crispr_breadboard]

Loved this list! One of my favorites while I search for some books to add to my collection 😊

[@fourwindspoweredparaglidin6453]

I’d love to see your art school portfolio! I never got to finish art school, I’m living vicariously through you!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks! Will try to show soon :)

[@pauladeviveiros1448]

I bought the Color Harmony book due to an older video of yours a long time ago! I love it! So helpful!!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!!

[@RachelleByersArt]

Some of these are favorites of mine as well! I look forward to check out the creative illustration book as well as the figure drawing one

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you!

[@kanner3831]

I just love Molly Bang's children's books! Excited to check out Picture This

[@belindahugheslifestyle]

Wow, thanks for sharing these, Jess! They look like fun dives for this winter. The Golden Age is one of my favorite periods. My great-grandmother wore the Gibson Girl style, and I love Art Nouveau's celebration of feminine curves - especially Klimt and Mucha - and the Arts and Crafts Movement.

[@artofjesskarp]

AmaZing!! I agree. I love Klimt!

[@SmithCaro]

Andrew Loomis is the man. His techniques for drawing are so simple ... ❤️

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks for watching

[@anniebelanger7562]

Thank you Jess for sharing your light with the world, you truly make a difference by your beautiful presence. I just bought Color Harmony and The Secret Lives of Colour they are so inspiring and I will get the others as well. Also thank you for your wonderful uplifting videos and beautiful energy. When I feel down as an artist I simply watch your videos and I get I inspired, smile and get back in the studio.😊 💕

[@artofjesskarp]

Hi Annie! That's incredible !! Thank you :)

[@sketchyginger2301]

drawing on the right side of the brain changed my life. I gave one to every person wanting to draw

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you for watching !

[@ajipk4578]

That's it. I'm gonna go buy these Jess you're so good I've recently been on art block for 3 whole months and i really felt dead and now ,I'm so excited to start a new piece even though im only halfway into the video. ❤️ I love you so much ❤️

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks so much!!

[@ambertaylor8863]

Thank you so much for this!!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!

[@dorothy.j]

Thanks for sharing this. This is the content that I'm looking for

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks for watching

[@cherylofeverec1274]

This was extremely helpful - inspiring, thank you!

[@Zaccura]

I remember finding "Drawing the head and hands" by Andrew Loomis online as a PDF, and it was an absolute game changer. He explains structure so well and has a wonderful easy-to-read way of writing. Loved this video, I have a few new items to add to my "spoil-myself" Christmas list💖

[@artofjesskarp]

Awesome! Thanks for watching :)

[@cms.177]

these videos are very helpful! thanks a lot Jess!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks for watching!

[@mpopolino3894]

A very well-presented and certainly useful presentation. I now plan to acquire some of these books. And a special "thank you" for introducing me to the books of Andrew Loomis.

[@rhemasartspace]

I'd like to check out some of those books. They would surely help me. Thank you for sharing them, Jess! 🤩

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks for watching

[@bluewren65]

Gombrich was my high school art history textbook back in the early 1980s. It's a classic.

[@artofjesskarp]

Yes!! Thanks for watching :)

[@MonicaReents]

Thank you for the inspiration and suggestions 😄 I absolutely love going to the used book store and loading up on various styles of art. I've added a few of these to my Amazon cart!

[@artofjesskarp]

Awesome! I agree and I’d love to know which you chose :)

[@MonicaReents]

​@@artofjesskarp I have interest in all of them, but the ones that I know would be the most beneficial are; Color Harmony, Seeing Ourselves, Daily Painting, Keys to Drawing from Imagination, Figure Drawing, Creative Illustration, and Picture This. You gave us some exciting suggestions. I enjoy choosing one of my books with images by artists I admire and drawing from their paintings in my sketchbook. I've learned a lot about how they handle composition and color and their subjects. I am an abstract artist but I love drawing figures, landscapes, and plants in my sketchbook.

[@silviameneses11]

Congratulations! I love books of art❤

[@VarshaKanojiya-nm4zm]

Thank you so much for this video ❤

[@lugeshhhh1190]

- I 'm watching your videos since you begin until now ! At the beginning your videos help me to learn ! Now i am an artist and the all credits goes to you 🖇️🤍 . Thank For Your Videos 🪐 .. Loves From Malaysia ❤️

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you so much

[@niveditayadav4792]

So informative video. Your video has always something different from others. That's why I am kind of addicted to your videos. If I missed any of your videos I continuously think about it when I will get time to watch them. Lots of love and happiness to you ❤️. Keep smiling, keep inspiring 👍

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you so much

[@kerriewolf]

I’m super excited to find a copy of the 101 Greatest Illustrators! I’ve never seen that one before and it looks like an endless source of inspiration!

[@artofjesskarp]

Yes!

[@BethanValerious]

i recently bought Imaginative Realism from James Gurney it is my first ever art book and i immediately shifted my perspective on my work and gave me a boost of confidence and rush if inspiratrion, it is incredible 😄

[@Sarah-over-here]

Love James Gurney. Watching his methods on his youtube channel is great too. :)

[@mdipeace]

His books are worth a space on the bookshelf for sure.

[@artofjesskarp]

Yes awesome. Thanks for watching

[@artyheart789]

I was waiting for this video Soo hardly♥️♥️♥️

[@artofjesskarp]

It’s here! Thanks for coming hope you like it

[@marsea_]

I'm definitely going to buy some of these ❤️ loved the video!

[@artofjesskarp]

Awesome! Thanks for the kind words. Glad you loved it!

[@deerekkatc]

Draw Like a Boss is my all-time favourite. Great list Jess, really insightful!

[@mariatrapani851]

I LIKE YOUR BOOK ON 101 GREAT ILLISTRATORS, MARIA

[@riktapaul5031]

Thanks for sharing this awesome knowledge of art books ☺️☺️☺️

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks:)

[@klml495]

Hi, I'm from Czech Republic. I discovered your videos and your art yesterday. Your pictures are beautiful! And your videos are peacefull and well done. Nice nice nice!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel :)

[@amytran2570]

Thanks for sharing! Do you have any recommendation on books for portraits?

[@skatermanthams]

Super dope, thank you for sharing!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks for watching :)

[@SteveRB511]

Very nice list of books; I have a couple of them but will be looking into the others. Art history was one of my favorite classes when I quit my job and ran away to study art for a year - it was great “artistic ammunition” to see how see the flow of history as reflected in art. I lost my art history book so I’m quite interested in checking out The Story of Art. Along those lines and in conjunction with the 101 Great Illustrators you mentioned, I would recommend Pete Beard’s KZbin channel which covers centuries of illustration - a treasure trove of history, styles, techniques, and inspiration. Thank you very much for the list!

[@artofjesskarp]

Awesome!! Thanks so much for sharing and thanks for watching :)

[@jaimemedina3351]

Wonderful collection. Thank you for sharing. One of my favorites from art school is The Elements of Color by Johannes Itten. It’s a great exposition of color theory with great examples you can try on your own. All bound up in a beautiful volume.

[@sjbrueck]

I love this.. as a late starter I have the desire to learn more.. im hoping the years missed can be made up..

[@amybaker5241]

I remember my teacher in art school in advertising class, the gestalt theory, they went by it but it never sat right with me for some reason I didn't see what they saw. Great suggestions I'll have to try some my biggest issue is my imagination seems I used it all when I was playing with my daughter when she was a toddler 😂

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you!

[@scholarthefuture7284]

I will go to the book fair for these books tomorrow! 😍💜

[@safiyyabhyat7334]

I've been looking for really inspiring art books. My favorite from this video has to be the Pantone book. Super helpful! Thank you jess. : ) 💓

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you!! It’s awesome

[@guneetbhogal]

You are such and amazing artist you are really so perfect the way you do your work is amazing your creativity your skills you art is just so mesmerising... I never miss any of your videos and try to practice your work you are one best artists in the world I have seen so far not only this but they way you make your videos is also amazing it keeps engaged till the end I just love you every art work you are so perfect.

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks so much for your support and kind words

[@em-dy3hn]

Thank you! My book suggestion is Camille Paglia's "Glittering Images: A Journey Through Art from Egypt to Star Wars".

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!

[@crowsmurders_]

Thank you for this helpful video. i found it really interesting!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks for watching!

[@crowsmurders_]

@Jess Karp you’re welcome!

[@thatperson7902]

Thank you 💗

[@Thatlittleguy270]

Your art is amazing!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!

[@fremont111]

a lot of these are very focused on the technical side of drawing. for instance the colour palette book seems very much a designer concept. a great book i'd suggest is The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, especially if you're struggling to get started...

[@josepharrrts]

I don't have anymore room on my bookshelf... But I REALLY want some of these books XD

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!

[@ARTWITHKARAN7261]

Amazing books

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you for watching

[@pauladeviveiros1448]

On your topic of drawing daily, how do you keep yourself motivated (especially from my perspective as a beginner) regarding preparing your supplies every day!? Do you keep them out? Do you use small amounts per day so there isn’t big cleanup?❤

[@milliejayseekings]

Thank you again Jess Karp for yet again another lovely, helpful video! I’m pretty sure I’m going to put some of these books on my Christmas list x can you maybe do your light painting in a smaller size please x can’t wait for your jesstober series xxx My birthday is on the 3rd of October, isn’t October the best! Xx

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks! And happy belated birthday! Mine is coming up too :)

[@milliejayseekings]

@@artofjesskarp HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU, WHEN IT COMES!!!! Xxxxx

[@themetalpig7613]

I also have Creative Illustration and Figure Drawing by Loomis. One book I'd recommend is Facial Expressions: A Visual Reference For Artists by Mark Simon.

[@Ghostrob2023]

Good afternoon, Jess. Thank you for the video and the book advice based on your collection to learn different things. Have a wonderful weekend. Have you ever done a painting for Halloween? Just curious.

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks so much! I’m doing an October series.

[@Ghostrob2023]

@@artofjesskarp You're welcome and I can't wait to see what artwork you do.

[@patriciahaystudio]

Nice books to have, thank you! Also what did you use for your daily painting of your fruit head series? Is it canvas panels and what brand?

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you for watching! I used illustration board for those.

[@tataartandcraft7857]

Wow.....good sharing

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks

[@theartshop6716]

I love your recommendations and your ideas, but with all that, I want to know how you are, how was your day, how is Matilda, because apart from the paintings and stars, the artist is the main piece. . . PS:I would love a house tour some day. Much love

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you. I’m doing excellent :) thanks

[@lotusflowerpassion]

Thanks dear

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!

[@beginniersart9862]

Hi JESS love your video's

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!

[@NeonALDC]

I love your videos ❤

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!

[@AndreeaEremiaArt]

Amazing video as always dear friend. Good job 👍🏻👍🏻

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks

[@xRiriRebel]

tysm

[@artofjesskarp]

☀️ thanks for watching

[@privire700]

I Like that book histori

[@artofjesskarp]

Yes

[@CJShopland_Art]

Keys to imagination, I’ve felt mine is broken. I know what to draw but none of it is particularly out there recently. Come across some really surreal artists lately 😁

[@jashparikh4431]

Really helpful

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks ! Glad it was .)

[@fuzzydragons]

can never really go wrong with loomis books 🙂

[@jazw4649]

Memory Drawing: Perceptual Training and Recall - Darren R. Rousar - Ventura Press, 2013 Portrait Painting Atelier: Old Master Techniques and Contemporary Applications - Suzanne Brooker - Watson-Guptill Publications, 2010 Alla Prima II Everything I know about Painting and More Expanded Edition - Richard Schmid - Stove Prairie Press (Artist/ author died recently, purchase this book from his website, it's also cheaper than amazon) I bought the Mattesi Force Drawing Books - I DO NOT recommend.

[@anthonyw2931]

thank you, Jess for yet another generous video. I have a question, what's your take on art schools and your thoughts on self-guided learning.

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks so much. It’s a big topic I hope to cover. But a general response is to do research, talk to others ask around and decide what’s best for you

[@anthonyw2931]

@@artofjesskarp awesome thank you

[@varadthakur8241]

Can you also make a video about your lettering books

[@artofjesskarp]

Will mention in another video! Thanks for watching

[@notpom4645]

jess u are the most greatest funniest person and i'm bored i come and watch u on youtube u are so beautiful and kind and we both has the same birthday month october and i'm turning ten and my birthday wish is to meet U!!!

[@artofjesskarp]

Thanks!!!

[@kerrimckenzie4594]

Thanks ❤

[@artofjesskarp]

Thank you!

[@bleachedout805]

Finally one in English reviewing the test color harmony book.

[@artofjesskarp]

THANKS!

[@devernepersonal3636]

Jess, will you please make a video to talk about artists like yourself vs the AI generated art and now fake artists coming about. I think we need a dose of your inspiration to keep us motivated here. and as always thank you for your videos you are awesome.

[@kirstenensine]

Hey everyone! These books look absolutely great and I have put a few of them on my to buy list🤩 I was just wondering if anyone has a good book to recommend to draw facial features?