BEST Books for Creativity ~ Art School NOT required!

TOP book selection for art, artists and creativity! ♥️ You definitely don't need to go to art school to learn about or improve your creative skills. This week, I am sharing all my favourite books that I have been lovingly selecting to fill my empty bookshelves due to my vanlife days! What JOY! Whether a beginner who wishes to learn from scratch, or, you wish to improve your art skills, drawing techniques, get inspired and stay motivated, these are some of the best books to help. I have also gathered from some of the more unexpected sources and genres for information and inspiration. I hope you like my selection and please leave your own suggestions for us all in the comments below! And, of course, art school is not required! As someone who has been to art school, I am by no means dissing it but I just feel the need to be inclusive for us ALL! Xxx
Thank you so much for being here, all your lovely comments & for keeping me company in this little corner of KZbin. Love you all to bits & see you soon,
Wendy. Xx
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[@butterscotchgrove6151]

You are not helping me with my decluttering!!! LOL

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

oooppppp!!!! nor meeee!! eeeekkk!!!!! Sorrrreeee!

[@melodymcdonnell1528]

Ha...mine either! ❤️

[@magdastar2249]

Lol me either. 🤣🤣🤣

[@vanessarobinson1080]

you can never have enough art books! Charity shops are a god send

[@Yahoo12]

Thanks Wendy for helping me add to my art book collection. I found three online. Lol yikes not helping my less is more mission.

[@crisfield4364]

Betty Edwards' "Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain" is phenomenal. I took it on a solo vacation along with the suggested art supplies. Over 10 days, I ate and went to the beach but most of my time was in my hotel room with this book. I went through the entire thing and my drawing was amazingly better by the end just as her examples in the book show. Her premise is if you can see, you can draw, and she shows you how to really see what you're looking at. This book is amazing. That vacation was my best vacation ever. ❤

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

aww love this Cris, thank you for sharing xx

[@elisa_visualartist6159]

yes! it was the same for me, "drawing on the right side of your brain" is the book who taught me everything! It's so phenomenal

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Thanks for sharing. I want to draw like my daughter. I hate the thought of my daughter getting in over £100K debt for Art Education just to get contacts to work in the Art field. It seems such a rip off. Overseas in Austria University Education is free. The UK gives nothing to our people. 😥 Homeless on the streets. Sad old world. 😥♥️

[@OguzDemirelli]

im jealous

[@Blick_Art]

That's quite a library! In self-directed art training, it's essential to gain exposure to subjects like color theory, architecture, and art history which are not as easy to access simply through doing art. Even in formal art education, there's a tendency to filter out artists and movements that don't necessarily interest us personally, but we need to resist having too narrow a focus if we're going to learn and grow- That's why we loved seeing the breadth and depth of the titles you shared!

[@chorvat6656]

Knowing other people around you that make art is likely the most powerful tool for inspiration that I have seen. The more backgrounds you can encounter, the more of a diverse cohort you obtain in whatever practice you maintain. The academic and the practical aspects of the community are a huge part of the payoff in art. These can be accessed by anyone in any strata, if you are confident about learning more about what you are making, and if you hang around the right cadres of artists and venues. 🎨

[@janinafisher101]

What I found fascinating about this video, as much as the books you featured, is how you tactile you are and how much you use your hands. You "pet" almost every picture - especially the ones you like - many of the pictures you "pet" over and over again - and you "pet" the pages and the covers! :-) I can definitely see how your work is influenced by Chagall by some of the paintings in that book. And I am so inspired that I'm about to take a walk to my two nearby bookstores to browse!

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

ooh yes! I do don't I!! like visual ASMR!!! haaaha! Yes, love love Chagall!! Happy shopping eeek!!!!

[@katjathefranknfurter2374]

Isn't that great? I am like that with all my books and I can just see how much she appropriates them as friends. Go hug your favourite book everybody or a pictures you really love... It feels so good!

[@janinafisher101]

@@katjathefranknfurter2374 ❣ And I went out and found the "The NEW Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" book second hand at a great price at the local bookstore in the tiny town I'm in for the winter, and started reading it and tomorrow I will start the course. It is a really fabulous book, and something I think we ALL should be doing who are budding artists, plus with all our kids. I really recommend this book - particularly the newer version because of the important updates.

[@janinafisher101]

@@theunexpectedgypsy Never heard of ASMR! Had to look it up. Yes indeed! LOL. See my response to Katja below about what I found on my shopping trip!

[@CrisOnTheInternet]

I think the term is trace, I've seen that type of ASMR and is nice to learn about the thing that's being traced.

[@lucybloom7600]

Wendy, this video is sacred and precious. The wealth of your information is extensive and priceless. I can just imagine what a special art teacher you were for young children bright eyed and like sponges wanting to play with color and all modes of self expression. Over the decades up to this very moment you bring life into so many souls, inspiring the creative and curious mind to start, grow and dive in to their creative selves. You have shown us a most beautiful array of books, inspiring and reminding us to utilize our past, present and future curiosities in Art on all levels in order to wake up the heart, challange the mind, not giving up, creating an art treasure chest to look back thru one's beauties they've collected that mean so much over the years and most of All.... You might not even know how important it is; having a Wendy in our lives to Remind us all that when going through ups, downs, and dead still creative stops, to go back in time and to look thru all kinds of things that create movement, inspiration, and get the creative process going if stuck or bursting forth to make something inside of you come alive. This is the BEST video! Thank you from my heart. 💖 Oh! And the music at the end is fantastic. The way you ended the video was wonderful!!!! 🎶🎶💃💃🎨

[@tracyguillemette6255]

Love Love Loved this, just went through 4 book cases to declutter and take to the second hand book store for trade. I was not able to give up any art books, I tried...but then I opened them and fell in love again.

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

very dangerous!!! but well done for trying!!!!! the act of trying like you say, makes us fall in love all over again!! eek

[@brain1fluff]

I started with Betty Edwards workshop a few months ago, as I've always wanted to make art. The foundation is just incredible. Beyond the book it's up to me to keep practicing what I've learnt. Every time I doubt myself I think back to that course and see how much I can actually do, even when I thought I couldn't.

[@fabcob]

I love your tone of voice is so comforting and your books are lovely, your Library is like the one we collected over some years with my wife. I'm a fan of you now!

[@catzenhouse]

I have tons of books, postcards, poster prints, and greeting cards plus magazine clippings that I would no sooner toss than cut off both arms and both legs. Some of the books I see you own as well. My mom, also an artist, has picked up some of my books for me over the years, usually finding them at second hand shops (with her senior discount). My neighbors owned a used bookstore so they also have added to my stack as has my local city library with its sale used books. All of which I am so grateful for. Never can have too many of any of them. My treasure stash! I, too, taught elementary school for three decades, mostly art, but collected lots and lots of children's books, one of my passions throughout my life. You are never too old for a well-illustrated children's book. My prize is Adrienne Segur's Grimm Fairy Tales given to me by a much older cousin which I will cherish forever.

[@juliaogara8794]

Thanks Wendy. Good to see examples of books as recommendations make sensible book buying. I've way too many but doesn't stop me gaining more. Best wishes to you both x

[@Fa6im94]

“Drawing with the right side of the brain “ Is the book that changed my life.. I was going to study medicine but I jumped into the design world and never looked back since ❤ I am so glad I took that risk and I can’t imagine my life without art and creativity ❤

[@iHeartAMP]

I have that book... To be honest is not as amazing as most people make sound. The book that truly changed my art was. How To Draw by Scott Roberts. It was hard as heck. I guess "Right side of the brain" is about drawing with feelings and vibes, and "how to draw" is about drawing with an analytical approach. 😅

[@Fa6im94]

@@iHeartAMP I completely agree it does not teach you how to draw it’s not about technicality. This book changed my life because it was a book that proves to you that learning this skill is completely possible and doable and anyone can learn it and I needed to know this because I used to believe drawing was a gift that you are born with and I almost went to medical school because of that , I found drawing with the right side of the brain accidentally when I was 18 and contemplating art school but feeling hesitant this book saved me 🥰🥰

[@michelepastele5347]

the out takes were really cute Wendy - you should always keep them in!! x

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

hahhah!! yes, maybe although sometimes I am grumpy!!! hahahah! esp if I have techie problems!!!

[@elizabethanderson1261]

Thank you Wendy. I really enjoyed that. I love the way you call some of your books ‘ juicy’ . It is an apt description! Listening to your recent videos I think your light is shining more brightly of late. I’m so pleased you are sounding more enthusiastic and inspired. ✨🌞 Long may it continue Wendy. X

[@sharonfisch9426]

I absolutely love this journey through your inspirational books. I now need to check out our home library and see if some of these titles are owned by my husband and my daughter. They love art, theater, childrens books. I love your ideas of the henna books and other creative books to use. Thanks so much for the ideas. I have been madly writing and stopping the video, ha ha ha. I am definitely becoming a fan.

[@CherylsCreativeWorld33]

This is SO helpful, thank you! I really appreciate art books and all of these look great. The Degas book looks good, and the Klimt one does too. Love the movie books, great idea! Thank you for sharing this. That Princess and the Pea bought back happy memories and bought a lump to my throat.

[@renee1292]

I'm a book fanatic so I love watching videos like this. The War of Art is a wonderful book as I have lots of resistance to anything challenging.

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

Oh yes it’s wonderful isn’t it xx😙

[@lunamothtarot9636]

I loved this!!! Thank you!!! I'm going to head off to my local library and check out their art book collection

[@crown_resident]

Your energy is soo adorable, I havent watch a minute of your stuff but I sense it

[@alicejump2290]

I am book-a-holic many of your favorites are mine too! Loved seeing yours! Drawing on the right side… is one I have recommended to many people!

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

hey Alice, xx Yes it seems a great one although someone up there in the comments says some of the ideas have been disproven and are outdated so I wonder whether I shall find that once I dip in .... we shall see!! xxxx Bottom line though, those exercises work for sure!

[@alicejump2290]

@@theunexpectedgypsy from Amazon’s: A revised edition of the classic bestselling how to draw book. A life-changing book, this fully revised and updated edition of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is destined to inspire generations of readers and artists to come. This is the fourth edition,! I have several editions and have used them in my work with people with brain injuries! The drawing exercises used different brain pathways and increased levels of life skills! I was not aware of any issues or problems, but my aim was not to prove the science but too provide interesting exercises! Thank you for the information!

[@ginamcdonald7854]

Such an inspiring look through some of the books in your collection. I took an art history class in college and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for inspiring us to explore our creativity!

[@robinwinter1456]

Can’t believe how many of your postcards I have too, from many years of visiting galleries!

[@msannthrope1863]

The way you caress the books and pages with your hands really communicates your love for them. You’re lovely.

[@basenjipoppy]

I was thinking the same thing, it's like giving a hug to your friends.

[@LennonZA]

I love it when YT recommends random accounts that turn out to be gems - subscribed!

[@mariap4201]

I’ve been a beginner in different mediums for a number of years. I restarted watercolor again. A few years back I took a class that used Dr Ph Marten Radiant watercolor. Don’t know if you have any experience with these. These are the watercolor I own and wanted to use them. I was struggling on a painting I was working on. I purchased the color mixing recipe book you recommended. Omgosh, how helpful was it. I need to learn to mix the colors I have and was frustrated because I didn’t have umber in my set color. Nor does this line have one. So I started reading the book and things just started making sense. Thank you 🙏

[@TheresaAlberti]

I love the outtakes! 😀 Very fun to see what books inspire you. I have been really inspired by Danny Gregory, the guy who co-founded Sketchbook Skool, fun online art classes that I've taken. He hand letters and illustrates his gorgeous books, many of which are to encourage others to explore their creativity. I am a writer first and foremost and I'd always loved art but didn't think I could do it. His early books (The Creative License and Everyday Matters) inspired me and showed me how to start. Making art has enriched my life so much, and helps me be creative in a different way than my writing does.

[@MariJadeWrites]

Thanks for sharing all these wonderful books! I am collecting the ATLA/LOK book series, and also have Sketch with Asia book as well :)

[@txspacemom765]

I use those expandable folders to organize all my bits and bobs of papers, cards, ribbons, etc...fun to sometimes just sort through and enjoy.

[@LouValcourt]

Thanks for sharing. I also love Julia Cameron’s Artist Way series for inspiration.

[@shirleyadamson9326]

I understand your approach to respecting the privacy of a deeply physically and emotionally traumatized artist however Frida is an inspiration to those of us who refuse to give up so I would like to journey through “The Diary of Frida Kahlo”. Imagine how wonderful it would be if it were possible to sit and listen to her describe the feelings she recorded with these words and paintings. Blessings ❤

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

i agree with this as well, x such an inspiration because she went through so much. And of course, if she could describe herself I would much prefer that as it would mean she was aware and gave her consent to share... such a difficult one x

[@jackiemargaret437]

Brilliant channel.... reminds me of my art school days.... can't get rid of my BOOKS!!

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

I did!! It was horrid!!! Never again though and don't recommend doing it! hahhaa!!

[@rinnyj9547]

Thank you for sharing this. I loved watching you explain why you liked the books and what you took out of it. That was most helpful to me.

[@jo3684]

I'm new to you. Before you mentioned liking fairies, I thought how I love your voice because it sounds like you are fey. The rest of this: Charming, delightful, hit the heart, and so familiar! Add me to the list of book almost full-sensory use: eyes, ears (the sounds of different papers), touch but no, I don't taste....

[@SusanElizabethJonesArt]

I love John Singer Sargent's work. Incredible grasp of Notan. What fascinates me most is his ability to see it and manipulate his colors to mimic notan long before we had apps that could help us with this process.

[@Gothikah]

I have the same Art Nouvea book! I really, REALLY love that book! It hasd lots of inspiration for me. If you want a really nice, loose painting style book, with lots of tips and trick you can try, I'd recommend Brave Intuitive Painting from Flora Bowley, she also has a channel!

[@bethcollier3789]

Thank you, I got a heck of a lot of inspirational energy out of that. Very grateful, thank you, Wendy. ❤

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

oh good, thank you too for keeping me company xx

[@cathpeterson1944]

love these books so classic; I took a couple art classes some years ago, oil paints are my fav, I enjoyed drawing as well, now is the time to get back into my art, I am left-handed too 🥰

[@Kxz716]

Look at this girl. She is creativity impersonated😁

[@willemijnkamerling4011]

I love that your small collection is much bigger than you thought. All your books look wonderful. Sinterklaas (the Dutch Santa) gave me a book about drawing Dutch houses, the ones you think of in Amsterdam by the canals. The lady calls her drawings little house portraits. It's a step by step guide and goes into colour and composition and such as well. I started yesterday and it's a lot of fun. Crocheting is great isn't it. I love crocheting big shawls with rows and rows of the same pattern. It's very meditative.

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

house portraits, i love that! xxxx

[@irenearty]

This was a great session. Thanks for the wonderful suggestions. I believe that Gilbert’s book hits you when needed, I was so inspired by her book that I bought copies for other people. It really changed my life in a more positive way. Not sure it would affect me the same way now, but just looking at it renews that positivity, and when I need it again in the future, it’s close by. Keep on inspiring, you ARE magical 💜

[@sinnbadd278]

Lol please do not see this as bad, but I just cannot tell your age. You look young, your energy is young; however, your hair is grey. You are a literal physical embodiment of the word “juxtaposition” 😭❤️

[@maryHernandez-ok2eq]

I enjoyed spending time with you. Love the show and tell with your books. Very Lovely.

[@martim8542]

I loved this look at your books Wendy ! The War on Art is on my list. Thank you for sharing and some inspiration,. Love from Massachusetts

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

Thank you too for keeping me company!! big loves back to you Xxx

[@eshmakhanam9300]

If u don't mind can i know is it ur hair colour or u are younger? I mean i cannot understand ur age. pardon me if i said bad

[@raheelazam6385]

Hi beautiful awesome work 💟❤💛❤💛❤💜💗💞💝💞❤💞❤💟❤💟❤💟👍👍👍

[@melodymcdonnell1528]

I think my heaviest art book is Gardener's- Art Through The Ages, which was de rigueur for any art student in University over in the States. I actually check it pretty often. Aaaaand right after watching this I felt the need to order 2 more art books! Merry Christmas to me! ;0]

[@SN-sz7kw]

OMGoodness. I have this on my shelf. From a marvelous class I took in my 20’s.

[@melodymcdonnell1528]

@@SN-sz7kw ❤️

[@CherryBlossomHill]

I was very fortunate to be able to see the Little Dancer at a museum here ❤

[@labcat647]

One of the best paintings I ever have done technically was a large scale study of Degas’ Woman Bather In Tub… in soft pastels. It looks absolutely stunning. I just wish my own original work looked this good.

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

oh yes, a beauty!!! well done!!! xxxxxx

[@melissataylor5552]

You’re a great inspiration Wendy!!!❤️

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

ooh thank you so much !! xx

[@oliverapopovart3915]

I love how tactile you are with your books, caressing them. I love that about books, especially art books. The feel, the smell of books :) It inspires me to go to my collection and give it some appreciation they might have been missing lately, too.

[@patti3d]

Yes! I have Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain. Used that during my teaching years. Drawing upside down really works well also! That is in the book too,

[@tavanetaylor98]

Entertaining and educational from beginning to end. 👍🏻 for the end bits. Your videos are a balm for my mind. 💙🧚🏻‍♀️

[@unikreations2258]

I’m amazed how much you and I have in common in that I also love crocheting, knitting and sewing in addition to my love of design and drawing. I also love collecting books that inspire me. Thanks so much for sharing your collection. Although we have different books, but very similar in categories. I feel so much better about holding onto my books now that you made it clear that they’re invaluable to our creative spirit.

[@deborahamstead731]

I just love your personality!

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

thank you!! Although, you don't see the gurmpy Wendy on here!! hahhaha!!!!

[@gustogarden]

I loved this video! So happy to receive these suggestions, thank you so much! 💚

[@EzeICE]

She reminds me of a Hogwarts instructor. So very charming and lovely. Keep up the great work my dear.

[@guccigirl2389]

Sorry if this sounds silly but It's like you never grew up and the only thing that aged is your hair bc you look amazing 🤍

[@deborah5221]

You are just adorable to watch. Book lovers unite!

[@geozipper]

I just found your channel & I love it ! It's Dec 31st, turning into the New Year, but like you, the new year feels more right starting in the spring, after March. And this particular March is very special to me because I am retiring & will be able to pursue my art & creativity full time. So, it's a welcoming new beginning for me & I'm looking forward to it. I love your drawing (!) what you've shown here. Can you do an entire video on your drawings? Showing your sketchbook? I love drawing & black and white illustration, having gotten back into it again just a few years ago when I was making sketches of scenes from a childhood memoir I've written (but that's another story). Now I draw almost everyday & I like inking too, making large illustrations. My love is Silver Age comic book art, as it is from those classic artists that I've learned so much & stylized my figures upon. Unlike you, I've always enjoyed & had no problem with drawing hands & feet & I must credit my ability to visualize them in three-dimensional space to the classic work of Steve Ditko in the original Spider-man comic book series from the 1960s. He always had his characters with interesting finger positions & his views of the human figure in space make the fight scenes appear as aerial ballets & one cannot forget his knowledge of anatomy. Anyway, I love figure drawing & I would really love to see more of your drawings, If you could devote an entire video to showing your different figures, poses, characters & their attire. I think everyone would find that interesting & I would delight in your actual craftsmanship & style. You may want to share about your favorite pencils/pens as well. I must say you've inspired me to actively seek out more background material to visually spark my imagination. I do have books on artists I like & Art History & plenty of art criticism, which I enjoy reading & writing myself too, but your interest in movie sets & stage design hit me that I need to seek out things I would not normally search out as good educational background tools, if not for actual creative inspiration. I love your channel. Keep up the Great Work ! :-) T o n y

[@AI-Hallucination]

You got robort frank in there I dropped out of a BA due to being in an institution its a controlled environment how you meant to express yourself

[@madelynsmith8281]

Love your books! Love to see some studies from these well known artists. ❤️

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

thank you xxx and yes, can't wait! xx

[@patriciaanderson4457]

I just love you Wendy. You are so inspiring and fun. Thank you for sharing. Art and books are two of my favorite things.

[@corinnesevern7373]

Can you discuss more about beginner sketch resources that would help those of us who are artistically challenged? How can we get started if we can’t draw human figures? Maybe simple animal cartoons or drawing simple page borders, etc.?

[@AlyonasWatercolourCreations]

How interesting that History of Art book was my first ever purchased art book! It feels like a good 20 years ago! Need to check the first published date. 😊 Also Degas “Little Dancer” bronze statue is absolutely stunning, I have seen it in person in 2011 I believe. It was exhibited at Royal Academy of Art in London, Degas and the Ballet - fantastic exhibition! 🧡

[@christinebarone2151]

I love all this useful information, THANK YOU. I am currently re reading then War of Art because i have been experiencing resistance. 😡. Waffling ??? Of dear Wendy i can listen to you speak all day everyday. You’re the best … sending love and hugs ..

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

awwww thanks for keeping me company! I hope you resistance abaits!!! xx

[@LesleyChristine]

I can so relate! We downsized by 90% in 2016 to go traveling. I’m a huge book lover and let go of an enormous book collection (I worked in bookstores in college and dreamed of having my own library). I mostly get ebooks now, but ordered a book that was influential to me early on. I just got it earlier this week!

[@jenniferabbott6757]

Thanks for sharing, Wendy! Love your choices!

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

ooh goody, glad you did, and thank you for keeping me company xxxx

[@VV-sque]

I dont know why this video got recommended to me, but I love it so much

[@lizaluk]

The anatomy of Artists and pictures of Bunny that I am attending into.

[@lizaluk]

My mind.

[@rowleyzero]

I loved this video! What great information. Thank you so much.

[@birgitblume4980]

You are so funny and inspiring Wendy! Love your books!!

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

yay! Thankyou flower xxxx

[@diannessewingroom7]

I love the Art Nouveau one at the start I think I would like that one, what a lovely collection. I still have all the lauren child books from when my children were little. I love them and I went to see her work in a Museum in sheffield a few years ago, more for me than the children. 🙂

[@jeannettejennings2443]

Love your videos, wonderful selections for inspiration. My friend of many years and I have started doing weekly Zoom art sessions, our 2023 project is "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain". We are primarily potters, so this is a good stretch, just finished our first self portraits, hoping for the big improvements.

[@johncall293]

I can tell your love for books without a word, Simply by the way you touch them, gentle and kind, As if each one were a precious, treasured find, A doorway to a new and wondrous world. Your eyes light up as you turn each page, Your fingers trace the lines with care and grace, You savor every word and phrase, And let the stories fill your soul with light. Your love for books is plain to see, In the way you handle them with reverence and delight, And in the way you share your joy with me, I am grateful to be a part of your literary delight.

[@jeanninef2110]

Loved your vlog! And I own a few of those books too! Also, I just picked up a book at a second hand shop called The Artist's Journey by the same author as The War of Art! Looking forward to starting it! AND my friend texted me last week that she had The War of Art for me!!!! Yay! Looking forward to the read! I love, love, love books....especially previously loved ones!! And I love art, and painting and photography!!! Also, dear one, just wanted to say how wonderfully happy you look! You seem so refreshed and cheerful ! thank you for sharing your love of these books!!

[@suev4143]

Lovely lady, never apologise for "Wendy waffles" - your videos are the strawberries and cream that add so much sweetness to my week. I'm recovering from COVID at the moment, and watching your videos as I rest and recuperate are helping to fill my creative cup until I can build energy to be more active. I have so many ideas bubbling up (yes, I'm jotting them down in a notebook), and now I am looking forward to getting strong and healthy in order to prowl my local library and bookstores. Until then, I'm flipping through my art books (Art Deco design, Turner, Impressionism, etc.) and kids books (Maurice Sendak, Dr. Seuss, Beatrix Potter, and a very old Mother Goose) and listening for ideas from the fairies 😁 Huge hugs and thank you for continued inspiration, as well as sharing a drink (hot drinks that go cold are a major risk for creatives - just get distracted by the world, and forget about the cup at the elbow). Cheers!

[@16LifeGames]

Fantastic 😊 My favorite book is Saturno Buttò by The Guide Artists. Amazing quality.

[@basenjipoppy]

Wow, what a great assortment of books. The best part I think is when you mentioned how your gramma taught you how to crochet by way of a mirror, it made me smile, thank you for sharing that. 🙃

[@BlackHeartMan_NoSoul]

16:45 helped me a lot with drawing hands & feet.

[@debbiem9092]

What a lovely video. Lot of inspiration there. I have quite a collection of books, mostly about watercolour techniques and journaling. I find it fascinating how different everyone's style is. I'm always drawn to nature and garden diaries, starting with the Edwardian Lady ones years ago and many others since then. If I could only keep a few it would have to be the Sara Midda ones. So much detail packed into those tiny pages.

[@GumptionStation]

I would love the titles of all the books. Is there a list somewhere? Thank you so much for sharing these. Your videos are so inspiring! Art is therapy for me ❤️

[@recoveringsoul755]

I was looking in the description to see if there was a list with timestamps for each book

[@brendadavisscrapitydoda1284]

Here watching again😂❤

[@terrychancellor4593]

I have to know, what is the name of the orange children's book? It looks SO familiar to me. I also loved pouring over pictures in books as a child...should have been my 1st clue I was meant to be an artist, LOL!! I well remember the Dick and Jane illustrations and loved them!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@hulonthesurvivor5884]

Love this

[@susanneschroder1674]

Thanks Wendy for showing us your inspiring bookcolaction. Thank you James putting it together.

[@sparklemint2458]

I Love that you shared your favorite books with us 💖

[@jackiegagne2625]

I love old poetry books (19th century) - many are illustrated (e.g. the language of flowers); end papers of old books (any). Used book shops are great. Take a look at books pre 1960s. I have a 1953 book called "A Book of Beauty" by John Hadfield. Affordable, and I highly recommend!

[@notbroken4342]

That was fun! I am curious about the Frida Kahlo diary but also agree with your feeling that it's invasive to read her diary. I suppose it was invasive to read the diary of Anne Frank too. It's a tricky concept. I'm another former teacher who had Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain but I gave it away. Sometimes I regret that and sometimes I don't. I think it had interesting activities for drawing but the psychology/neuroscience in it is basically false. To be fair, I think it has been debunked since the book was first written, so I am not suggesting the author is promoting falsehoods knowingly, but that it is a book to be taken with a grain of salt and mostly used for the drawing exercises. I've now got the Definitive Art book on my wish list.

[@alicejump2290]

As per the “Drawing on the RightSide…” i used some of the concepts with my social work with people with brain injuries, while it may have been flawed at the time, it still was useful! It has been updated and there are new edition’s available! The activities are excellent! I am glad you brought up the misinformations which were most likely misunderstandings!

[@sarahsheets5958]

Books and rocks hehehe oh and plants. I not purposefully left most of my books at a rent house I was moving alone with 4 children n ya oh I had hundreds of. National Geographic magazines ones collected from my childhood and my mom was a high school art teacher and lessons in our house and she painted portraits for people and sculpted did stained glass n has so many supplies she can't use anymore due to MS I have snagged books o we the years we live far from eacother but the smell of art books is one of my faves n I am asking for forgiveness for carefully removing pages just a few n not just me me n my partner then from the huge Dallas library that we went to every other Saturday (I miss him regret running from him we were easy together fun n kind I didn't know how rare that is) but we'd framed a few pages only four I can remember but took out of art books sheesh!! I SWEAR I WAS ABOUT TO WRITE GUSTAV KLIMT MY FAVE!! AND I LOOKED UP TO SEE YOU HOLDING A BOOK PAINTING OF HIS HOLY MOLY!!!! I named my cats gustav and rose haha

[@dellplummer5173]

Are you familiar with Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. I could tell you a story of how I came across it. I have only just discovered Mr Pressfield.... Wow what synchronicity. 🌹.

I can understand that you feel like you are intruding on Frida Kahlo private thoughts but as a person who studies history I absolutely live coming across a piece of hand written history. So dont feel guilty she would most likely be amused by people being intimate with her struggles as an artist and her life. So enjoy!

[@michelleheikkinen5254]

Wendy, I’ve watched a bunch of art book videos, this was absolutely the best!!! Thank you 😊

[@lyndajoyce6243]

I also have a book addiction! Love this! You absolutely love your books!

[@SimoneWhippArtist]

This was very useful Wendy! I also think we can get inspired by non arty books too such as books on architecture, ancient history and natural history. So many sources to inspire and educate! x

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

sooo true I love finding inspiration in the unexpected places xxx

[@crashito_x]

How old is this gal? I’m so confused, is she like super well conserved? She looks amazing 😮😮😮😮

[@willgara6351]

Amazing video!! The word Gypsy isn’t super cool to use unless you’re Roma my friend. If you are indeed, my apologies.

[@Wanderingblackbird]

Hello wendy, I was wondering if you have an email address your happy to share? As im not on Facebook or Instagram and i have some Art books that i would like to send pictures of as i think you may like them for inspiration material. No cost involved. I was cleaning out a cupboard and thought of you. No problem if not 😊

[@bloochoob]

I have almost 5000 books in my house, I couldn’t give any away, it would be like chopping off a limb 😂

[@colinreid325]

Don't show me any more books my wife will go mad

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

ahhahah!!!!

[@sylvieauguste280]

Wonderful and very useful video and advices. Thanks and love from France :-)

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

bisous bisous! xxxxxxxxxxx

[@fynnandfynner]

Right!! That's me off to the book /charity shops tomorrow..... I love books, this is going to be an all day thing lol as it usually always is.... Thank you Wendy ...😊

[@theunexpectedgypsy]

haahhahaa!!! Don't park too far away in case they are heavy!!!!

[@fynnandfynner]

@@theunexpectedgypsy lol I don't drive but I have a bus pass and a shopping trolly... I'm committed, this book shopping is serious stuff 😆 🤣 😂