Time to Rest with a Book

Following the theme of 'Time to Rest' I have something for you that will help you find rest and help you in your art practice for this month.

​Art Books!

​One of the ways that I can relax and simultaneously feel energized is by reading. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite art books that I have read over the years. They will help you feel inspired and also give you time to sit while you read them. If you don't like sitting down to read and are more of an audiobook person, then I suggest that you maybe take a walk or soak in a bubble bath while listening - whatever it is that is restful to you!

There are so many great art books out there that, truthfully, it's hard to have a favorite list! I'm adding new books to my list every year that I want to read and the list is getting longer! However, here are some of my favorites up till now.

​​'Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking' by David Bayles and Ted Orland

​This is one that almost everyone already knows about, yes, but it has been so impactful that even after reading it 10 years ago, I still go back to this book often. It is full of wisdom about letting your fears go and embracing what you love to do. It's simply timeless.

​​'Steal Like an Artist' by Austin Kleon

​This book is great because it is easy to read in short spurts of time. The bluntness and humor in this book are wonderfully insightful. And it has fun pictures so that's always a win!

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​'The Art of Motherhood' by Marissa Huber & Heather Kirtland

​Love this one so much! It is full of stories from multiple artists about how they keep creating art while growing up with their families. It's one that I'll admit I haven't finished yet, but I like to pick it up and read a new story to keep me inspired on those hard days. The photographs are beautiful and the stories I can relate to.

​​​'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron

​This is another oldie but a goodie. Julia Cameron has many books, some of which are still on my never-ending list. What I loved about this one is that you can read one chapter a week and focus on a specific journey in your art process. It is set up more like a textbook with questions and tasks, check-ins, at the end of each chapter, but if you like that way of learning and follow through with it, it can do a lot for your work. At least it did for mine!

​​'Big Magic' by Elizabeth Gilbert

​This one runs through the same veins as 'Art and Fear' but I love the way that Elizabeth writes. She's witty, honest, and inspiring. It was one of those books that I read through quickly because it was just that good!

​​​'The Complete Smartist Guide' by Ekaterina Popova & Alicia Puig

​This book is packed full of useful information about becoming an artist in today's world. Although it's a few years old now, most of the information is still relevant. It's one of those books that I can have a question about how to diversify by business or how to apply to shows and I can look up the chapter, read it again, and then move forward. After each chapter, there is also a 'take action' section to help you slowly start to move your art business where you want it to go. It's always good to pause and make a plan so that when you do move forward, you know exactly where you want to go.

I hope if you do decide to check out any of these books that they will give you some relaxing time to pause and really focus on what it is that you want to come out of your art this year.

Now that I've shared my favorites do you have any books that you would like to share with me? Because I'll need a few good reads this month too! Let me know, enjoy your January!