MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Whether you need to nurture your artistic spirit, celebrate art during National Arts Month this February, or are curious to know more about art history, books are among the best sources of inspiration.
With this, below are 10 art books that Fully Booked recommends every art lover should include on their shelves, with their lovely covers and beautiful illustrations as pieces of artwork on their own.
1. Art 101: From Vincent Van Gogh to Andy Warhol, Key People, Ideas, and Moments in the History of Art by Eric Grzymkowski
Gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the art world through Art 101, the ultimate compendium of the world’s greatest artists and their masterpieces. The book features the evolution of art through the years and the key people behind them, and other entertainment tidbits about art that do away with boring details, and instead, gives readers an engaging lesson in artistic expression.
2. Why Are We ‘Artists’? 100 World Art Manifestos by Jessica Lack
If you’re digging deep into the art world, what better way than to read manifestos from 100 artists across the globe in the last 100 years? In this anthology, not only do we get to answer “Why do we make art?” but also foster a deeper understanding of how art has changed the world and how it will continue to do so in the years to come. Filled with remarkable wit and wisdom, Why Are We Artists? Is an essential book for every art lover.
3. Taschen Basic Art Series
Discover the life and work of the world’s most famous and iconic artists through the Taschen Basic Art Series. Each book offers a detailed summary of the artist’s life, illustrations of their work, and their historical and cultural legacy. From Bauhaus to Basquiat, the series includes books on Bacon, Eames, Gaudí, Haring, de Lempicka, Dalí, Klimt, Koons, Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, O’Keeffe, Kahlo, Mies van der Rohe, Pop Art, Rothko, Surrealism and so much more.
4. Popism: The Warhol Sixties by Andy Warhol and Pat Hackett
Fascinating, funny, and frank, Popism is Andy Warhol’s 1980 memoir, sweeping readers into the cultural storm of the sixties: Pop art, psychedelics, Bob Dylan, underground film, and the famed parties at Warhol’s studio, the Factory. Written in a detached gossipy style Warhol was known for, this book is for anyone who wants an inside look into the iconic artist’s mind and the rise of the Pop phenomenon in New York.
5. 101 Super Cute Things To Draw by Lauren Bergstrom
Through original mash-ups, step-by-step drawing instructions, doodling exercises, and mindfulness activities, author and artist Lauren Bergstrom introduces tons of cute and quirky stuff to draw – from everyday objects, food, and nature to animals and mythical creatures. If you’ve ever thought of doing doodling as a hobby and learning to draw adorable things, this book is for you.
6. Chibi Art Class: Create Your Own Chibi Cuties by Annie Zhou
Cuteness overload! Renowned artist Yoai has captivated millions of fans with her chibi art drawings. Now, she’s teaching artists and enthusiasts the step-by-step approach to the art of chibi, including creating those signature dreamy eyes, vibrant hair, colorful accessories, and lively backgrounds.
7. Filipino Artists In Their Studios by Pingot Zulueta
In this richly-curated coffee table book, photojournalist Pingot Zulueta and lifestyle editor Isabel de Leon gather a constellation of the finest Filipino visual artists and capture their stories via their workspaces, illuminating a different side of Filipinos as artists.
8. Lugar by Augusto F. Villalon
Written by the late architect and heritage conservation champion Augusto F. Villalon, Lugar is a collection of essays that takes an inward look into Philippine architecture and how it’s interweaved into our culture, history, and identity as Filipinos. This book is a must-read for students and art lovers interested in anthropology, architectural heritage, and the Philippine heritage conservation movement.
9. The 30-Day Sketchbook Project by Minnie Small
Feeling stuck? In a rut? Sometimes, all it takes is a beautiful book to show you the way. Let beloved English illustrator Minnie Small eradicate your fear of the blank page through this activity book for artists, filled with step-by-step projects, prompts, inspiring messages, and a glimpse into Small’s own process, lending a greater appreciation of intuitive learning and the beauty of creative imperfection.
10. Everyday Art Exercises: Daily Activities to Boost Your Creativity by Jane Maday
A cross between a sketchbook and a journal, Everyday Art Exercises is filled with 100 creative prompts, activities, and coloring pages to spark your imagination and develop your drawing, painting, and doodling skills – whether you’re just starting out, or looking for an artistic outlet.
Browse Fully Booked Online for more titles in our Discover Art collection. Enjoy free shipping for a minimum order of PHP 799 only.
