15 Best Painting Books for Artists of All Levels

Discover the best painting books that ignite creativity and inspire your artistic journey, perfect for every skill level and passion.
15 Best Painting Books for Artists of All Levels

Top Quick Picks For You

Superior Budget Option

Easy Lessons to Draw

Easy Lessons to Draw

This art guide provides affordable yet quality step-by-step lessons, making it a great budget choice for those looking to develop their drawing skills without breaking the bank.

Best for Beginners

The Oil Painter's Color Handbook

The Oil Painter's Color Handbook

This guide is specifically designed for beginners, introducing them to watercolor techniques for painting flowers, which is perfect for those just starting out in painting.

Best for Kids

YPLUS Paint Books

YPLUS Paint Books

This paint with water book is crafted for toddlers, featuring easy handling and engaging themes that encourage creativity and motor skills in a fun, pressure-free way.

Best for Mixed Media

MOFUNY Sketch Pad

MOFUNY Sketch Pad

This mixed media sketch pad can accommodate a variety of art mediums, making it ideal for artists looking to experiment with different techniques and materials.

Best Painting Books

Are you ready to unlock your inner artist and delve into the vibrant world of painting? Whether you're a novice eager to experiment with colors or a seasoned brush wizard seeking fresh inspiration, discovering the right guidance is essential. In this carefully curated list of the best painting books, we’ll guide you on a journey through techniques, styles, and ideas that will ignite your creativity and refine your skills.

Superior Budget Option: Easy Lessons to Draw

Easy Lessons to Draw Like an Artist: Step-by-Step Pencil Drawing & Art Guide for Beginners Artists
Highlights
Beginner-friendly instructions
Step-by-step guidance
Builds confidence quickly

If you’re diving into the world of painting and looking for a budget-friendly option, we highly recommend this art guide !

With its beginner-friendly instructions and a clear, step-by-step approach, it’s perfect for those eager to elevate their drawing skills without emptying their wallets .

We appreciate how it builds confidence swiftly, allowing you to see progress early on .

However, keep in mind that it might feel a bit too basic for seasoned artists, and its appeal is primarily for younger audiences .

Overall, this guide is a fantastic choice for aspiring painters ready to express their creativity!

Be sure to also check out the best paintings book for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Easy Lessons to Draw on Amazon

Best for Beginners: The Oil Painter's Color Handbook

The Oil Painter's Color Handbook: A Contemporary Guide to Color Mixing, Pigments, Palettes, and Harmony
Highlights
Plentiful pictorial examples
Extensive color mixing information
High-quality, glossy pages

We’re excited to introduce our top pick for beginners: a fantastic guide specifically tailored to those venturing into the world of watercolor painting! With a focus on delicate flower techniques, this book offers plentiful pictorial examples that make diving into your new hobby both fun and inspiring .

Its extensive color mixing information is a game-changer for newcomers eager to experiment .

While some chapters may feel a bit repetitive and the weighty hardcover format is less travel-friendly, the high-quality, glossy pages are sure to keep your passion blooming .

With a stellar customer rating of 4.8 stars, this gem belongs on your shelf!

Be sure to also check out the best 3d printing books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for The Oil Painter's Color Handbook on Amazon

Best for Kids: YPLUS Paint Books

YPLUS Paint with Water Books for Toddlers, Art Craft Toys Watercolor Painting Paper for Kids Gift for Drawing with Brush - Animals
Highlights
Mess-free painting experience
Encourages creativity
Easy for kids to use

Discover the ultimate painting experience for toddlers with this paint-with-water book that we proudly awarded the title of “Best for Kids.” With 20 unique pages full of engaging themes, this book is designed to spark your child’s creativity and improve their motor skills in a fun, pressure-free environment .

The super thick paper ensures no messy water bleeding, while the specially designed brush pen fits perfectly in little hands .

Each pattern is numbered, making it easy for kids to color without any stress .

It's the perfect gift to keep screens at bay while igniting your child’s imagination!

Be sure to also check out the best aviation books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for YPLUS Paint Books on Amazon

Best for Mixed Media: MOFUNY Sketch Pad

Mixed Media Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb/160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers, Top Spiral Bound Hardcover Sketchbook, for Wet and Dry Media, Drawing, Painting
Highlights
High-quality paper durability
Flexible ring binding
Suitable for various media

We’re thrilled to spotlight the MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketch Pad as our top pick for mixed media !

Crafted from high-quality 98 lb/160 gsm materials, it boasts impressive durability; say goodbye to ink bleeding !

Its flexible ring binding allows for easy 360-degree flipping, making it a dream for sketching on the go .

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or dabbling with crayons and charcoal, this sketch pad handles it all .

With 60 acid-free pages, your creations will stay vibrant and intact .

Just a heads-up: while it accommodates many mediums, larger watercolors might feel a tad cramped .

Ready to unleash your creativity?

Be sure to also check out the best qigong books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for MOFUNY Sketch Pad on Amazon

Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques

Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques
Highlights
Great for beginners
Practical tips included
Good refresher for pros

We’re excited to share our thoughts on this fantastic painting book that shines particularly bright in the acrylic realm !

With 176 pages of well-illustrated content, it serves as a brilliant guide for beginners eager to embark on their artistic journey .

The practical tips within are invaluable not only for novices but also for seasoned artists looking for a quick refresher .

However, if you're seeking advanced techniques or a comprehensive dive into oils, this may not fully satisfy your cravings .

Still, it ranks impressively within its niche, making it a must-consider addition to your bookshelf!

Be sure to also check out the best selling books 2003 for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques on Amazon

Little Corner Coloring Book

Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for Relaxation (Cozy Spaces Coloring)
Highlights
Relaxing experience
Engaging content
Easy to follow

One of our favorite picks is this enchanting painting book that transforms creativity into a delightful experience. We love how it offers an engaging escape, making it a perfect companion for those seeking relaxation .

The content is easy to follow, even for beginners, ensuring everyone can unlock their inner artist .

However, be aware that the instructions can sometimes feel a bit vague, leaving those looking for advanced techniques wanting more .

Its niche focus might not cater to everyone, but for those who fit the mold, this book could be a joyful addition to your artistic journey!

Be sure to also check out the best jungian books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Little Corner Coloring Book on Amazon

30 Minute Artist Painting Books

30 Minute Artist: Painting Water in Watercolour
Highlights
Comprehensive techniques
Expert artist insights
Inspiring artwork examples

We absolutely love this painting book, as it offers a treasure trove of comprehensive techniques that can elevate your artistry to new heights !

The expert insights shared throughout are like having a mentor right by your side, guiding you through intricate details .

Plus, the inspiring artwork examples ignite creativity and encourage experimentation .

However, we should mention that beginners might find themselves in the deep end, as the guidance here skews toward those with a higher skill level .

Additionally, it's not the most budget-friendly choice, but for dedicated artists ready to invest, this book is a game-changer!

Be sure to also check out the best pizza books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for 30 Minute Artist on Amazon

Watercolor Flowers

DIY Watercolor Flowers: The beginner’s guide to flower painting for journal pages, handmade stationery and more
Highlights
Easy to understand
Variety of techniques
Inspires creativity

We absolutely adore this book for its easy-to-understand approach !

As a team of reviewers, we appreciate the variety of techniques offered, sparking our creative juices .

Whether you're dipping your toes into painting or refreshing your skills, it definitely inspires creativity with its playful exercises and engaging visuals .

However, it’s worth noting that some might find the content a bit basic or not comprehensive enough, especially if you're looking for advanced topics .

Overall, it’s a delightful read, but if you're already a pro, you might want to look elsewhere .

Happy painting!

Be sure to also check out the best mineral books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Watercolor Flowers on Amazon

Fuxi Sketch Book

Fuxi 9" x 12" Sketch Book, Top Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 1 Pack 100 Sheets 68lb/100gsm, Acid Free Art Sketchbook Artistic Drawing Painting Writing Paper for Kids Adults Beginners Artists
Highlights
High durability and toughness
Portable and compact size
Acid-free, vibrant colors

We’re excited to spotlight the Fuxi Spiral Sketchbook, perfect for artists of all levels !

With its premium and tough material, this sketch pad stands up to the test of time—erasing without damage, so your creativity can flow without interruptions .

The compact 9” x 12” size ensures it’s portable for on-the-go inspiration .

We love the spiral binding, making page flipping a breeze while keeping your work pristine .

Plus, it's acid-free, preserving those rich colors for years to come .

Just keep in mind, it’s not compatible with wet media .

Overall, a delightful companion for sketching adventures!

Be sure to also check out the best reptile books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Fuxi Sketch Book on Amazon

Wildflower Watercolor Painting Books

Wildflower Watercolor: The Beginner’s Guide to Painting Beautiful Florals
Highlights
Clear, concise instructions
Great for beginners
Beautifully printed examples

We absolutely adore this painting book from Page Street Publishing !

With its clear and concise instructions, it's perfect for beginners eager to dive into the world of watercolor painting .

The beautifully printed examples serve as fantastic inspirations, making each page a joy to turn .

However, we noticed it doesn’t delve into advanced techniques, which may leave seasoned artists wanting more .

Additionally, while the flower varieties are charming, they are somewhat limited .

Overall, with a stellar rating of 4.8 stars from nearly 1,000 reviews, this book is a delightful entry point for anyone looking to blossom in the realm of watercolor art!

Be sure to also check out the best anxiety bookshelf for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Wildflower Watercolor on Amazon

Landscape Painter's Workbook

The Landscape Painter's Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color (Volume 6) (For Artists, 6)
Highlights
Informs various skill levels
Beautiful artwork examples
Emphasizes composition techniques

This gem from Rockport Publishers is a fantastic pick for those looking to elevate their painting skills !

With beautiful artwork examples and a focus on composition techniques, it genuinely caters to various skill levels .

However, we should note it may not be the best fit for absolute beginners, as some prior knowledge is essential .

While the exercises are inspiring, they could benefit from a bit more step-by-step guidance .

Still, with a commendable 4.7-star rating, it’s clear this book resonates with aspiring artists .

Dive in and let your creativity flow—your masterpiece awaits!

Be sure to also check out the best bowling book for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Landscape Painter's Workbook on Amazon

Lee Hammond's Big Book of Acrylic Painting

Lee Hammond's Big Book of Acrylic Painting: Fast, easy techniques for painting your favorite subjects
Highlights
Great for beginners
Easy to follow instructions
Well-illustrated exercises

Dive into the world of art with this fabulous painting book! Perfect for beginners, it provides easy-to-follow instructions that make every page a delight .

We especially love the well-illustrated exercises that guide you step-by-step .

However, if you're a seasoned artist seeking advanced techniques, you may find this book somewhat limiting .

A few sections could be clearer, and you might need to gather some extra materials .

Still, with a 4.6-star rating from over 500 reviews, it’s a highly recommended gem for those looking to explore their creative side .

Let your brush fly!

Be sure to also check out the best gemstone books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Lee Hammond's Big Book of Acrylic Painting on Amazon

Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Painting Books

Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad, 9"x12" Water Color Paper, 140lb/300gsm Artist Painting Drawing Paper Book, Art Supplies for Adults Kids, Watercolors, Watercolor Paint Set, Sketchbook, Journal, Teal
Highlights
Heavyweight and durable
Affordable quality
Versatile for all mediums

When it comes to watercolor painting, finding the right paper can make all the difference, and we're excited to share our thoughts on Hapikalor's Premium Heavyweight Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper .

With a weight of 140 lb and a sturdy 300 gsm finish, this paper stands up beautifully to a variety of mediums—from watercolor to acrylic and beyond .

We love its slightly textured surface that encourages experimentation while ensuring vibrant colors pop .

Plus, at this budget-friendly price, it's a fantastic choice for both art students and seasoned creators alike .

Just a note: handle with care since the sheets are glued at the top .

Happy painting!

Be sure to also check out the best selling books of 2004 for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Hapikalor Watercolor Paper on Amazon

TECJOE Watercolor Set

TECJOE 3 Pack Paint with Water Coloring Books for Toddlers, Watercolor Paint Set with 6 Brushes, Painting Activity for Kids Ages 4 5 6 7 8, Christmas Gift Arts & Crafts Toy, Princess, Forest & Sea
Highlights
Fun and engaging themes
Minimal mess painting
High-quality thick paper

Dive into creativity with the TECJOE Watercolor Painting Books !

This delightful set offers three enchanting series—forest animals, dinosaurs, and princesses—that will surely charm your young artists .

We adore the rich pigments on thick, flexible paper that lets imaginations soar without the worry of running out of paint, thanks to the bonus page included .

Featuring easy-to-handle brushes tailored for little hands, it's an effortless way for kids to enjoy the painting experience alone or with friends .

Plus, the quality paper minimizes mess while making it simple to preserve those artistic masterpieces .

Perfect for birthdays or holiday gifts!

Be sure to also check out the best selling books on procrastination for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for TECJOE Watercolor Set on Amazon

The Louvre

The Louvre: All the Paintings
Highlights
Gorgeous, vibrant pictures
Excellent art history context
Great gift option

When it comes to art, visual appeal is key, and the best painting books we've encountered truly deliver !

This stunning hardcover from Black Dog & Leventhal is a treasure trove, filled with gorgeous, vibrant pictures that invite you to get lost in their beauty .

The excellent art history context enriches your understanding, making it a delight for both seasoned artists and enthusiasts .

While it does come at a higher price point and is a bit on the heavier side, we believe it makes a fantastic gift option .

If you're looking to ignite your passion for painting, this book is definitely worth considering!

Be sure to also check out the best selling book 2007 for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for The Louvre on Amazon

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