15 Must-Read Paintings Books for Art Enthusiasts

Discover the best paintings book to ignite your passion for art and enrich your collection with striking visuals and insightful narratives.
15 Must-Read Paintings Books for Art Enthusiasts

Top Quick Picks For You

Superior Budget Option

Hapikalor Watercolor Pad

Hapikalor Watercolor Pad

The Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad offers professional-quality paper at an affordable price, making it a perfect choice for artists looking to maximize quality while minimizing cost.

Best for Art Students

Fuxi Sketch Book

Fuxi Sketch Book

The Fuxi Sketch Book is ideal for art students due to its high-quality, durable sketch paper and budget-friendly pricing, making it accessible for those in educational settings.

Best for Aspiring Artists

Mofuny Sketch Pad

Mofuny Sketch Pad

The Mixed Media Sketch Pad is well-suited for aspiring artists, providing versatile paper for both wet and dry media, encouraging experimentation and creativity.

Best for Coffee Table Display

Louvre: All the Paintings

Louvre: All the Paintings

The Louvre: All the Paintings is an exquisite collection that serves as a stunning coffee table book, featuring beautiful reproductions of masterpieces that spark conversation.

Best Paintings Book

In the vibrant world of art, where color and creativity dance harmoniously, the right book can illuminate the nuances of painting like nothing else. Discovering the best paintings book not only enriches your understanding but also ignites a passion for the masterpieces that have shaped our cultural landscape. Whether you're an aspiring artist or an avid art lover, the following selection promises to unveil the enchanting stories behind the strokes and palettes of history's greatest artists.

Superior Budget Option: Hapikalor Watercolor Pad

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
High-quality heavyweight paper
Versatile for various media
Budget-friendly for artists

We absolutely love the Hapikalor Watercolor Paper Pad, and it's no wonder we tagged it as the “Superior Budget Option” !

With its premium heavyweight and versatile cold-pressed texture, this 9” x 12” pad offers a delightful foundation for artists of all levels .

It’s not just affordable—at 140 lb and 300 gsm, the quality is top-notch for all your watercolor and mixed media creations .

While the sheets are glued at the top, we found it easy to work with, and the slight risk of bleeding is a small trade-off for such stunning output .

Grab a pad and unleash your creativity!

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Price history for Hapikalor Watercolor Pad on Amazon

Best for Art Students: 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
Durable, high-quality paper
Great for all skill levels
Convenient spiral binding

When it comes to finding the perfect sketchbook, the Fuxi Sketch Book stands out as our top pick for art students !

With its durable, high-quality paper that resists warping and damage from erasing, creativity knows no bounds here .

The convenient spiral binding allows for effortless page flipping, ensuring your wrist is happy while you sketch away .

Plus, it's remarkably portable—ideal for capturing inspiration on-the-go .

However, do keep in mind it may not be the best match for markers .

Overall, this sketchbook is a fantastic companion for artists of all skill levels, making it easy to unleash your creativity!

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Price history for Fuxi Sketch Book on Amazon

Best for Aspiring Artists: 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
Sturdy binding
Versatile for various media

When we set out to discover the best painting book, our top pick is the MOFUNY Mixed Media Sketch Pad—an ideal choice for aspiring artists .

Made from high-quality, heavyweight paper, this sketchbook prevents ink bleed and keeps your creations vibrant and intact .

We love the sturdy ring binding that allows for 360-degree rotation, making sketching a breeze !

While it may feel a bit bulky, the versatile size and ability to handle a range of media—pencils to gel pens—make it an excellent addition to any artist's toolbox .

Dive into creativity and let your imagination soar!

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Price history for Mofuny Sketch Pad on Amazon

Best for Coffee Table Display: Louvre: All the Paintings

The Louvre: All the Paintings
Highlights
Gorgeous visuals
Detailed descriptions
Great for art lovers

If you're looking for a showstopper for your coffee table, The Louvre: All the Paintings should be at the top of your list .

This exquisite collection is a feast for the eyes, featuring stunning reproductions of iconic masterpieces .

We particularly love the gorgeous visuals and detailed descriptions that make each page feel like an art gallery visit .

Yes, it’s a bit on the heavy side, but who wouldn’t want a bulky book packed with history and art ?

With a 4.7-star rating from art enthusiasts, this gem is perfect for sparking conversations and igniting your love for art .

Grab it before it’s gone!

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Price history for Louvre: All the Paintings on Amazon

Compendium of Acrylic Painting

Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques
Highlights
Great for beginners
Useful tips for acrylics
Covers basic principles

We absolutely adore this illustrated edition from Search Press !

With 176 pages of striking imagery, it's perfect for beginners eager to explore the world of painting .

The useful tips for acrylics and the cover of basic principles make it an invaluable resource .

However, we did notice its limited focus on oils, making it less suitable for advanced artists .

Some readers mentioned they wished for more content, but honestly, the insights it offers are worth every page .

For anyone looking to dip their toes into acrylic and watercolor painting, this book is a grand companion on your artistic journey!

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Price history for Compendium of Acrylic Painting on Amazon

Oil Painter's Color Handbook

The Oil Painter's Color Handbook: A Contemporary Guide to Color Mixing, Pigments, Palettes, and Harmony
Highlights
Visually rich content
In-depth color theory
High-quality production

When it comes to exploring the world of art, this book is a true masterpiece .

Published by Monacelli Studio, it immerses readers in visually rich content across its 320 pages .

With the power of color theory at its core, the in-depth insights are both captivating and enlightening .

We appreciate the high-quality production that makes it a treat for the eyes .

However, be mindful that its weight might make it a little unwieldy for casual reading .

While some concepts might feel repetitive at first, the depth of detail could be overwhelming for beginners. Overall, it’s an essential addition for any art lover’s library!

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Price history for Oil Painter's Color Handbook on Amazon

TECJOE Watercolor Set Paintings Book

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
Minimal cleanup required
High-quality, thick paper

When it comes to encouraging creativity in kids, the TECJOE Watercolor Painting Books are a delightful find .

With three enchanting series—complete with charming themes like forest animals, dinosaurs, and princesses—we can't help but smile at the joy they bring during painting sessions .

The thick, flexible paper keeps those colors vibrant and prevents any nasty bleed-through, so kids can fully express their imagination .

Plus, the variety of included brushes ensures effortless control for little hands .

While it’s not waterproof, the minimal cleanup required means more time creating and less time stressing .

It's the perfect gift for young artists ready to dive into a world of color!

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Price history for TECJOE Watercolor Set on Amazon

What Paintings Say

What Paintings Say: 100 Masterpieces in Detail
Highlights
Informative content
Beautiful images
Portable size

When we dove into the pages of this Taschen America gem, we were instantly captivated by its informative content and stunning images .

Spanning 785 pages, this hardcover edition is perfect for art enthusiasts on the go, thanks to its portable size .

However, be warned—its small print and somewhat awkward dimensions might strain your eyes and make it tricky to handle .

While we loved the breadth of topics covered, we felt some areas could use a bit more depth .

Overall, it’s a beautiful addition to any art lover’s library, earning our hearty recommendation despite a few quirks!

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Price history for What Paintings Say on Amazon

Landscape Painter's Workbook

The Landscape Painter's Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color (Volume 6) (For Artists, 6)
Highlights
Informative for all levels
Beautiful landscape examples
Emphasizes composition and value

When we stumbled upon this painting book from Rockport Publishers, we knew we had found something special !

With 176 pages packed with stunning landscape examples and insights into composition and value, it's a treasure for both budding artists and seasoned pros .

The beautiful illustrations almost leap off the page, inviting inspiration .

However, it’s worth noting that this isn't a beginner's handbook—some exercises may leave you scratching your head .

If you're ready to challenge your skills and deepen your understanding of landscape painting, this gem could be just what you need!

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Price history for Landscape Painter's Workbook on Amazon

Vincent Van Gogh Paintings Book

Vincent Van Gogh: The Complete Paintings
Highlights
Informative content
Great gift idea
High-quality hardcover

We recently delved into a captivating read with The Best Paintings Book by Taschen America .

With 741 pages of visually stunning content, this high-quality hardcover is not just an art book, but a treasure trove of inspiration—a great gift idea for any art lover !

While it excels in informative content, we found it lacking a bit in analytical depth and a structured page-by-page layout .

However, if you're keen on exploring the essence of a single artist, this is a must-have addition to your collection .

Embrace the journey through art with this outstanding pick!

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Price history for Vincent Van Gogh on Amazon

YPLUS Paint With Water Books

YPLUS Paint with Water Books for Toddlers, Art Craft Toys Watercolor Painting Paper for Kids Gift for Drawing with Brush - Animals
Highlights
Unique thick coloring pages
Non-repetitive patterns
Improves creativity and coordination

This paint-with-water book has quickly become one of our favorites for young artists !

With 20 unique themes and innovative super-thick coloring pages, it guarantees hours of creative fun without the worry of any water bleeding through .

The included brush pen is perfectly sized for little hands, making it easy for kids to fill in those charming designs .

We love how each page promotes creativity while enhancing hand-eye coordination, all in a delightful way !

The non-repetitive patterns spark imaginations and serves as a fantastic gift for birthdays or holidays .

Just remember, it's best suited for younger children, so let the colorful adventures begin!

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Price history for YPLUS Paint With Water Books on Amazon

Wildflower Watercolor

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

We absolutely love this gorgeous painting book !

With clear and concise instructions, it invites beginners into the art world with open arms .

The beautifully printed illustrations are a feast for the eyes, making every page a joy to behold .

Although the book focuses mainly on flowers and doesn't delve into advanced techniques, it still packs a punch with its engaging content .

With an impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviews, it’s safe to say that many have found their creative spark within these pages .

If you’re ready to paint some blooms, this book might just be your new best friend!

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Price history for Wildflower Watercolor on Amazon

Watercolor Workbook Paintings Book

Watercolor Workbook: 30-Minute Beginner Botanical Projects on Premium Watercolor Paper (Watercolor Workbook Series)
Highlights
Beginner-friendly instructions
Aesthetically pleasing designs
Good quality paper

We absolutely love the paintings book from Paige Tate & Co !

This workbook is a delightful blend of beginner-friendly instructions and aesthetically pleasing designs that invite creativity without overwhelming you .

The good quality paper ensures that the colors pop, making each page a joy to work on .

However, it's important to note that it leans towards more tracing than originality and offers a limited take on color theory .

If you're looking for a fun, uncomplicated way to explore your artistic side, this book is definitely a must-try—just be aware it's tailored more for beginners than advanced artists!

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Price history for Watercolor Workbook on Amazon

Soucolor Sketch Book

Soucolor 9" x 12" Sketch Book, 1-Pack 100 Sheets Spiral Bound Art Sketchbook, (68lb/100gsm) Acid Free Artist Drawing Book Paper Painting Drawing Writing Sketching Pad for Kids Adult Teens Girls Boys
Highlights
High-quality paper
Spiral bound design
Suitable for dry media

We absolutely love the Soucolor Sketch Book! With premium paper quality that boasts 100 sheets of 68lb/100gram acid-free, PH-neutral pages, this sketchbook is a dream for artists of all levels .

The spiral bound design allows for seamless page-turning and works beautifully whether you're left or right-handed .

Suitable for all types of dry media, it's perfect for pencils, charcoal, and pastels, providing a fantastic canvas for creativity .

Although the cover feels a tad flimsy and it’s not ideal for wet media, the price is justified by the overall quality .

Whether you're a budding artist or a pro, this sketchbook delivers!

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Price history for Soucolor Sketch Book on Amazon

Art: The Definitive Visual Guide

Art: The Definitive Visual Guide (DK Definitive Cultural Histories)
Highlights
Well-organized content
High-quality images
Comprehensive coverage

When it comes to exploring the world of art, The Art Book by DK stands out as a must-have .

With 612 pages of meticulously organized content, this heavy-duty hardcover is packed with high-quality images that breathe life into each piece .

While its bulk might make it a bit unwieldy, the sheer depth and visual appeal offer a rewarding experience for both enthusiasts and novices alike .

It’s a treasure trove of knowledge, although the price may seem steep for some .

If you're ready to dive deep into the art world, this book is an investment worth making!

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Price history for Art: The Definitive Visual Guide on Amazon

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