recommended reading:

Art books and books about art and books about artists and their art are some of my favorites.
I also love to collect museum exhibit books.
I have compiled a short list of volumes I would recommend for artists/people interested in art to look at. They are in a random order and are from many aspects of art.

1. Sarah Simblet's Anatomy for the Artist
I already recommended this earlier, but I believe it is a good look at basic anatomy and a quick reference when you are away from a model or a computer.

2. Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art
From a traveling Rembrandt show I saw in Portland OR a couple of years ago. I find myself looking through it every couple of months. It is a fascinating collection of breathtaking works by both infamous artists and those who have fallen into the background. Also contains a quick and interesting history of the art of the times and the pieces themselves.

3. Tolkien's World by David Day
A beastiary of the creatures, characters, and different origin stories found in Tolkien's books. Not only for fantasy readers, but a beautiful rendition of mythic beasts and peoples. Also an inspiring example of how one might convert literature into visual renderings.

4. Julie Taymor Playing With Fire
A collection of photographs, designs, and screenshots from the numerous stage and cinematic projects Julie Taymor has worked on; from Titus Andronicus movie to The Lion King stage play and most things in between.

5. Two Worlds of Andrew Wyeth A Conversation With Andrew Wyeth by Thomas Hoving
Though it was printed by in 1978, this book has been with me for several years and I love it a great deal. Andrew Wyeth's work is an awesome sight and in a league I can only hope to dream to aspire to. The writing of Hoving and the interview are both enlightening and interesting. The image quality is lovely and it is a great reference for artists who aspire to do serious "from life" rendering.

Only five today. And you can take it or leave it, but these books have been both an inspiration and a help to me through out the last three years especially.

Nat.
<3

go to the library. go to the "N" or "700" section. enjoy.

P.S. Victoria Finlay's Color is also good.