Resources for Artists

Take a minute to check out these helpful resources for artists. This is a treasure trove of information and inspiration.

Person sitting on a stack of books, barefoot, wearing rolled-up jeans, holding a book.

Books

The Work of Art: How Something Comes from Nothing. Adam Moss

How artistic work of all kinds (plays, sculptures, films, paintings) are inspired, come into being, get revised and are created.

Steal Like an Artist. Austin Kleon

The importance of embracing our artistic influences is explored. These influences are jumping off points for our own work.

The Secret Lives of Color. Kassia St. Clair

I received this book as a gift from my lovely daughter and it is fascinating! It traces the historical and cultural history of different colors. Interesting narratives that deepen an appreciation of color in your own work and the work of artists you love.

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Betty Edwards

Classic book on learning to observe and draw like an artist. Drawing what you see and not what you assume is there.

365 Days of Creativity: Inspire your Imagination with Art Every Day. Lorna Scobie

Are you stuck? Have artist block? Can’t figure out what to do next? Daily prompts to explore and get your creative juices flowing

The Artist’s Way. Julia Cameron

A classic book on creativity with guided questions and tools to lead to an inspired and artistic life. Love the process of creating morning pages.

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Podcasts

Art Juice. Louise Fletcher and Alice Sheridan

Hosted by two entertaining and quirky abstract artists from the UK. They describe their podcast as “honest, generous, and humorous conversations that feed your creative soul and get you thinking.” And they deliver! They discuss what they’ve been working on, focus on a topic (often from a listener’s question), and interview guests occasionally. I’m working my way through all of the past episodes and look forward to each new episode from “real” artists sharing their challenges and ways of working.

Learn to Paint. Kelly Anne Powers

This monthly podcast has interviews with artists using different mediums. Questions focus on their process and advice they would give to other artists After hearing these interviews, I found new artists to follow.

Savvy Painter. Antrese Wood

Listen to this podcast if you’re interested in having a creative mindset and working toward mastery rather than perfection. Ranked among the top educational podcasts.

Art2Life. Nicholas Wilton

Nicholas Wilton is an illustrator and abstract artist from California. The podcast is for creatives who want their art to be bold, authentic, and successful. This is really about living the artist’s life and finding ways to express yourself by finding your visual voice. .

The Laura Horn Art Podcast. Laura Horn

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Self-Taught Artist. Lauren Kristine Art.

Practical advice for self-taught artists who are trying to figure it out. Topics include how to sell your art, household items you can paint with, and setting up a home studio.

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No More Muddy Colors: How to Stop Your Watercolors Going Muddy. Karen Rice Art

One of the most common issues that watercolor artists face. Great advice about how to keep your colors from turning into sludge!

Daniel Smith Live Friday Videos. John Cogley

Live videos of watercolor demos via Zoom. Different styles and subjects. You can join in the discussion by joining live or watch later on the Daniel Smith YouTube channel.

Understanding How Color Works When Using Watercolors. Jenna Rainey

ked question?t all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Videos

4 Effective Tips to Boost Abstract Painting Skills. Chris Loud Art

Offers 4 useful tips: Setting expectations, painting often, trying new techniques, tools, and mediums, and reflecting on what you’ve painted.

How to Start Painting with Acrylics: What You Need to Know.  TheArtSherpa

A brief survey of basics including paints, brushes, and palettes.  Also includes information on mixing paint, basic techniques, image transfer, and brush care.  Good overview to introduce you to acrylic painting..

Acrylic Painting Techniques. Jennifer Funnell

Clear description and demonstrations of 16 acrylic painting techniques.  Everything from dry brush, dripping, impasto, to glazing and sgraffito.