It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you look at the broad field of art and art careers. (I tried to keep the list short at my Squidoo page about Art Careers. It’s still overwhelming.)

You need a starting point. One of my favorite parts of the movie, The Secret, is where the guy says something like, “If you think to yourself, ‘Well, I could do it that way, but I wish I didn’t have to,’ …that’s not it.”

In other words, if you’re not building the career of your dreams, pause. Rethink what you’re doing. If you’re doing something only because you think it’s the one-and-only way to succeed… you’re already off-track.

Art is about energy. If the energy isn’t there for you — and I mean in nearly every aspect of your career — find a way to make the energy happen.

I think it’s Stuart Wilde who talks about people buying energy, not things. When they buy your art, it’s about acquiring something that displays your unique energy. No energy = no sale.

So, you need a creative vision. You need a goal. You need a way to get there. And… you need to know the business side of a career in the visual arts.

Taking the Leap by Cay Lang is probably the best all-purpose guide to the nuts & bolt side of a career in the visual arts.

From the list of possible art careers, to creating your PR materials, to how to approach galleries and collectors… all the way to the ins & outs of contracts, Taking the Leap holds your hand and shows you what to do and what to avoid.

I won’t pretend this is light, amusing, inspiring reading.

Oh, it’s inspiring enough, especially when you read about the percentages of artists who are doing it wrong. They’re mistakes narrow the field considerably, giving you a h-u-g-e advantage.

But, this is roll-up-your-sleeves reading. It’s the kind of book you should own, and read when you’re serious about success. It’s as close to a blueprint for success as you’re going to find, with all the bits of information you’ll need to avoid costly blunders from the start.

My own copy is dog-eared and the spine — and a few pages — are stained with fruit juice. (I don’t drink coffee, or I’m sure there’d be coffee rings throughout this book.)

I understand artists. I’m one myself. We tend to try everything intuitive before looking for answers elsewhere.

And, by the time we’re consulting others, we’re usually securely in “starving artist” mode, reminding ourselves that Vincent Van Gogh sold one painting during his entire lifetime… and that was to a relative.

So, I understand that you don’t want to spend a cent that you don’t have to.

The good news is, you public library probably has a copy of this book. The newest edition is best, but if you have to use an older copy, that’s okay. You’ll find enough information in it to get things moving in the right direction.

However, before long, you’ll realize that you need to own this book. It’s that useful, no matter where you are in your art career.

Buy this book at Amazon.com and then… take the leap!

From the start, I was impressed.  Instead of using the usual photos of art supplies as he talks about what he paints with, Durkee actually painted pictures of his art supplies.

That’s pretty cool.

Then, he lost me when he talked about objects being based on one of four shapes, or a combination of them: A cube, cone, sphere or cylinder.

I’d seen my mother feel constrained by that approach; she’d learned it in art school (Mass. College of Art) many years ago, and… well, that’s one reason why she didn’t want me to go to an art college.  She didn’t want my creativity cramped by rules like that.  So, that section of the book was an instant turn-off for me.

However, Durkee’s artwork is refreshing.  His use of color is so free-thinking and vibrant, it’s almost at the fantasy level.

His tips and instructions are insightful and useful for landscape painters.  For example, on page 50 he said, “… as the flat plane of land recedes, you see it through a thicker layer of moist air,” and “… receding hills become lighter and cooler with distance.”

This is the kind of information that will help any landscape painter identify the areas that he (or she) can improve.

All in all, I like this book.  Though it’s not as exciting as some books I own, it’s a book I’ll refer to often, especially to develop my skills as a landscape painter.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars Expressive Oil Painting: An Open Air Approach to Creative Landscapes by George Allen Durkee

Buy this book at Amazon.com

Expressive Oil Painting: An Open Air Approach to Creative Landscapes
Price: USD 17.81

43 used & new available from USD 3.57

It’s a thorough book about collage and assemblage, and it demonstrates altered art as well.  Though readers may not be able to find the exact items used in this project book, I think the ideas can be adapted to other materials, if your brain works in that direction.

However, if you want a by-the-numbers approach to learning collage, assemblage or altered art, the projects may not always work for you.

In addition, I can’t rave about this book without reservations.

I like the book cover.  (Well, mostly.)

I wanted to be really excited about this book.  I even read it twice, months apart.

But… it’s not an exciting book.  Not for me, anyway.

Sure, there’s something for everyone in its pages, but also something to bore everyone… if they’re at all familiar with this field of art.

For me, the clue was the vintage photo with the clown’s hat (or dunce’s cap) on the cover.  That was a cliche about ten years ago.  At this point,  that imagery can be annoying to old-timers (like me), but it might still charm people who are discovering collage and assemblage for the first time.

I don’t want to sound as if I hate this book.  I don’t.  I actually like it, but not enough to own it.

It’s the kind of book that teachers will love because it’s a good, general reference.   Almost any student can find something inspiring in its pages.

Like most of Maurer-Mathison’s books, this is a top-quality approach to a broad, art-related subject.  She touches on every major point that someone will want to know about, if they’re exploring collage, assemblage and altered art.

My problem is, I wanted more extravagance from Collage, Assemblage and Altered Art.  I wanted the author — and the art in this book — to go out on a limb, try daring and exciting things, and generally inspire me.

Compare this book with Altered Curiosities by Jane Ann Wynn; for me, Wynn’s book will win, nine times out of ten.

That said, I don’t think Maurer-Mathison intended it as anything intense or controversial.  It’s not quite a textbook, but… it’s a lot like one.

If you’re buying books for a public library or a school, get this book. That’s an easy choice, because your patrons will enjoy this book tremendously.  It’ll be taken out of the library often, and recommended to others.

However, if it’s for your own bookshelf, I can’t give it the same endorsement.

Of course, you should take a look at it, but I recommend browsing through it at a local bookstore, instead of buying it sight-unseen at Amazon.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars Collage, Assemblage and Altered Art by Diane Maurer-Mathison

Collage, Assemblage, and Altered Art: Creating Unique Images and Objects
Price: USD 14.96

34 used & new available from USD 11.93

Subtitled “250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain,” this book offers some tremendously fun and stimulating exercises to get you un-stuck as an artist… in minutes.

This book suggests things I’ve never seen anywhere else.  For example: Write down 20 things that smell great when they are cooking.

See?  Doesn’t that kick your senses out of the doldrums?

Or how about these:

• Go take 15 pictures of different kinds of barriers.
• Build the shell of a robot out of objects around you right now.
• Choose a song and make a children’s story out of it.

This book offers 250 fresh, exciting ways to refresh your brain and your creativity.

It’s visually inspiring, too. The presentation — a mix of fonts in a very creative book design — makes this book tremendous fun to flip through.

Ordinarily, I try to say something negative (but fair) about every book, even those I rave about. With this book… I can’t think of anything bad to say about it.

Go buy a copy and take it out when you’re stuck. It will work. I promise.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Caffeine for the Creative Mind: 250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain by Stefan Mumaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield.

Buy it now at Amazon.com

Caffeine for the Creative Mind: 250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain
Price: USD 11.55

47 used & new available from USD 6.44

If you use artist’s models in your studio, work as an artist’s model, or have ever thought of working as an artist’s model*… you need to own a copy of this book.

Yes, I usually say, “Read this book at your public library first, and see if you want to buy it.” However, this is the kind of book that you’ll refer to so often, you may as well buy a copy and save yourself multiple treks to the library.

This book is 141 pages of to-the-point information. There’s no fluff, and the author is knowledgeable, experienced, and addresses issues on both sides of the canvas (or sketchpad).

Author Andrew Cahner has left nothing out. He tackles the difficult aspects of nudity in Chapter 2. In Chapter 3, he tells you the two things that every model must bring with him (or her), and then lists many items that will make your work easier and create a more professional environment.

Chapter by chapter, Cahner provides useful tips and the kind of information every artist — and artist’s model — needs to think about before, during and after a modeling session.

For example, the author provides some brilliant ways to research poses, so you don’t stand in front of the group, blink, and ask shakily, “Err… what do you want me to do?” (Likewise, if you’re working with models, these resources will avoid wasted time while the artists try to think of poses, and the model responds, “Okay, how about this?”.)

There’s even a list of useful links to find modeling work, online.

If there’s anything missing from this book — from either the model or artist’s standpoint — I can’t see it. And, I’m speaking as a third-generation artist who worked as an artist’s model during her college years.

I rarely give a book five stars, but — for this topic — I can’t think of any way the author could have improved the book. Every working artist and every classroom that uses models should have a copy of this book in their studios. When you have a question, the answer will be right there.

And, of course, every working model should own one as well.

I read many books about and for artists, and this one stands out as a brilliant idea, well executed and long overdue. It’s well-written and easy to read, but — even more importantly — it’s a useful reference that provides far more than just the basics.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Art Model’s Handbook: The Naked Truth about Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists
Price: USD 15.25

10 used & new available from USD 14.33

*If you’re willing to sit still for 20 minutes at a time — with a roomful of people staring at you — this can be a fine career choice for people who need work or want extra income.  Taking off your clothes is optional but will significantly increase your chances of getting work, but it’s not vital.  (Portrait and other models are needed, too, but — for economy — classes often swap-out students in those roles.)

Even better, this book will explain the nuances of working in this field so you don’t feel like a total novice.

It’s ideal as the basis of a daily or weekly art lesson.  It’s also a great preparation for taking young children to art museums.  In fact, it’s one of the best I’ve seen, for that purpose.

Each letter of the alphabet is matched to an art-related word.  The word — like the book — is in English, but it’s also provided in Spanish, German, and French.  Each letter is also represented with Sign language.  This expands the use of the book in any classroom setting.

The illustrations in the book are delightful.  They aren’t too intimidating for young children, and will definitely appeal to them.  They’re colorful and fun.

The brief definition of each art-related word will give teachers enough to work with, to teach effectively.  They’re even more useful if the teacher spends a little time online or with art books, learning more about the subject to explain it in more depth.

I especially like that the book includes several complex art concepts, and it doesn’t “talk down” to children.

This kind of book is ideal for a homeschool group, teaching children at  multiple grade levels.

For teaching a class, or reading to more than a very small group of children, larger illustrations will be helpful.  The examples in the book are too small to be seen beyond the second row in a classroom setting.

However, many school and public libraries have excellent books to supplement what’s in “…The ABC’s of Art.”  (Every book has its limits, and this one addresses that issue well.)

The price of the book reflects the full-color pages, but it may be a little price-y for a teacher or homeschooler who is taking this out of his or her personal budget.

However, this is a very useful book for a department, school library, or public library to purchase.  It will be greatly appreciated by teachers.

As a starting point for a daily or weekly art theory lesson, this is a book that teachers have needed for a long time.

Pros

• Every page is in color, and has a lot of visual appeal.
• The terminology doesn’t “talk down” to children.
• Helpful tips make it easy for teachers to share this information without an art background.

Cons

• The price of this large paperback book  isn’t competitive with some art books from larger publishers.
• Images of the art being described are small for students to see from a distance.

(Aside from the price, I had to look hard to find a second negative comment to make.)

If you are buying books for a public or school library, I think this is a must-buy.  If you frequent your public or school library, recommend this book as a useful resource for teachers and parents.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Herman The Jester and The ABC’s of Art
Price: USD 23.99

14 used & new available from USD 4.00

All of her projects are rated either easy, moderate or advanced and can be used with all ages.

The lessons are well written and easy to follow. Tips to evaluate the artwork are included at the end of each lesson. Both 2-D and 3-D projects are included.

A chapter with simple recipes for assorted pastes, paint and clay is included as well as a glossary of terms. Black and white photo are included throughout the book.

There are some great ideas presented here to encourage creativity and experimentation. She also inspires students to incorporate the elements of art into their work.

Positives:

• The projects are low cost. Anyone can afford them.
• Most projects can be used for all ages. Older students can incorporate some of the techniques into more advanced art projects.
• The projects are fun and creative.

Negatives:

• Many of the projects, as written, are too easy for high school students.
• All of the illustrations are black and white.

Glorious Glue!: Art With Adhesives
Price: USD 16.37

18 used & new available from USD 3.95

Starting with Giotto and continuing on through current artists, Ms. Kohl and Ms. Solga have created multiple art lessons based on individual artist.

Each lesson includes a very brief biography, a list of materials and an easy to follow process.

All the illustrations are black and white. They include student work, work of the featured artist and some are illustrations by the authors.

All the lessons have a key that designates their art technique, the artist style, amount of planning and prep and the experience level of the student.

Most lessons are designed for elementary students, but with some adjustments, many could be used at the middle school level.

Lessons include both 2-D and 3-D projects.

The last chapter has additional games and activities. An extensive resource guide and glossary is also included in the book.

Pros:

• Lessons are art history based
• Lessons are well organized by date and style

Cons:

• Book is geared for elementary aged students only
• Color illustrations would be helpful in appreciating the artists’ work

Read others’ reviews and buy this book at Amazon.com

Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters (Bright Ideas for Learning)
Price: USD 12.89

57 used & new available from USD 8.00

What a great book for people beginning to throw pots! This book is a compilation of projects, each with its own tool list and photos, demonstrating the throwing process, as well as the additions like handles and knobs.  Bill even gives glaze combinations that would complement the piece.

Baking dishes, butter dishes, plates and garlic jars are just a few of the eleven projects that Bill shows how to complete.  From throwing techniques like how to throw a low flat disk for plates or a high tall cylinder for pitchers, to putting feet on a candy dish, nothing is left out.  All forming techniques in thrown ware are discussed.

Read more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

Wheel-Thrown Pottery (DIY) (DIY Network)
Price: —

23 used & new available from USD 16.04

• Covers technique from handbuilding to refined throwing

• Tons of information about glazing, firing and making

• Written with the emotional side of the artist in mind

If you are just beginning in clay, boy are you in for a treat! This book is the only clay book I have ever come across that up front deals with the idea that art is not just a bunch of techniques that we are trained to use, or an assortment of skills that we mix in some kind of a recipe.

Instead Robert Piepenburg recognizes from the first page that artists are soul driven people, looking to make what is in their heart visible.

“I now know that clay can be a fertile growing ground of the spirit. I ‘ve seen this same spiritual birthing scenario occur time and time again with students of min who were new to clay. What I didn’t know then, but have come to know now, is that you don’t actually find your self with clay…you make yourself with clay.” ~Robert Piepenburg -from introduction of The Spirit of Clay

The author is a teacher, so if you are a teacher, you will relate to the various exercises and experiments in clay. If you are just learning clay, you will have fun just plunging in and experiencing clay!

In a technical sense, you will find technique through out the book, from throwing skills, and the refinement of those skills to glazing and firing discussions. The diagrams are clear and easy to follow. He covers pit/smoke firing, glaze firing and raku firing. There is a plethora of glaze recipes for all maturity temperatures.

Pros: Everything! Seriously, the discussion here is so well rounded, not just covering the roots of creativity, nor just the facts of making, glazing and firing, but everything in between. The manner of the author is not contrived at all, but more like you were sitting in class with him each day and he is conversing with you as a student about clay and about the life of an artist.

Cons: Robert Piepenburg does some beautiful work, and there are some other artists featured who also have very colorful work. It would have been nice to see some color pictures.

If I could only have 10 clay books in my library, this one would be at the top of the list!

Read more about this book at
Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

The Spirit of Clay: A Classic Guide to Ceramics
Price: —

11 used & new available from USD 35.00