📚 Books That Changed My Art Practice Forever

Guest post by Clara Wrenford.

There’s something magical about the right book arriving at just the right moment in your creative journey. Over the years, I’ve collected a small stack of books that didn’t just teach me something — they fundamentally reshaped how I think about art, how I work, and how I see the world.

Today I want to share five books that changed my art practice forever. Whether you’re a watercolorist, a mixed media artist, or just getting back into art after a long break, I hope one of these books meets you exactly where you are.

📘 1. “The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp

While not strictly about visual art, this book taught me the discipline behind creativity. Tharp’s insights on routine, structure, and developing rituals helped me take my art seriously — even on days when inspiration felt out of reach.

Key takeaway: Creativity isn’t random. It’s a habit you build, just like a muscle.

🎨 2. “Expressive Drawing” by Steven Aimone

This book broke me out of perfectionism. It introduced me to gesture, emotion, and the freedom of mark-making. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to make “pretty” art, this is a must-read.

Key takeaway: There’s beauty in chaos — let go of control and see what happens.

🖌️ 3. “Watercolor for the Serious Beginner” by Mary Whyte

I had dabbled in watercolor before, but this book made me fall in love with it. Whyte’s step-by-step guidance, clear technique breakdowns, and real-world artist tips made watercolor feel both approachable and rich with possibility.

Key takeaway: Watercolor rewards patience, but it also rewards bravery.

✏️ 4. “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards

Yes, it’s a classic — and for good reason. This book reshaped how I see. It helped me transition from drawing what I thought I knew to truly observing the world around me.

Key takeaway: Anyone can draw if they learn how to look.

📚 5. “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon

This tiny powerhouse of a book gave me permission to be influenced, to remix, and to experiment without shame. It reminded me that no art is made in a vacuum — and that’s a beautiful thing.

Key takeaway: Influence is inevitable. Let it inspire, not intimidate.

Not every book will hit you the same way it hit someone else. But I truly believe in the power of well-timed words to shift your path — even just a little. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or creatively scattered, maybe it’s time to pull a book off the shelf.

~Clara