Inspiring Art Books

I find that I'm drawn to art books that are quite different to the way I work but, also, those that tend to focus on sketching. Some of my current favourites are quite old, but there are a few new ones, too.

1. Cotswold Sketchbook: I love how Lesley Holmes captures her community in such a soft way. I've had this book for almost 30 years and I'm still inspired by it as it includes pencil sketches and finished work. I love seeing how artist's work progresses.
2. Jane Was Here: I love Jane Austen and am currently writing my thesis on her work as feminist literature. This is another book I've had for awhile though I believe it's been republished recently and it is filled with wonderful illustrations and interesting tidbits of information.  Now that my daughter lives in England, it is even more meaningful.
3. In Pursuit of Inspiration: I love rae dunn illustrations and this book does not disappoint. Not only does she include her lovely little doodles, but also images of what inspired them. My daughter and I both gifted one another this book in 2019 and we both still enjoy it.
4. Hand Drawn Halifax & Draw Your Day: I picked these both up at a wonderful little bookshop on a trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia several years ago and immediately read them cover-to-cover. I just love how different every artist approaches work in their sketchbook.
5. The Watercolor Feast: My husband picked this one up for me last year and I love the vibrancy of the watercolour sketches. It's a great reminder that even the simplest things around home can inspire work in a sketchbook. These illustrations were created using the direct watercolour method, which means no pre-drawing, something that I would like to incorporate into my sketchbook practice more often.

I've also posted a video on youtube with a bit of a flip through, too.