Here are 100 books that Drawing Landscapes fans have personally recommended if you like Drawing Landscapes. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Drawing: A Complete Guide

Carole Massey Author Of Drawing for the Absolute Beginner

From my list on how to draw.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved to draw ever since my Dad used to sit drawing with me at the kitchen table when I was little. At Art School we had to spend the first six weeks doing a daily life drawing class before being allowed to pick up a paintbrush! I then studied graphic design setting up my own business, at a time when, without computers, drawing was essential for presenting layout and design. Nowadays, I’m constantly instilling in my students the importance of drawing and sketching. Having been a professional artist all my working life, drawing has been a fundamental element in every way, and all the way.

Carole's book list on how to draw

Carole Massey Why Carole loves this book

In this 376-page drawing “bible”, all aspects of drawing are covered in great detail, from portraits and figure studies to still life and landscapes. After the first chapter on materials and equipment, Giovanni illustrates the bone structure, musculature, and features of the head, hands, and feet using pencil, ink, and charcoal. It’s the most comprehensive approach I’ve seen in any portrait book.

Further chapters on shadows, shading, composition, sketching, perspective, and aerial perspective are also extremely helpful. This book is a mine of information, and one I turn to when in need of technical know-how for portraiture.

By Giovanni Civardi ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Drawing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is an essential book for anyone learning to draw, or wishing to improve their drawing. Starting with the basics of drawing techniques, Civardi gives expert advice on drawing portraits, the clothed figure, hands and feet and scenery, finishing with a section on the importance of light and shade. Civardi's technical advice and practical tips, accompanied by his own outstanding drawings, make this an invaluable resource for any artist.

Previously published as Giovanni Civardi's Complete Guide to Drawing (9781844482061) and now includes The Nude (9781844482443).


If you love Drawing Landscapes...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Book cover of Sketching for the Absolute Beginner

Carole Massey Author Of Drawing for the Absolute Beginner

From my list on how to draw.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved to draw ever since my Dad used to sit drawing with me at the kitchen table when I was little. At Art School we had to spend the first six weeks doing a daily life drawing class before being allowed to pick up a paintbrush! I then studied graphic design setting up my own business, at a time when, without computers, drawing was essential for presenting layout and design. Nowadays, I’m constantly instilling in my students the importance of drawing and sketching. Having been a professional artist all my working life, drawing has been a fundamental element in every way, and all the way.

Carole's book list on how to draw

Carole Massey Why Carole loves this book

I love sketching and encourage my students to do as much as possible to improve both drawing techniques and observation. In this comprehensive book, Peter guides us through many different aspects of sketching using pencil, pen, and pen & wash, demonstrating his S-E-T method, reminding us constantly to consider Shapes, Edges, and Tones. His drawings and pen and wash studies are a feast for the eyes; he guides the reader through simple step-by-step drawings as well as larger projects, and everything is conveyed in an easy-to-understand way, making it a pleasure to dip into this book.

By Peter Cronin ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sketching for the Absolute Beginner as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the author of the best-selling art book, Pure Watercolour Painting and guest judge on Channel 5's Watercolour Challenge, Peter Cronin.

Sketching is more than just drawing quickly. It is training your eye and hand to work together, to respond immediately and naturally to the scene before you.

Starting from a clear, simple method to bring all the senses into play, successful author and acclaimed artist Peter Cronin shows the reader how to bring artistry and economy to their sketching; making for swift and impressive results. Whether sketching as the basis for painting, or simply for pleasure, this…


Book cover of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Richard Yot Author Of Light for Visual Artists

From my list on light for artists.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a professional artist, and I’ve been fascinated by light and lighting for most of my life. About twenty years ago, I realized there were no books available on this subject at all and very little information around, so it was difficult to take a deep dive into the topic of light in relation to visual art. I wrote some articles on my website, which became very popular, and this resulted in a book deal with Laurence King. My book was published in 2011, and in the interim period, more books have appeared, offering a wider and more diverse range of knowledge from differing perspectives and different artists.

Richard's book list on light for artists

Richard Yot Why Richard loves this book

When I couldn’t truly see light, I couldn’t really understand it. There is a reason why we don’t notice the subtleties of light in our everyday lives, and it’s because our brains filter it out. This book gave me a key that unlocked the art of seeing so that I could see the world as it really is rather than the simplified version that my brain presented me with.

A must for any visual artist, this book gave me the most fundamental insight that I could ever hope for: it taught me to see the world as I’d never seen it before. This was a life-changing gift.

By Betty Edwards ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

OVER 3 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE

'You will quickly amaze and delight yourself. Hands down the best and most life-enhancing thing I've done in lockdown' India Knight, Sunday Times

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is the world's most widely used drawing instruction book. Whether you are a professional, a student, or enjoy art as a hobby, Betty Edwards' practical step-by-step guide will give you greater confidence in your ability, deepen your artistic perception and provide a new way to appreciate the way you perceive the world around you.

This groundbreaking guide includes:
- Expert advice on materials…


If you love Margaret Eggleton...

Book cover of The Tao of Poison

The Tao of Poison by Isham Cook,

A poisonous maiden, a Daoist sex cult, and a violent insurgency.

The polyandrous Yan family in China's rural Shaanxi Province takes in two carpenter brothers. When one brother is convicted of murder after killing their neighbor in a dispute, a constable threatens to expose the family's rumored polyandry and extorts…

Book cover of Drawing Perspective

Carole Massey Author Of Drawing for the Absolute Beginner

From my list on how to draw.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved to draw ever since my Dad used to sit drawing with me at the kitchen table when I was little. At Art School we had to spend the first six weeks doing a daily life drawing class before being allowed to pick up a paintbrush! I then studied graphic design setting up my own business, at a time when, without computers, drawing was essential for presenting layout and design. Nowadays, I’m constantly instilling in my students the importance of drawing and sketching. Having been a professional artist all my working life, drawing has been a fundamental element in every way, and all the way.

Carole's book list on how to draw

Carole Massey Why Carole loves this book

Perspective is essential for good drawing but something that a lot of people find a struggle. Tim has treated every aspect of perspective in a simple and interesting way so that anyone can understand it. As well as buildings and landscapes, Tim also covers topics not so obvious - people, animals, boats and reflections, and more. He also shows how perspective applies to curved objects and inclined planes, and suggests how to correct common mistakes as well as moving on from rigid rules to a freer and more instinctive way of drawing. 

By Tim Fisher ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Drawing Perspective as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"...by far the best primer [on perspective] I've ever seen. If you have other books, throw them away and buy this. You won't regret it."
- Artbookreview.net

Learn how to master perspective and create convincing drawings of the three-dimensional world with the help of artist and teacher, Tim Fisher.

Every aspect of perspective, from zero- to multi-point, is explored and explained in simple terms that everyone can understand. In addition to landscapes and buildings, you will learn how to apply perspective to people, animals, boats, reflections and more. There is also expert advice on drawing curved objects and…


Book cover of Urban Sketching: The Complete Guide to Techniques

Matthew Brehm Author Of Drawing Perspective: How to See It and How to Apply It

From my list on learning to draw from observation.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been continuously studying, practicing, and/or teaching architecture since 1984, and my particular focus has been on drawing–why we draw and how we can develop our own practices for drawing, whether it’s related to architecture or not. Even more particular is my focus on drawing by hand–a practice that has had a major resurgence after the initial wave of fascination for digital drawing tools has waned. I am passionate about drawing and want to share that passion with others, partially by recommending books that have been of significant use to me over the years.

Matthew's book list on learning to draw from observation

Matthew Brehm Why Matthew loves this book

Like my previous selection, this is a wonderfully illustrated book with helpful information and many examples. Thomas is an amazing and prolific artist who has a gift for leading the reader through his subject matter in a direct and accessible way. Including many examples from other artists makes this a true compendium of on-location sketching.

By Thomas Thorspecken ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Urban Sketching as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Look no further for a drawing guide that will take your artistic pursuits to a new level! Urban Sketching takes inspiration from the living, breathing world around us to provide step-by-step instructions for creating urban landscapes using a wide range of techniques.

Urban Sketching provides the fundamentals of sketching and drawing while delving into this unique community of urban sketchers. This how-to book includes:

A perspective drawing guide that will aid in capturing landscapes, buildings, and objects accurately Tips for capturing the essence of people in sketches when subjects are on the move The art of adding notes, commentary, and…


Book cover of The Artistic Anatomy of Trees

James Gurney Author Of Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist

From my list on anatomy and drawing.

Why am I passionate about this?

My name is James Gurney and I've been a professional illustrator for National Geographic and Scientific American for over 40 years. Although I went to art school, everything I know about drawing and painting comes from studying art instruction books, and from sketching directly from nature. I'm best known for writing and illustrating the New York Times bestselling Dinotopia book series, published in 32 countries and 18 languages. I designed 15 dinosaur stamps for USPS and a set of five dinosaur stamps for Australia Post. My originals have been shown in over 35 solo museum exhibitions. My book Color and Light has sold over 200k copies and was Amazon's #1 bestselling book on painting for over a year.

James' book list on anatomy and drawing

James Gurney Why James loves this book

This book is a good one to consult when one needs a reminder that not all trees look the same. Cole draws upon the Victorian tradition of close observation of nature, and he analyzes trees at the level of roots, branches, stems, blossoms, leaves, and foliage masses. The book transcends the limits of a botanical treatise by exploring artistic issues, such as the grouping of masses and the simplification of contours. The text is profusely illustrated with black-and-white explanatory drawings, as well as compositions by early masters.

By Rex V. Cole ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Artistic Anatomy of Trees as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Monumental book . . . Mr. Vicat Cole is a born teacher." — Contemporary Review
"Mr. Vicat Cole's ability as a landscape painter is well known, and he unites to his executive talents the qualifications of an accomplished teacher." — Connoisseur
"The name of the author is itself a guarantee that the subject is adequately treated. It is handled in a systematic and lucid way, which the novice . . . can follow with ease." — Studio
For years greatly admired and widely used, this excellent text by one of Britain's foremost art instructors has achieved the status of a…


If you love Drawing Landscapes...

Book cover of Big Ideas... For Small Businesses: Simple, Practical Tools and Tactics to Help Your Small Business Grow

Big Ideas... For Small Businesses by John Lamerton,

Big Ideas… for Small Businesses is a straight-talking, no-nonsense guide to growing a small business without sacrificing your lifestyle. Written by a former civil servant turned entrepreneur, the book challenges hustle culture and instead champions the idea of an "ambitious lifestyle business" - one that provides freedom and financial stability,…

Book cover of Framed Ink: Drawing and Composition for Visual Storytellers

Richard Yot Author Of Light for Visual Artists

From my list on light for artists.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a professional artist, and I’ve been fascinated by light and lighting for most of my life. About twenty years ago, I realized there were no books available on this subject at all and very little information around, so it was difficult to take a deep dive into the topic of light in relation to visual art. I wrote some articles on my website, which became very popular, and this resulted in a book deal with Laurence King. My book was published in 2011, and in the interim period, more books have appeared, offering a wider and more diverse range of knowledge from differing perspectives and different artists.

Richard's book list on light for artists

Richard Yot Why Richard loves this book

I love this book because it is as easy on the eye as it is insightful, with beautiful illustrations that perfectly complement the written content. Light and shadow are tackled with a noir aesthetic that is unique and very compelling.

Aside from the incredible visuals, what this book imparts most of all is how to use light as a storytelling and compositional device. And it does it in such style that I enjoy coming back to it again and again.

By Marcos Mateu-Mestre ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Framed Ink as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The ultimate guide to visual storytelling! How to make the audience ""feel"" the story while they are ""reading"" the story. Using his experiences from working in the comic book industry, movie studios and teaching, Marcos introduces the reader to a step-by-step system that will create the most successful storyboards and graphics for the best visual communication.

After a brief discussion on narrative art, Marcos introduces us to drawing and composing a single image, to composing steady shots to drawing to compose for continuity between all the shots. These lessons are then applied to three diverse story lines - a train…


Book cover of The Practice and Science of Drawing

Robh Ruppel Author Of Graphic L.A.

From my list on timeless art advice.

Why am I passionate about this?

In the “meme-ification” of the world, the long-form version of learning and practicing skills is getting lost. True discovery happens after a thorough and deep understanding of the subject. Truth is a multilayered, complex exploration that is hard to sum up in a single sentence. 

Robh's book list on timeless art advice

Robh Ruppel Why Robh loves this book

The Practice and Science of Drawing is one of the few books worth reading every page of. I thumbed through it for years before finally reading it. The author breaks down drawing into two major categories, that of line and that of mass, and how they are distinct from one another, yet how they are intertwined in their ability to render form. An awareness of both concepts is crucial to a full education of the artist.

By Harold Speed ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Practice and Science of Drawing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Much of the learning to practice as well as to appreciate art is concerned with understanding the basic principles. One of these principles is what Harold Speed calls "dither," the freedom that allows realism and the artistic vision to play against each other. Very important to any artist or work of art, this quality separates the scientifically accurate from the artistically accurate. Speed's approach to this problem is now considered a classic, one of the few books from the early years of this century that has continued to be read and recommended by those in the graphic arts.
In this…


Book cover of Creative Illustration

Richard Yot Author Of Light for Visual Artists

From my list on light for artists.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a professional artist, and I’ve been fascinated by light and lighting for most of my life. About twenty years ago, I realized there were no books available on this subject at all and very little information around, so it was difficult to take a deep dive into the topic of light in relation to visual art. I wrote some articles on my website, which became very popular, and this resulted in a book deal with Laurence King. My book was published in 2011, and in the interim period, more books have appeared, offering a wider and more diverse range of knowledge from differing perspectives and different artists.

Richard's book list on light for artists

Richard Yot Why Richard loves this book

This was a book I wanted for a long time but it was out of print for decades. Finally, back in print in 2012, this has long been considered the bible for illustrators and visual artists of all stripes. Packed to the brim with useful and unique insights, this book covers figurative art comprehensively. From lighting to shadows, mood, and composition, it’s all here and explained in the clearest and most insightful way imaginable.

If ever there was a truly timeless book that explained the core principles of visual art, this is it. For me, it is an academy in itself. A book that will give you a lifetime of enjoyment and reward you with fresh insights every time you pick it up.

By Andrew Loomis (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Creative Illustration as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Creative Illustration" is considered Loomis' magnum opus, which is aimed primarily at the professional-level illustrator. It's divided into seven sections: Line, Tone, Color, Telling the Story, Creating Ideas, Fields of Illustration, and Experimenting and Studies. The book is filled with instructions, tips, insider experiences, and incredible illustrations.


If you love Margaret Eggleton...

Book cover of Sexy Selfie Nation: Standing Up for Yourself in Today's Toxic, Sexist Culture

Sexy Selfie Nation by Leora Tanenbaum,

The problem is not with the actions young women take but with the toxic, sexist conditions they are responding to.

Tanenbaum found, based on six years of interviews with young people ages 14-30, that young women are navigating a culture littered with gendered dress codes, revenge porn, and sexually explicit…

Book cover of Drawing for the Absolute Beginner: A Clear & Easy Guide to Successful Drawing

Samantha Dion Baker Author Of Draw Your World: How to Sketch and Paint Your Remarkable Life

From my list on inspiring creativity (from an artist).

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up in a family of artists and then went to art school, so I have been thinking visually my entire life. I have always collected random, inspiring books with both words and images. I love being able to pick up a book and read a chapter at a time or flip through it for visual inspiration. I keep some of my favorite books at my bedside just because they give me comfort. There are so many more books I could recommend in the category I have chosen! 

Samantha's book list on inspiring creativity (from an artist)

Samantha Dion Baker Why Samantha loves this book

This book is a classic.

Be sure not to let the title deceive you, though. It is useful for artists at all levels because it is a place to refresh basic skills. To see in a very clear way how to draw a man standing is super helpful no matter where you are in your art practice.

If you aim to draw fantastical caricatures or very realistically, this book breaks it all down for you so that you can hit the ground running in your own personal style. 

By Mark Willenbrink , Mary Willenbrink ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Drawing for the Absolute Beginner as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This inspiring book makes drawing in a realistic style easier than you may think and more fun than you ever imagined!

Authors Mark and Mary Willenbrink (Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner) cover it all-from choosing materials and the correct way to hold your pencil, to expert advice on the tricky stuff, like getting proportions and perspective right, drawing reflections, and designing strong compositions. (It's not as scary as it sounds...not with Mark and Mary as your guide!)

At the heart of this book, a series of fun, hands-on exercises help you practice and perfect your strokes-24 mini-demos lead…


Book cover of Drawing: A Complete Guide
Book cover of Sketching for the Absolute Beginner
Book cover of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

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