Knowledge is as important as talent.
Following your passion for art is exciting, but fervent of art should always have some basic understanding of it and build an intellectual background, eventually further spreading information. I could write you a whole list of excellent art history books or art tutorials books that are well known. However, it is unnecessary as you can find tons of art books in bookstores, online shops or at your local library. Thus, instead, I will list three books that you would not think can be significant, but that stand out and have changed my life and presence as an artist.
1.) The first one is your favorite book from your childhood. Go back to your kindergarten years and remember the characters, the way illustrations were created, and the story of your favorite children's book. When I was a child, mine was a story written by Czech author Josef Capek, "O psickovi a macicke" ("About a Little Dog and Little Cat" in English).
I was so in love with the animal characters that I am convinced it impacted my adoration for animals, and the light blue color as it was the color of the cat. I use soft blue everywhere - in our apartment, my wardrobe and, of course, my paintings. Also, Josef Capek's simple illustrative style and his pencil drawings are just incredible. So, if you want to find out where your artistic roots are and what may have had a more considerable influence on you than you think, go to your parents' house and open that old dusty trunk in the ceiling. Besides lots of nostalgia, you may also better understand your sense of taste.
2.) Your art journal - Write all your plans, dreams, sketches, drawings, miniature paintings, inspirations, pictures and quotes, notes, and brainstorming in a journal. I am a true believer in journaling. Once your idea is set on paper, it is no longer "only" an idea; it is a concrete thing or material, and you have to follow it because you will see it every day.
3.) Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" - Wait, isn't this a financial book? Yes, it is. For beginners who wish to learn how to deal appropriately and successfully with money, Kiyosaki explained straightforwardly the financial matters that are usually described difficultly by institutions. I am hearing you say now, "But I want to be an artist! Why should I read some financial book?" Well, would you like to be a poor artist who is always struggling with money, or would you prefer to be a well-established artist who knows how to invest their hardly-earned money? Did you also know that investing and handling money well can be considered a type of art? Constant struggling with a non-optimistic financial situation can have a substantial impact on your creativity. When dealing with a life hardship on how to pay rent the following month, you probably are not in the mood for painting. In this book, Kiyosaki details everything about savings, investing and paying depths so you can be free.
Hopefully, my book preferences will help you out a bit on your way toward focusing more on your (part-time or full-time) artist career and more.
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