Make your brain better!

Below are some of my favorite books for life and art. Full disclosure, by clicking through any of these to buy from Amazon, I get a small referral fee. So it's a nice way to support me even if you don't want any art! :)

These are some of the books I have found to be the most influential, ones I return to time and again for inspiration and guidance. 

I'll also include some of my favorite art supplies here since I get asked sometimes - ​Enjoy browsing!

Think and Grow Rich
​by Napoleon Hill

This book was one of the most transformative books I ever read. This book isn't just about earning money, it's about using your mind to focus on growing "rich" spiritually, emotionally, and professionally.

​This is one I will always recommend to anyone that asks me about career decisions and goals, especially when they are far away and will require great planning!

Color and Light
​by James Gurney

James Gurney is one of the most thorough and generous teachers of the art of painting. In his book Color and Light he breaks down fundamentals of how he thinks about these topics in detail and clarity.

This book should cost triple what it does, and contains a wealth of knowledge I refer back to time and time again. 

Drawing the Head and Hands
by Andrew Loomis

If you're looking for the authority on head and portrait drawing, look no further. Andrew Loomis literally wrote the book on the topic. 

​This was out of print for decades and only recently became available to the public again. 

The One Thing
by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

If you find yourself looking for your main purpose in life, or lacking motivation to get moving forward, this is the book to get you set on the right path. 

The One Thing inspired me to focus on the things that matter most to my personal life, my work, and my art.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
by Stephen King

Regardless of what you think of Stephen King's books, he's an excellent source of inspiration and instruction on being a productive creative person. 

In addition, his personal story of how he become the productive writer he is today is inspiring as well!

The Art of Happiness
​by the Dalai Lama

Being a fruitful and inspired person starts with looking inward and deciding what truly matters most in life. Be healthy. Actively pursue real connections with the people around you.

This book taught me how to see past temporary frustrations and look at the bigger, brighter picture that is the simple joy of being a human on earth.

Color and Light
​by James Gurney

Another classic by James Gurney, a perfect companion to Color and Light. In this one he talks about the great hurdle we all face, how to paint what doesn't exist, with beautiful examples and lessons.

Again this book should also cost triple what it does, and contains a wealth of knowledge I refer back to time and time again also.

Figure Drawing for All It's Worth
​by Andrew Loomis

Just as I said about Drawing the Head and Hands, Andrew Loomis literally wrote the book on the topic of figure drawing. 

​This was ALSO out of print for decades and only recently became available to the public again. 

How to Win Friends & Influence People
by Dale Carnegie

This book is a classic and was absolutely groundbreaking for me. This is not a book about becoming popular or being manipulative!! 

This book is about communicating and empathizing with people, ultimately building stronger connections.

David and Goliath
​by Malcom Gladwell

Literally ANYTHING by Malcolm Gladwell will enrich your life and make you a better person. In David and Goliath he tells real life stories of underdogs and misfits that broke the mold and were met with great success. Some rules and limiations we give ourselves, don't actually exist at all.