Top Comprehensive Art Encyclopedias and Guides

The best Art Encyclopedias includes Art: The Definitive Visual Guide (DK Cultural Histories), Children's Knowledge Encyclopedia: Art & Architecture, Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life: Visual Encyclopedia and many others as mentioned below.

1

Art: The Definitive Visual Guide (DK Cultural Histories)

  • Over 2,500 influential artworks showcased.
  • Features insights on over 700 artists.
  • Chronological structure from prehistoric to modern art.
  • Detailed analysis in ‘Closer Look’ sections.
  • Stunning full-color illustrations enhance experience.
  • Ideal for art lovers and students alike.
  • Perfect coffee table book and gift choice.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $33.02
2

Children's Knowledge Encyclopedia: Art & Architecture

  • Explains famous structures like Eiffel Tower and Big Ben.
  • Engaging illustrations enhance learning and understanding.
  • Includes a glossary for difficult terms.
  • Fun facts section keeps readers interested.
  • Ideal for curious minds and expanding knowledge.
  • Well-researched, child-friendly content throughout.
  • Perfect for gifting and school libraries.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.99
3

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life: Visual Encyclopedia

  • Comprehensive guide to prehistoric life on Earth.
  • Features 3D reconstructions and intricate fossil illustrations.
  • Covers over 500 prehistoric species and plants.
  • Explores geological time and evolution through fossils.
  • Richly annotated artworks enhance understanding of Earth’s history.
  • Ideal gift for dinosaur enthusiasts and naturalists.
  • Beautifully designed with a foiled cover for display.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.87
4

Drawing the Head and Hands by Loomis

  • Classic guide for drawing heads and hands.
  • Expert teachings from legendary illustrator Andrew Loomis.
  • Detailed theory and helpful reference illustrations included.
  • Explore differences between genders and age ranges.
  • Instruction on basic forms, proportions, and perspectives.
  • Learn mechanics of facial features and expressions.
  • Comprehensive techniques for drawing hands in action.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $27.45
5

101 Watercolor Secrets: Essential Techniques for Painters

  • Discover essential watercolor techniques for every artist.
  • Learn to mix colors for stunning, realistic results.
  • Master tools and materials for effective watercolor painting.
  • Overcome common challenges with expert tips and guidance.
  • Create beautiful compositions using rhythm and color harmony.
  • Explore favorite subjects like flowers and landscapes.
  • Inspire your creativity and elevate your watercolor skills.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $22.46
6

Art & Fear: Insights on Creative Risks (Paperback)

  • Insights from experienced artists on artmaking challenges.
  • Explores the reasons artists struggle to create.
  • Addresses the nature of artistic fear and doubt.
  • A practical guide for artists in all mediums.
  • Encourages perseverance in the creative process.
  • Offers relatable experiences for students and teachers.
  • A timeless classic on creativity and artmaking.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.70
7

Children's Arts Visual Encyclopedia, Hardcover Edition

  • Comprehensive art history for kids aged 9-12.
  • Features iconic artworks and famous artists' profiles.
  • Stunning photography and colorful double-page spreads.
  • Engaging text covering key art curriculum topics.
  • Encourages creativity and appreciation for the arts.
  • Explores various artistic styles and movements in detail.
  • Ideal for parents, educators, and curious children.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.99
8

Encyclopaedia Eorzea: Final Fantasy XIV Volume II

  • Second volume of Final Fantasy XIV lore.
  • Compiled by the Final Fantasy XIV development team.
  • Full-color hardcover with stunning artwork.
  • Explores newly discovered lands of Eorzea.
  • Contains hundreds of pages of information.
  • Includes exclusive in-game item code.
  • Perfect for dedicated knowledge seekers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $31.38
9

Creative Illustration by Andrew Loomis

  • Legendary illustrator Andrew Loomis's essential guide.
  • Comprehensive manual for professional-level illustrators.
  • Seven detailed sections covering key illustration topics.
  • Includes expert tips and insider experiences.
  • Filled with stunning illustrations for inspiration.
  • A timeless resource for aspiring artists.
  • Enhance your illustration skills with proven techniques.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.98
  • Color: 11 positive
10

Encyclopaedia Eorzea: Final Fantasy XIV Volume I

  • First volume of official Final Fantasy XIV lore.
  • Deluxe, full-color, hardcover edition.
  • Comprehensive guide to Eorzea's history and cultures.
  • Details realm's city-states and organizations.
  • Insights into Eorzea's beastmen and creatures.
  • Includes exclusive in-game Namingway minion code.
  • A treasure trove for Final Fantasy XIV fans.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.99
11

Encyclopaedia Eorzea: Final Fantasy XIV Volume III

  • Third volume of official Final Fantasy XIV lore.
  • Deluxe hardcover edition with rich illustrations.
  • Covers Shadowbringers and Endwalker expansions.
  • Explores events in Etheirys and Norvrandt.
  • Comprehensive descriptions of histories and cultures.
  • Includes exclusive in-game Wind-up Fourchenault minion.
  • Ideal for fans seeking deeper game knowledge.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $25.00
12

Pocket Complete Color Harmony [1500 Palettes]

  • Pocket-size for easy portability and reference.
  • 1,500+ color palettes for diverse projects.
  • Insights into warm, cool, pale, and bright colors.
  • Explores moods associated with different colors.
  • Guidance on selecting ideal color combinations.
  • Includes CMYK process color chart for convenience.
  • Expert advice boosts confidence in color choices.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
13

Masterpieces Explained: Understanding Great Paintings (eBook)

  • Private art tour experience with expert guidance.
  • Understand famous paintings and their meanings.
  • Full-color images enhance visual experience throughout.
  • Explores myths and symbolism behind artworks.
  • Includes masterpieces from renowned artists.
  • Insightful perspectives on art history and composition.
  • Perfect for art enthusiasts and learners alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
14

Ball Canning: Foolproof Guide to Preserving

  • Easy, beginner-friendly canning techniques for everyone.
  • 100 versatile recipes for jams, jellies, and pickles.
  • Step-by-step photographs guide every essential process.
  • Detailed water bath canning information included.
  • Simple variations for low-sugar options provided.
  • Expert tips ensure safe and delicious canning.
  • Master home canning with confidence and ease.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.63
15

Pokémon Visual Companion Fifth Edition Guide

  • Discover your favorite Pokémon and their stories.
  • Explore regions from Kanto to Galar.
  • Follow Ash’s journey to become a champion.
  • Meet Legendary and Mythical Pokémon characters.
  • Fact-packed guide for Pokémon fans of all ages.
  • Updated information from the animated series included.
  • Perfect for collectors and aspiring trainers alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
  • Color: 4 positive
16

101 Watercolor Secrets: Essential Techniques for Painters

  • Learn essential watercolor techniques from expert Anna Bucciarelli.
  • Master color mixing and create unique palettes.
  • Understand tools for successful watercolor painting.
  • Overcome common challenges with practical tips.
  • Discover secrets to painting popular subjects.
  • Craft stunning compositions with key principles.
  • Enhance your artistic journey with expert insights.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.99
17

The Art Book (Revised Expanded 2020)

  • Revised and expanded edition of a classic art book.
  • Features over 600 artists from various periods.
  • Organized alphabetically for easy navigation.
  • Includes 40 new artworks and contemporary artists.
  • Informative texts accompany each artist's key work.
  • Translated into 20 languages for global readership.
  • A vibrant visual sourcebook celebrating culture.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $33.00
18

Decoding the Silver Screen: A Film Lover's Guide

  • Essential analysis of film as an art form.
  • Transition from viewer to accomplished film reader.
  • Explains grammar of film and storytelling techniques.
  • Analyzes classic and contemporary movies for insights.
  • Utilizes AFI 100 Years-100 Movies for examples.
  • Empowers readers to deepen their movie appreciation.
  • Written by bestselling author Thomas C. Foster.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $1.99
19

Origami Techniques Encyclopedia: Fully Illustrated Guide

  • Beginner-friendly origami projects for all skill levels.
  • Over 30 step-by-step projects included.
  • Fully illustrated guide for easy understanding.
  • Covers basic and advanced origami techniques.
  • Includes traditional and modern origami forms.
  • Inspiration from origami around the world.
  • Master foundational folds and complex designs.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.88
20

Pocket Color Harmony: 1,500 Palettes Guide

  • Pocket-sized color reference guide for artists.
  • Over 1,500 curated color palettes included.
  • Guidance on color wheel usage and theory.
  • Discover emotional impacts of different colors.
  • Organized palettes for diverse design projects.
  • CMYK color chart for easy selection.
  • Boost confidence in your color choices.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.08
21

Essential Color Wheel Companion Guide

  • Durable, color-accurate, multi-purpose design.
  • 12" x 12" size for easy portability.
  • One side features 24 pure colors.
  • Includes 4 color-plan wheels for each color.
  • Shows tints, shades, and tones on the reverse.
  • Easy color auditioning with slotted wedges.
  • Perfect for artists, designers, and hobbyists.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.95
  • Color: Merchant Video
22

Freehand Sketching Tips & Tricks eBook

  • Easy and fun freehand sketching techniques.
  • Examples from today’s coolest artists.
  • Over 200 innovative works of art showcased.
  • Breaks down techniques into bite-sized chunks.
  • Essential reference materials for aspiring artists.
  • Find your unique drawing style.
  • Suitable for all skill levels.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99
23

Great Book of Zentangle Drawing

  • Unlock your creative potential with Zentangle drawing.
  • Step-by-step instructions for beginners and experts.
  • Beautifully illustrated in full-colour for inspiration.
  • Explore intricate patterns and meditative compositions.
  • Enhance mindfulness and relieve stress through art.
  • Discover a sourcebook of Jane Marbaix's artworks.
  • Encourages experimentation and creativity in your tangles.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $0.99
24

Mastering Perspective: Essential Techniques for Artists

  • Comprehensive guide to mastering perspective techniques.
  • Simple methods for creating depth and distance.
  • Step-by-step exercises for practical understanding.
  • Applicable to all mediums: acrylic, oil, watercolor.
  • Professional tips and shortcuts for easier perspective.
  • Builds confidence for artists of every skill level.
  • Transform flat surfaces into dynamic, dimensional scenes.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.22
25

Anatomy: Comprehensive Guide for Artists

  • Master human anatomy for artists.
  • Over 250 halftone illustrations included.
  • 180 line drawings enhance understanding.
  • Step-by-step techniques for figure drawing.
  • Covers proportions, muscles, and bones.
  • Detailed analysis of facial features.
  • Explore various body positions effectively.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.96
26

Art Annotated: Greatest Paintings Explained eBook

  • Explore 3,000 years of art history.
  • Includes 500 masterpieces with detailed annotations.
  • Profiles over 450 diverse artists worldwide.
  • Covers major art movements and periods.
  • Visual analysis of techniques and symbolism.
  • Optional directory of artists' biographies included.
  • Perfect for art lovers and enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.99
27

Collage Techniques: Essential Guide for Artists

  • Explores diverse materials for collage creation.
  • Step-by-step demonstrations for each material category.
  • Features works from over eighty renowned artists.
  • Covers traditional and contemporary collage techniques.
  • Discusses digital applications in modern collage art.
  • Essential reference for artists and illustrators alike.
  • Enhances understanding of design elements in collage.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.16
  • Color: 7 positive
28

Disney A to Z Encyclopedia [6th Edition]

  • Comprehensive guide to The Walt Disney Company.
  • Over 9,000 entries covering Disney history.
  • Includes biographies of key Disney figures.
  • Features major Disney films and characters.
  • Updated with recent Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm content.
  • Highlights Disney theme parks and attractions.
  • Perfect for Disney fans of all ages.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $25.00
29

Stylepedia: The Ultimate Illustrated Fashion Trends Guide

  • Comprehensive visual directory of fashion styles.
  • Over 1200 vivid illustrations included.
  • Explores origins and cultural contexts of styles.
  • Covers trends from the 1920s to Y2K.
  • Highlights lesser-known influential subcultures.
  • Examines fashion's relationship with social contexts.
  • Enriches understanding of style significance.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $31.99