We have created a most comprehensive, yet careful selected list of the many free instructional and other art related e-books.
All books within this listing are either public domain or used with permission.
Line & Form by Walter Crane
Probably the most comprehensive book ever written on line, line variation, line conture drawing, form and design. It is the classical instructional work on line and form
More info about Line & FormGreat Pictures, As Seen and Described by Famous Writers Edited by Esther Singleton
Great writers have occasionally been inspired to record their impressions of a famous painting. A great book for art students, who need to describe a famous painting.
More info about Great Pictures, As Seen and Described by Famous WritersThe Elements of Realistic Drawing By Marina Fridman
Great step-by-step tutoring of the portrait for beginners. You will need to become a member (at no cost) to be able to download the book.
More info about The Elements of Realistic Drawing100 Self Portrait Drawings By Marina Fridman
Great compilation of self portraits of the years 1484 to today. You will need to become a member, which is free, to be able to access the book.
More info about 100 Self Portrait DrawingsDraw Better Learn to Draw With Confidence Dominique Audette
Systematically presents fundamental concepts by taking even complicated shapes and reduce them to basic geometric forms such as spheres, boxes and cones. Perspective is a large portion of this book.
More info about Draw Better Learn to Draw With ConfidenceFigure Drawing Fundamentals By Erik M. Gist
This book is not meant as a study book or step by step formula but to guide through the world of figure drawing.
More info about Figure Drawing FundamentalsCezanne in the Studio: Still Life in Watercolours By Carol Armstrong
Still Life with Blue Pots is one of Cezanne's late masterpieces. Carol emphasises on french history and Cezanne's psychological development.
More info about Cezanne in the Studio: Still Life in WatercoloursLawrence Alma Tadema: Spring By Louise Lippincott
The late Victorian painter Lawrence Alma Tadema is one of my favourite artists. This is a compilation of the most renowned of his works.
More info about Lawrence Alma Tadema: SpringJacques-Louis David: The Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis By Dorothy Johnson
An exploration of the mythological painting by Jacues-Louis David and how it influenced modern French school of painting.
More info about Jacques-Louis David: The Farewell of Telemachus and EucharisPontormo: Portrait of a Halberdier By Elizabeth Cropper
This painting is shrouded in controversy, as to the doubt of the sitter. Fascinating historical detective work.
More info about Pontormo: Portrait of a Halberdier
Jan Steen: The Drawing Lesson By John Walsh
John explores the Drawing Lesson by Jan Steen and teaches how to look at and understand a complex work of art.
More info about Jan Steen: The Drawing LessonEdgar Degas Waiting By Richard Thomson
"Waiting" created between 1880-1882 by Degas, one of the great pioneers of modern art is examined by Richard in detail.
More info about Edgar Degas WaitingJulia Margaret Cameron: Complete Photographs By Julian Cox, Colin Ford, Joanne Lukitsh, Philippa Wright
Julian born in 1815 was a photographer from the Victorian era. When she took up photography it was a new medium.
More info about Julia Margaret Cameron: Complete Photographs
Fernand Khnopff: Portrait of Jeanne Kefer By Michael Draguet
This book is analysing the Portrait of Jeanne Kefer by the popular society portraitist Fernand Khnopff who created this piece in the 1800's.
More info about Fernand Khnopff: Portrait of Jeanne Kefer