I don't know if it makes me a better Artist; but I sure enjoy reading the life history of an Artist.  Ross King, a Canadian wrote about Edouard Manet and Ernest Meissonier in his novel The Judgement of Paris.  Entertainment weekly wrote 'King's meticulously researched history of this epic art movement ...

As I read it; for the second time I was taken by their struggles and the lives of other artists in the 19th Century.  Comparing the two vital but opposing forebears of their time and noting the friendships they had with more well known artist like Degas, Cezanne, and Manet.  It wasn't an easy life; but certainly not unappreciated for the struggles they went through to foster art in a new light.  Now modern art is everywhere; everything.  Just like in the 19th century its difficult to say what is good art and what is not.  I find in the classroom its necessary to provide insight to why some art is relevant.  Students often miss elements of a composition and similar to the resistance felt by Monet and others in the 19th century; society is quick to compare to popular trends.  In the classroom, the emerging artist relies on photography now; which has taken away the necessity to understand depth and areal perspective.  Creativity in colour theory is missed when pigments are readily available.  Yet it is the nature of play and creativity that brings joy to a person when sitting with paint and paper.  Like a good book; art can be a fun and an enjoyable way to spend leisure time. Art can take you to new worlds, restore memories and provide a way to escape from everyday life. Art also creates an opportunity to continue learning.  

Some of the other books I've enjoy are listed here.

Alberta Arts and Artists, Patricia Ainslie & Mary-Beth Laviolette

A History of Art in Alberta, 1905-1970, Nancy Townshend

Artists in their Studios, Robert Amos

Robert Genn, Love Letters to Art

A Concise History of Canadian Paintings, Dennis Reid, Oxford University Press 1973

The treasures of the Impressionists, Jon Kerr

The Group of Seven, in Western Canada

Cezanne, Leon Amiel Publisher New York

Cezanne, Castle Books Text by Elizabeth Elia Kaufman

Cezanne, Meyer Schapiro

A lighter read; for the Romantic check out Elaine Coffman, the Italian (Napoleon has fallen and the Austrian Empire sweeps the continent, Italy of the 1820's)

The Little Book of Hygge, the Danish way to live well

There are many more from years past; visit your local library and send me your best read if you have one.

Cheers

Sheila