All About Art Books in Middle Tennessee
Updated: Aug 7
Normally, we are all about video game art on this blog, but I wanted to make a quick
sidestep to talk about another thing I adore: art books.
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What Are Art Books?
Art books are books about art!
Well, they're mostly about art. They don't fit standard book-genre conventions because they're created primarily by visual artists rather than writers.
Art books can cover everything from ‘How-to-Draw’ books to books of art prints. (Notice I didn’t include graphic novels or manga. Those are really their own thing.) Art books aren’t typically narrative-based. They’re more informational since their purpose is to share facts about art, not to tell a story.
(They’re not to be confused with ‘Artist's Books,’ either, because those are art objects, not books about art. I recommend the Smithsonian Blog to learn more about those.)
Art books can also catalog the art, concepts, and making of a visual piece of media. (I currently have three of those in my possession that I absolutely adore!)
How To Use Art Books
The use of art books is not always obvious, so my recommendations depend on the book's purpose. ‘How-to-Draw’ books are for people looking to improve their own art, while art print books are better for collectors and art connoisseurs. Art print books are also great for getting inspiration and learning more about your favorite mediums!
For improving your own art, I recommend the following:
The Drawing Lesson: A Graphic Novel That Teaches You How to Draw by Mark Crilley
For novice level artists with an elementary reading level.
Easy-to-follow artistic instruction to aspiring artists in the form of a comic book, providing readers with a one-of-a-kind how-to experience.
J. D. Harding on Drawing Trees and Nature
For intermediate to competent level artists with an 8th-grade reading level and above.
A unique book for lovers of the art of the Victorian era, as well as those who wish to learn classical drawing.
For learning more about the art of animation and other visual media, I recommend the following:
The Art Of Kiki’s Delivery Service by Hayao Miyazaki
For art collectors with a 6th-grade reading level and above.
A complete catalog of the ideas, art, and making of the film Kiki’s Delivery Service, written by Hayao Miyazaki himself.
A Modern History of Manga by Matthieu Pinon and Laurent Lefebvre
For art collectors and history nerds with a 6th-grade reading level and above.
A brief history of manga’s impact on Japan culturally and socioeconomically.
Art Books in Middle TN
Art books can be found at most eclectic bookstores, but I have a few specific recommendations for finding them in Middle Tennessee.
Locations
244 S Lowry St, Smyrna, TN 37167
2615 Medical Center Pkwy, space 2100, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
21 White Bridge Pike 201, Nashville, TN 37205
End Notes
Posted (4/18/2026) – Please be aware that locations may change in the future.
Thank you for reading!
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