3 French Art books I’ve been reading and why

I’m always enrolled in some kind of online course or program to keep my learning curve in a high level. The subjects varies into Art, Social Media, Business, Marketing, but I love reading books. As a graphic designer (and a former printer shop employee) I’m just addicted to paper and collecting art books. Here I have some recommended reading (in French) that I’ve been consulting in a regular basis :

Le guide de l’artiste, from Frédéric Brière : this book is a must have. I went to the gorgeous Hans Hartung exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art here in Paris in 2019 and, at the time we were leaving the museum by the bookstore, I just saw this book and grabbed it without checking the content inside. I just felt that I have to have it and my intuition worked! The book is FULL of interviews, addresses and resources. Even if it’s a little bit outdated, it was printed in 2015, the info is priceless.

Colorants, Encres et Pigments des Végétaux du XXIème, from David Damour : In February I had the opportunity to have a one-day workshop in acrylic painting with David at his studio. I don’t know anyone with his knowledge in art materials. He published by himself 3 books and I have 2 of them. The book number 2 is out of stock and I hope he’ll be able to print it as soon as possible. Anyway, he tried everything with all kinds of materials for the artists, from plants and minerals to pigments, from Watercolour to Acrylics, not to mention that he invents mediums, inks, brushes… and he shares the recipes. I hope he’ll be able to translate in English too.

Pigments et Recettes, Le Métier de l’Artiste Peintre du XXIème, from David Damour : This book is being my best friend. It has all the recipes I need to make my own paint. I love to work with acrylics and now, that I understand more about it, I can do almost anything I want. Pure chemistry. My research is based on developing a unique painting identity by using colours from Brazil, where I’m from and France, where I live. For now the results are being very satisfying for me.

Anyway, I thought it was a good subject to share what I’ve been reading and, maybe, inspire you to keep going too.