10 Art Books to Bring to the Beach This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to relax and enjoy a good book, especially if it’s about art. Whether you’re lounging in the park or hitting the beach, a summer art read can transport you to new worlds and inspire your creativity. Here are some non-exhaustive summer art reads to add to your shelf:

1. Jack Whitten: Notes from the Woodshed, edited by Katy Siegel
   • This delightful book compiles 55 years of late artist Jack Whitten’s studio journal, featuring notes, observations, sketches, and more. Whitten’s pearls of wisdom and advice from elder artists make this book a valuable resource for creatives.
   • Available for purchase on Bookshop and Hauser & Wirth Publishers.
2. Amy Sherald: American Sublime, edited by Sarah Roberts
   • Dive into the unique portraits of contemporary Black Americans by Amy Sherald, contextualized within American painting traditions and Black literature. This catalog accompanies Sherald’s mid-career survey at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
   • Available for purchase on Bookshop and Yale University Press.
3. A Handbook of Latinx Art, edited by Rocío Aranda-Alvarado and Deborah Cullen-Morales
   • Explore the roots and evolutions of Latinx art from the 1970s to the present, highlighting artists from Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, Cuban-American, and Dominican-American communities.
   • Available for purchase on Bookshop and University of California Press.
4. Yoko: A Biography by David Sheff
   • Take a deep dive into the life of artist Yoko Ono, exploring her art, activism, and enduring legacy beyond her association with John Lennon. This biography sheds light on the challenges she faced and her positive outlook on life and art.
   • Available for purchase on Bookshop and Simon and Schuster.
5. Vanessa Bell: Modern Living by Rosalind McKever
   • Discover the radical work and life of artist Vanessa Bell, known for her varied artistic output from floral paintings to book cover designs. This book is a condensed guide to Bell’s art and her belief in blending art and life.
   • Available for purchase on Bookshop and Thames & Hudson.
6. Hervé Guibert: The Only Face, edited by Jordan Weitzman and translated by Christine Pichini
   • Delve into the work of French writer and photographer Hervé Guibert, exploring his photography and essays in a slim volume. This book offers an intimate look at Guibert’s artistic vision and legacy.
   • Pre-order available on Bookshop from Magic Hour Press.
7. The Nude by C. Michelle Lindley
   • Join curator Elizabeth Clarke on a journey to acquire a rare sculpture with her granddaughter Mona before she loses her sight. Explore iconic artworks and their beauty through the eyes of a young art enthusiast.
   • Pre-order available on Bookshop from Europa Editions.

     These summer art reads cover a range of topics, from biographies to art history, providing a diverse and engaging selection for art enthusiasts to enjoy during the sunny months ahead. So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and let the art transport you to new horizons.