Whether you are someone who’s looking for creative inspiration or ways to relax through art, doodles in the margins of notebooks, journals quietly at night, or leads creative workshops for others, the right book can open a window to deeper self-awareness and expression. I’m excited to share this list of 11 Best Mindful Art Books (wonderful holiday gifts for artists, creatives, and mindfulness lovers!) that continue to inspire my heart, studio, and teaching.
11 best books for artists: Find Inspiration, Mindfulness, and Calm Through Art and Reading
CLICK ON the Purple Linked Book Titles below to learn more and add them to your book collection!
1. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Why It Shines: A classic that helps you unlock your creative voice through “morning pages” and artist dates.
Try This: Write 3 pages of anything that comes to mind each morning. Don’t edit, just let it flow.
Great For: Anyone feeling stuck or disconnected from their creativity.
Reflection: I still remember how nervous I felt writing my first morning pages. But something shifted in me by the end of that week, I began to trust my inner voice again.
2. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Why It Shines: Encourages you to approach creativity as a way of living, not just doing.
Try This: Create without expectations, explore something simply for the joy of it.
Great For: Artists seeking to reconnect with flow and presence.
Reflection: This book reminded me that creating doesn’t always have to lead somewhere. Sometimes, the act of making is enough.
3. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Why It Shines: Names and confronts “Resistance”, the internal force that blocks creative flow.
Try This: Write a list of excuses you tell yourself. Then choose one and take a small step to move through it.
Great For: Anyone avoiding their creative calling.
Reflection: This book helped me push through perfectionism. When I read it, I felt seen and understood, like someone finally gave language to the invisible fears I had.
4. The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
Why It Shines: Offers grounded routines and rituals for building a sustainable creative practice.
Try This: Develop a daily warm-up routine before starting your creative work.
Great For: Anyone wanting to build discipline and structure around creativity.
Reflection: Tharp’s methods brought a sense of sacred rhythm to my days. Creativity stopped feeling like a mystery and became a trusted ritual.
5. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
Why It Shines: Teaches you how to write from the heart with authenticity and courage.
Try This: Set a timer and write freely for 10 minutes without stopping or editing.
Great For: Writers or journalers looking for emotional clarity and expression.
Reflection: I’ve used her methods in my workshops and watched people uncover emotions they didn’t know were buried within them.
6. SoulCollage® Evolving by Seena Frost
Why It Shines: Explores intuitive collage as a tool for self-discovery and healing.
Try This: Create a card that reflects a part of yourself, then journal with it using “I am one who...” statements.
Great For: Facilitators, therapists, or anyone exploring the inner world through art.
Reflection: When I discovered SoulCollage®, it felt like finding a language my soul already spoke. This process has supported me through both grief and joy.
7. Collage Imagery Books by Catherine Anderson
Why It Shines: Provides stunning, meaningful images to use in collage and intuitive art.
Try This: Choose an image that speaks to you and create a collage around it without overthinking.
Great For: Visual artists, art journalers, or those needing inspiration.
Reflection: These images have a way of bypassing the logical mind. I’ve watched students get lost in creative flow just by picking up one of her books.
8. Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland
Why It Shines: Reassures artists that fear, doubt, and imperfection are all part of the journey.
Try This: Keep making art even when it feels pointless. Document how you feel before and after each session.
Great For: Anyone wrestling with imposter syndrome or creative insecurity.
Reflection: I keep this book nearby for when I need a compassionate nudge to keep going. It’s helped me remember that I’m not alone in the struggle.
9. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Why It Shines: Invites us to live a brave, inspired life by embracing creativity with curiosity and play.
Try This: Give yourself permission to make something “bad” today. Let go of needing it to be perfect.
Great For: Anyone who needs a burst of confidence or fresh perspective.
Reflection: I return to this book whenever I feel too serious. It reminds me that creativity is meant to be joyful—not a heavy burden.
10. Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy by Sally Atkins & Melia Snyder
Why It Shines: Merges mindfulness, creativity, and nature to foster healing and presence.
Try This: Take a walk and gather natural materials. Use them to create an art piece outside.
Great For: Eco-art therapists, educators, or anyone seeking calm through nature.
Reflection: This book helped me see the earth as a co-creator. I feel more grounded and alive when I create in partnership with the land.
11. On Becoming an Artist by Ellen J. Langer
Why It Shines: Challenges fixed ideas of what it means to be an artist and invites us to be mindful explorers.
Try This: Create a piece of art without any plan. Reflect on what you notice during the process.
Great For: Anyone who’s afraid to try art or thinks they “aren’t creative.”
Reflection: Langer gave me permission to experiment without pressure. Her book reminded me that creativity is a way of noticing, not performing.
4 ways to use these books in your creative art practice
Pick One Book to begin with and set a gentle reading schedule
Create a Reading Ritual by lighting a candle or brewing tea before you open your book
Use the “Read, Reflect, Create” Method
Read a short section
Reflect in your journal
Create something inspired by what you read
Try It with Friends: Invite others to read along and meet monthly for discussion and creative play
Want to Go Deeper in Your mindful art Practice?
If you loved this list, you’ll find even more support inside our Free Mindful Art Workbook and other mindful art online classes and teacher training for artists, educators, and wellness professionals who want to share mindful art with others, and stay grounded while doing it.
The Art as Meditation Signature Workshop is a Free, 1-hour guided mindful art workshop replay online.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this is a fun and transformational workshop with easy 5-minute mindful art activities to help you stress less and create with more joy.
Share Your Favorite books and MINDFUL ART RESOURCES
Have you read any of these books, or do you have others you love? Leave a comment on the blog, or reply to our newsletter. Your voice helps keep the creative fire alive in our community.