10+ Best Art Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to nurture creativity in your pre-teen? Look no further! Our curated selection of art books for 12-year-olds is packed with inspiring choices that are perfect for young artists. Whether your child loves drawing, painting, or simply appreciating beautiful illustrations, these books will fuel their imagination and enhance their artistic skills. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to captivate and educate budding artists!

Fun Art Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists by Carla Sonheim
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book provides 52 creative exercises to make drawing fun. Each project is designed to inspire and challenge young artists to explore new ideas and techniques in drawing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex drawing tasks into manageable and enjoyable activities, which can help boost creativity and confidence in young artists.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who enjoy experimenting with different materials and techniques.

• The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step by Woo! Jr. Kids Activities
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a full year of easy-to-follow drawing lessons featuring animals, things that go, nature, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides simple, step-by-step instructions that encourage daily drawing and improve skills over time.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love daily challenges and are looking to improve their drawing skills systematically.

• Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media by Susan Schwake, illustrated by Rainer Schwake
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Offers a variety of creative projects for young artists, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and more, each designed to foster artistic exploration and expression.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a broad range of artistic techniques and media, encouraging exploration and creativity in a fun, accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young artists interested in exploring various art forms and mediums.

• Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make a World by Ed Emberley
  • Genre(s): Art, How-To
  • Synopsis: This classic drawing book teaches kids how to draw animals, people, houses, vehicles, and more, using simple shapes.
  • Why we recommend this book: Emberley's unique "drawing alphabet" approach makes complex drawings accessible and fun for kids, enhancing their confidence and enjoyment of art.
  • Perfect for: Children who think they can't draw or are intimidated by more complex art books.

• Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs! by Mike Lowery
  • Genre(s): Art, Interactive, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book combines an exciting adventure story with drawing prompts, leading readers on a journey to help the characters by completing the illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s interactive and engaging, making reading and drawing an integral part of the adventure, which can help foster a love for books and art.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories and drawing, and who enjoy being part of the story creation process.

Educational Art Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters by MaryAnn F. Kohl and Kim Solga
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book presents fun and engaging activities that introduce children to the techniques used by famous artists, helping them to recreate famous styles and pieces.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic techniques, historical art styles, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an interactive approach to learning about art history and techniques, making it accessible and enjoyable for young learners.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in both creating art and learning about historical art figures and movements.

• The Art Book for Children by Amanda Renshaw and Gilda Williams Ruggi
  • Genre(s): Art, Art History, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to some of the greatest artists in history, explaining their lives, techniques, and most famous works in an engaging and child-friendly manner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, critical thinking about art, understanding of diverse artistic expressions
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stimulating book that encourages curiosity about art and its various forms, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation from a young age.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are curious about art history and the stories behind some of the world’s most famous artworks.

• Art Is Every Day: Activities for the Home, Park, Museum, and City by Eileen S. Prince
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book offers numerous art-related activities and projects that kids can engage in at home or while out and about, making everyday surroundings a canvas for creativity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, observational skills, DIY crafting
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to see the world around them through an artistic lens and to use everyday experiences as inspiration for creative expression.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who enjoy making art part of their daily lives and exploring their environments artistically.

• 13 Art Techniques Children Should Know by Angela Wenzel
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explores thirteen different art techniques, from frescoes to photomontage, explaining each in a way that is easy to understand and try for young artists.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art techniques, historical art contexts, practical art skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex art techniques into manageable lessons that are both educational and enjoyable, enhancing both skills and knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Budding artists who are eager to learn and experiment with different artistic techniques.

Challenging Art Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Art of Urban Sketching: Drawing On Location Around The World by Gabriel Campanario
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Travel
  • Synopsis: This book showcases the work of artists around the world who draw the cities where they live and travel. It includes tips and techniques for sketching urban settings.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of perspective, composition, and urban landscape detailing, which require advanced observation and drawing skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to explore and document the world around them through art, enhancing their observation and sketching skills while appreciating diverse global cultures.
  • Perfect for: Young artists interested in realistic and detailed sketching, and those who love to explore cities and landscapes through art.

• Vitamin D2: New Perspectives in Drawing by Editors of Phaidon
  • Genre(s): Art, Contemporary Art, Anthology
  • Synopsis: This anthology features works and insights from over 100 contemporary artists, exploring the role and evolution of drawing in the modern art world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of experimental and avant-garde drawing styles, which can be conceptually and technically demanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It exposes readers to a broad spectrum of contemporary drawing styles and philosophies, expanding their understanding of what drawing can be.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young artists who are interested in contemporary art and are looking for inspiration beyond traditional techniques.

• Anatomy for the Artist by Sarah Simblet
  • Genre(s): Art, Anatomy, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This detailed guide provides artists with comprehensive studies of human anatomy, accompanied by photographs and drawings that demonstrate the complex structure of the human body.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires a deep focus on the scientific and technical aspects of human anatomy, which is essential for accurate and realistic representation in art.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps improve the accuracy and realism of an artist's work by providing a deep understanding of human anatomy, enhancing both their artistic skill and scientific knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who are serious about mastering realistic human figure drawing.

• Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book simplifies the laws of perspective, teaching artists how to create a convincing three-dimensional world on paper.
  • Why this book is challenging: Understanding and applying the rules of perspective can be difficult, as it involves a lot of geometry and spatial reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex principles into understandable segments, helping artists of all levels enhance their ability to draw realistic environments.
  • Perfect for: Artists who want to master the art of drawing realistic, proportionate, and well-composed scenes.

• Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book provides in-depth explanations of how light and color influence the way we see the world and how these elements can be replicated by artists.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex theories of color and light that go beyond basic art instruction, requiring a sophisticated understanding of physics and perception.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers detailed insights into the use of light and color, crucial for creating atmospheric and lifelike artworks.
  • Perfect for: Artists interested in enhancing their painting techniques and understanding of how light and color work in realist art.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of art books, it's a fantastic way to explore creativity and learn about different artistic styles. To make the most of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to help you develop good reading habits. These exercises are perfect for 12-year-olds, making reading more engaging and fun!

• Create a Visual Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Make a list of new words with small drawings next to each to represent their meanings.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and understanding of new concepts through visual association.
  • Tips: Use colors and simple sketches to make the connection stronger and more memorable.

• Summarize Chapters with Sketches
  • What it is: Draw a scene or a concept from a chapter instead of writing it down.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and retention by translating text into visual imagery.
  • Tips: Keep your drawings simple; focus on capturing the essence of the chapter.

• Pair and Share
  • What it is: Discuss a recently read art book with a friend or family member.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding through discussion and helps articulate thoughts clearly.
  • Tips: Try to explain the artistic techniques and themes in your own words during the discussion.

• Artistic Reflections
  • What it is: Create a piece of art inspired by a book you've read.
  • How it helps: Encourages creative expression and deeper engagement with the book’s content.
  • Tips: Choose any form of art you enjoy, such as drawing, painting, or even digital art.

• Question the Artist
  • What it is: Write down questions you would like to ask the artists featured in the book.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and curiosity about artistic processes and decisions.
  • Tips: Think about what intrigues you most about the artists' works and what you can learn from them.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about interacting with what you read in creative and meaningful ways. So, grab your art book, pick an exercise, and start exploring the artistic expressions in a whole new light. Happy reading and creating!