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Oil Painting Secrets From a Master
Prominent Artist/Teacher David A. Leffel Shares His Secrets For Making Professional-Quality Paintings
by Linda Cateura

While not as profound as Richard Schmid’s Alla Prima, there is a good deal of useful advice in this book. Whether it is an example of how he painted at the time it was written, or due to the editing of the author, it seems to me that this is a description of the method he uses when he paints. Richard Schmid’s book is more useful as the advice is not particular to one style, method or type of subject matter.

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How To Paint Like The Old Masters
by Joseph Sheppard

This book offers technical insight into the painting methods of master painters from different eras in history. The author offers demonstrations of their technique as well as a discussion of their palette, medium used, and other important details.

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The Practice of Oil Painting and Drawing
by Solomon J. Solomon

This book is an excellent resource for realist artists. Originally written in 1911, this book encapsulates a classical method of training that at the time was beginning to die out in America. There is an abundance of practical painting and drawing advice for any serious student.

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Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter
by James Gurney

This is one of the most useful books that has come out in the past 20 years. I am a big fan of James Gurney, his blog is a treasure trove of useful advice for artists, and his background in both illustration and plein air painting lends insight into methods for developing as an artist. The presentation of these ideas is top notch, and any painter would benefit from reading this book.

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Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist
by James Gurney

This is James’ first book and it is largely concerned with the process of image making in a fantasy, science fiction or historical genre, where easy reference material may not exist. Conceptualization is truly a difficult skill to develop. Gurney offers methods for disciplining your vision, and realizing your concept in paint.

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Composition of Outdoor Painting
by Edgar Payne

This classic book is a very scholarly look at the process of landscape painting. It is not an easy read, but the information in this is absolutely worthwhile for painters interested in this subject matter.

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The Frank Reilly School of Art
by Doug Higgins

This thin book is a collection of notes from classes taught by Frank Reilly, a renown instructor at the Art Students League in New York, who influenced many, many illustrators and painters. While not a complete manual, as it focuses mostly on drawing and value, it does represent a collection of useful advice and is worth reading.

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The Art Spirit
by Robert Henri

Henri has a great amount of advice on the nature of being an artist, as well as some interesting ideas on the training of artists. This is a classic book that any serious art student should read.