The occasion was the opening of an artbook store in Sag Harbor, NY–the heart of the Hamptons–so it was fitting to have Eric Fischl sign copies of a book called “Beach Paintings.” The event sparked the East Hampton Star to delve into the world of art books projecting a rosy future for them. If that wasn’t enough, the story goes on to make distinction between art books and artist’s books. We’ll leave that to you to figure out:

Jeremy Sanders of Glenn Horowitz Bookseller in East Hampton says that art books may be making a resurgence since technology now allows affordable and high quality reproductions of artwork. Photography books have also proliferated significantly in the last 20 years, he said. There used to be around 50-60 photography books published in America annually, Now, there’s at least 10 times that amount, he said.

Artists and publishers both like art books because they’re a way to present and preserve a body of work or capture a period of time in a permanent way. When a substantial body of work finds itself inside the pages of a book, it’s a way for the artist to reflect on the art and how different pieces relate to each other.

“It allows you to see things differently,” Mr. Fischl said on Saturday. “The beach paintings were made over a period of 30 years. I didn’t even know I had so many. These paintings have never been seen this way before.” […]

Overall, art books are a great way to see art, said Anthony Petrillose, co-owner of Rizzoli Bookstore at Empire Gallery. His shop specializes in art, design and fashion books that are publisher-designed.

For a single price, book buyers can “own” a substantial amount of art that goes well beyond the limits of most people’s pocketbooks. Seeing art in books is the way most people learn about art and artists, Mr. Petrillose said. This includes historical titans like Michelangelo and Picasso, plus artists making waves now.

Signature Moments A Sign of the Times in the Art World (27east.com)