A Guide to Drawing

Great condition- came in a very timely manner. Will definitely buy from seller again!

The 1967 edition of this book is a very well-made book in cloth covers. It's that edition I've used, and it's so good that I wouldn't be tempted to look at the more recent editions. I think you'd be hard pressed to find another treatment as thorough & insightful of the history, styles, and materials of master drawings from the 15th-20th centuries. Now, for all the book's copious information about the techniques with which artists have made drawings, I should make it clear that it does not address any explicit lessons or suggestions to the aspiring artist. As a textbook, it is equally or more suitable to a course in art history and appreciation than to one in studio art. That said, of course, a book of sensitivity and depth about the art of drawing will be more useful and stimulating to most aspiring artists than yet another how-to.

I originally bought the 5th edition. That was over ten years ago. It is still intact and more importantly, the most valued in my collection of art books. The authors cover drawing from a real artist's perspective. They cover, exceptionally well, what drawing is, the mechanics, the creative solutions and encourage self expression from cover to cover. This is a definite must have. Side note: I wouldn't care if they sold this book without a binding, the contents are just invaluable. Jim

I highly recommend this book for anyone who seriously wants to learn to draw. Whether a novice or advanced artist, this book gives excellent guidance for improving the ability to 'see' what you draw. The book is worth ten times what i paid for it, but I'm glad I didn't have to pay that much! Tracy

I have two older versions of this book which was a required college text for a course a friend of mine taught. This is a thorough and up-to-date volume on the elements of drawing: line, shape, texture, value, gesture, shape, form, etc. What I like best about it is that it is illustrated with a wide array excellent contemporary and historical master drawings that make great examples when teaching a particular concept. I only wish it came with a companion volume of large prints or slides for teaching.I have many books on drawing but this has the best visuals. Much better than many other drawing books are illustrated with only the author's drawings or perhaps a few Renaissance sketches and focus on only one small expect of good art: rendering representationally. This book brings gets to the heart of what makes good drawing is designed for professionals teaching at the college level but would probably make a good home study course for those without access to college courses.I also liked the sequential exercises given and have used or adapted some for my own students. Covers a wide array of media from charcoal to pencil to pen and ink and colored pencil.