Drawing, a Creative Process: A Creative Process

Drawing: A Creative Process is my favorite guide and textbook for basic drawing. It covers, in an accessible way, basic concepts behind visually expressing ideas through drawing. Ching's section on perspective is especially good and is, like the rest of the book, clearly illustrated with Ching's own pencil drawings. The book does not contain examples of master drawings or lessons in art history, but it does provide an access point for someone wanting to learn how to visualize their observations and ideas.

Like the rest of Ching's books, this one is great as well. I use it as a resource for Drawing and illustration classes in college. It covers all the basics of sketching and drawing that are important to build a foundation for free-hand drawing. It covers everything from basic shapes and textures to gesture drawing and proportion. I also recomend the book "Design Drawing" by F. Ching.