Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner

An easy to follow, step-by-step instruction on realistic drawing that includes a variety of mediums. As the title states this book is a intended for the raw beginner. Other books such as Betty Edwards "Drawing on the Right Side of Brain" contain similar lessons, but this one "clicked" with me. No drawing book will be all things to all people, but this volume is certainly a good place to start. I can also recommend "Drawing for Older Children & Teens" by Mona Brooks, these titles compliment each other nicely.

Recently I decided to get back into drawing. I purchased this book after reading some good reviews about it on a number of art sites. It tackles not only the technical aspect of drawing, but the mental process behind it as well. I found this important as I was having trouble coming to the realisation of how your mind can hinder you greatly. All in all, the layout of the book is great, the comments and diagrams by students is encouraging and I have certainly found more success in my drawing and sketching results.

This is a fabulous book for the beginning artist. I have just started an art class, and when I found this book I was estatic. It is a great lesson by lesson drawing tool. It is very easy to follow and like the title says it is for the absolute and utter beginner. I also feel like those who ARE more advanced will also benefit from the book. I like how there are examples from her students of all levels.

When I read Mr. Bains earlier review, I was somewhat taken back by his English lesson and focus on wording of the title over content of the text. We are all smart enough to know that titles are a marketing tool. I received the impression that he might feel one should learn to draw simply by reading a book, which of course made me even more curious to read it. What I found is a very straight forward and encouraging approach to drawing that was much easier to follow than another highly esteemed book. In fact, I felt the text matched the title quite closely having read several drawing books and taken more than one day long workshop. I have continued to struggle because it takes practice drawing to learn to draw - time, discipline, desire. Discpline is perhaps the key ingredient over talent. You have to show up at the page. Ms. Garcia's words and assignments build one on the other. They are supportive both of the student (reader) and the subject matter. I teach in another field and find this method highly productive with my own students. The quotes from and examples of student's work make drawing something - anything - very approachable. So approachable I picked up a pencil and started practicing. Writing that motivates action is good writing.