The Artist's Guide to Sketching

I read this book many years ago while in ART school and knew I HAD to have a copy. This is in my mind the most thorough, comprehensive book on sketching that has ever come out. Of all the books on using a sketchbook as a journal this beats them all. It is insightful without being too intimate, it is not too cute in its approach to finding your voice as an ARTist. All of the chapters have relevance to any ARTist thats wants to improve their craft. The emaphasis on "under-drawing" [a dry media-drawing technique similar to classical under-painting] is worth the book alone... The GREAT thing about this book is it shows us Thomas Kinkade's early years as an ARTist BEFORE he became famous and known for his "paintings of light". Seeing his journals/sketches shows he KNOWs his craft and you get a DEEPER respect and appreciation of the man as an ARtist. A MUST for any ARTist to have.

This is a great book. It is an excellant guide to sketching and what to look for in a subject. It is also an absolutely must have for any fans of James Gurney or Thomas Kinkade. Both went on to have fabulous careers. This book gives insight to their thought processes and their lives when just beginning as professional artists.

Absolutely one of the best books on sketching I have in my library. It contains not only the "how to" of things but a spirit an attitude that when embraced makes sketching a life long joyful expression. This book (if you can get it) is a must have!!!!

Yes, this book has great (and I mean really great) sketches, apparently done on a marathon road trip in the '70s or '80s. Dynamic, free-flowing, expressive, two talented young dudes having a blast and amazing themselves with their own virtuosity. BUT- is this the same Thomas Kinkade who later trademarked the name "Painter of Light" and churns out the [...] treacly-est fantasy landscapes featuring "charming" cottages decorated with sprinles of sugary highlights, with quasi-religious titles designed to appeal to the Born-Again crowd in shopping malls everywhere? .... They ought to re-issue the book, though, it's really something to gaze at.

University art programs should require their students studying drawing and sketching to buy this book. The Artist's Guide to Sketching is essential to the artist's library and is a must for people just starting. After checking out this book from library at the university I attend, I knew that I had to own a copy for myself. The sketches are beautifully executed and each has a lesson along with it. This book will inspire you in one way or another. Thanks and praises to the authors.