Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice

This is a deep book, a kind of survey of essential drawing topics for the artist student, beginning or advanced. My impression is that Ms. Aristides covers the curriculum of her Atelier, explaining the theory behind the practices and learning accomplished there. At any rate, what she discusses she treats thoroughly and thoughtfully with valuable insights. For instance, I have read a number of excellent books on drawing, but hers is the first that defined for me the different meanings contained in straight lines verses curved lines. For me, a key insight. So I think the true value of this book, in addition to spelling out what her students do and learn, is the key artistic wisdom Ms. Aristides shares out of her experience and expert skills.

One of the best books I've read on studying art and drawing. All the basics you'd probably need are entombed here. The author is an excellent artist and all her plates are amazing. Definitely one of my top picks of books on drawing. For what it's worth, I don't say many good things about many books on art, but this one was an exception.

I teach drawing, painting and design and stumbled across this book when looking for the Bargue book. The book is well written with several useful exercises. Additionally, a clear rationale is presented for teaching academic drawing to the beginning art student as a means to better express their ideas. I work at the New York Academy of Art (NYAA). Several of the images were made by NYAA instructors and alumni. An additional copy has been added to our library. JC

I have quite a collection of art books that I keep as reverences and browse into every now and again. I bought this book as I taught that it might be good, and since I am always looking for `that knowledge' of fine art schools, but since I do not have the time and money to attend to classes, I try to study by myself. Few books ever give me the satisfaction of buying it, and most of the time I end up gathering some information which is either irrelevant or keep on reading the same text from book to book, with just a few words that make it different from all the others. But this one is sooooo different. I have found what I have been looking for in the last couple of years. Can't believe this book is so cheap!!! The pictures are massive, the knowledge is wicked and the style is simply out of this world! If you're into classic fine art, this book is a must, whether you re a beginner or a professional artist.

I've had the pleasure of studying with Juliette and am witness to her wealth of knowledge about art history and technique. I'm very excited that she put as much energy in this book as she does in each painting or drawing. In it, she offers a brief history and some great excersizes that will help improve everyones understanding of art. As explained in the book, those paintings that stand the test of time all share the same basic principles. Juliette covers those beautifully. The images are inspiring as well. I'm stoked to add this book to my library!