1-2-3 Draw Cartoon People: A Step-by-Step Guide (Paperback)

by Steve Barr (Author) "4 Draw a curved line for the mouth..." (more)
Key Phrases: extra sketch lines, final drawing

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Reviewed with other books by Steve Barr in the 1-2-3 Draw series.

Gr. 2-5. Barr is stretching to make three how-to-draw books out of what surely could have been one. That's especially obvious in Faces and People (the first part of People is devoted to faces). Still, so many youngsters try their hand at drawing cartoons at one time or another that a little overlap probably won't matter. In People, Barr uses simple lines and shapes, mostly ovals and curved and straight lines, to show, step-by-step, how to create faces from the side and the front, add details such as hair, alter expressions to reflect emotion, attach a body, and depict walking and running. Faces, which also relies on basic shapes, expands a little on facial detailing, showing, for example, how to add glasses and create faces in three-quarter view. Animals is a riot of critters that look just like stuffed toys. Barr sets down instructions--usually four or five simple steps--for drawing a bird, a cat, a dog, a horse, a bear, a turtle, and more. Of course, having fun and experimenting should be part of each project, something Barr emphasizes at the get-go and reiterates through each volume. Stephanie Zvirin
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description
This guide illustrates how to draw a lively variety of cartoon people. Using simple shapes and lines, young artists will create a range of characters from head to toe. Includes instruction for drawing several different facial expressions, hair styles, clothes and body types.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Peel Productions (September 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939217465
• ISBN-13: 978-0939217465
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #196,442 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect book for beginners, January 10, 2007

By	Dusty White "Author and Creator of The Easies... (Currently working on a new book somewhere) - See all my reviews

If you are just starting out, or are looking for an easy-to-follow instruction book that gets you to *actually put a pencil and paper in your hand* and start drawing in the next five minutes, you MUST have this book! The art of simplicity is not that of being basic in your explanations. It is the highly evolved skill to present to your recipient (in this case the reader) everything you need them to know WITHOUT them getting overwhelmed, becoming frustrated, or feeling that what you are teaching is beyond their abilities. This book is a masterpiece of highly entertaining education. You will watch your skills develop even as you scoff that this can't possibly be this easy to do.

This is a fun book, and while its surface qualities may give the impression that it was written for the "under 8" crowd, nothing could be further from the truth. This is a book that anyone can learn (quickly) from. You begin drawing the most elementary of shapes, which you connect (step-by-step) to more simple shapes which, when you step back from your labors and look is suddenly a recognizable picture. The author does not limit your style at all, but instead starts you off with the basics of style that you will use in many formats of illustration. This is all done with such non-condescending verbiage and format that you will think to yourself "this is too easy," and before you know it, you can draw very complex cartoons.

Cartoon illustration is a staple in our society. From greeting cards to "how to books" and multi-billion dollar corporate logos, cartoon illustrations have become embedded in all aspects of marketing. You see them everywhere, and they seem easy enough to do, but for most people the moment you pick up a pen, something horrible goes wrong in your hand-eye coordination.

I have read a LOT of books on cartoon illustrations and even after absorbing their collective wisdom, I generally limit myself to stick figures to this day. This is one of those rare books that come along quietly and breaks the teaching mold; allowing ANYONE to be able to create fun cartoon illustrations with minutes, and over time to create increasingly more sophisticated illustrations. A must have, and fine addition to any library for anyone who has, or will, ever pick up a pen and try to illustrate a point to someone else.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A methodically crafted instructional guide for young people, November 14, 2002

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

1-2-3 Draw Cartoon People: A Step-by-Step Guide was created by syndicated comic strip artist Steve Barr as a useful and "user friendly", methodically crafted instructional guide for young people wanting to create their own cartoon figures. Beginning with some expert preparatory advice and a few invaluable cartooning tips, Barr stars with simple, basic shapes and lines which can be quickly copied and expanded upon. The very nicely illustrated instructions continue on for drawing heads, hair, expressions, emotions, hands, arms, boys, girls, grandparents, and characters in motion. Also very highly recommended for budding artists are Steve Barr's two companion instructional books: 1-2-3 draw Cartoon Faces: A Step-by-Step Guide and 1-2-3 Draw Cartoon Animals: A Step-by-Step Guide.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My grandson loves this!, January 19, 2008

By	Doris Vanwyhe - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought my 6 year old grandson three of these books for Christmas. He uses them almost daily. The step by step instructions make drawing so easy. He loves seeing how quickly he can come up with a professional looking drawing!