67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sight-Size in understandable terms, November 20, 2007
This review is from: Cast Drawing Using the Sight-Size Approach (Paperback)
I ordered this book to enhance my studies at a local atelier that teaches this method. I have seen other books that discuss this method but none that covers a start-to-finish 'how to' of drawing like this.
The author gives clear instructions, photo references and helpful chapter summaries at the end of each section of the book. Though I find it helpful as an additional reference to the classes I am taking, the book is also written for those who do not have access to a classroom experience. The author gives detailed descriptions of the tools required and how to set up a cast and studio space for drawing with this method.
Darren Rousar provides helpful tips that only an active, involved teacher can provide. It's clear he has worked with students who tackle the problems he addresses when learning to see values and shapes correctly. Each problem is addressed with a solution, helpful tips and encouraging advice like "do not finish one area of the drawing before everything else" and "take breaks." That may seem like a no-brainer, but it's hard to see properly with fatigued eyes.
Sight-size takes time. It is a long process but it leads to true understanding of values and forms in a composition.
My only complaint is that the web sight that corresponds with the book is still under construction in places. No matter, I'm sure it will be up soon.
That does not diminish the value of this organized, easy-to-read book. I have been searching for a book like this to help me retain knowledge of the sight-size method and give me tips I may not have encountered in the classroom. Here's hoping this is the first in a series on the fine art of seeing!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
48 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
So Grateful for this book!!!!, January 7, 2008
This review is from: Cast Drawing Using the Sight-Size Approach (Paperback)
This book saved us! My husband and I obtained the "Charles Bargue Drawing Course" from the Dahesh as soon as it became available. While the Charles Bargue Drawing Course has a section on suggestions for copying plates, it is simply not designed for someone without any formal training or professional guidance. Unfortunately, wonderful as the Charles Bargue plates are, they were useless to us without training. Since then, we have purchased many products looking for the skills to reproduce the plates. We were able to make some progress learning other sizing techniques, but we were always looking for a way to learn the "sight-size approach". Constantly on the lookout for a way to learn sight-size outside an atelier, we only found instructions that were inadaquate for someone with no formal training. I can't tell you what a thrill it was for this book to pop up during one of my usual attempts at googling all things "cast drawing" and "sight-size". What a wonderful find this book is. Darren Rousar is a master teacher and made the whole process so simple and easy that we were amazed we had ever struggled. This book is inexpensive, to the point, and very useful. If you have searched high and low for a way to learn sight-size, your search is over and you have arrived. Everything you need to get started is right here. Good Luck!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent explanation of atelier, April 15, 2008
This review is from: Cast Drawing Using the Sight-Size Approach (Paperback)
This book is very simple and straightforward explaning the "atelier" or a sighting method for drawing which yields realistic drawings. I once took a class on this subject and have read a few books on it, but most were a bit "lofty" and philosophical. This book tells you how to set up an atelier studio simply and a week later I was using these methods and producing almost photo real drawings (been studying art for 4 years now). Highly recommended.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192250339_.gif){kind=small}
