Customer Reviews

Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I got a pile of drawing books out of the library, this one included, after realizing that the books I already owned weren't inspiring me.

The author's approach is aimed toward adults with little or no artistic experience. Her subject matter is not unique to other books: she starts with contour drawing, then goes on to deal with basic shapes, value scale, etc. What I really liked about this book is that each topic is discussed clearly and she explains why the lessons are important. As she introduces the reader to new media (pen and ink, wash, charcoal and then conte), she gives a lot of detail about how to use them, and encourages experimentation.

The book is peppered with student efforts mixed among her own drawings, as well as student quotes. The effect is of being in a beginner's art class. It's useful to observe other's entry level work! She encourages the reader to keep trying, and to work through inevitable setbacks.

She closes the book hoping that she has given the reader a good foundation and enough confidence to continue drawing, and perhaps take a class.

Out of the pile of drawing books, "Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner" was the only one I went on to purchase.

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.

This book is very similar to Betty Edwards "Drawing on the right side of the brain". It starts off nicely with contour drawing, and provided that you do all the excercises, you should vastly improve your drawing skills after completing this book.
I would recommend it to people who can't stand the psychobable of Dr B.Edwards.

I've never been able to draw. I've always wanted to draw, but just couldn't do it. So this year I decided I wanted to give it a good shot and learn how to draw. I looked around and this seemed to be reviewed pretty high, so bought the book. I'm so glad that I did. Just over a month later and I'm drawing just about every day. Each evening I draw. It has become a way to wind down after a stressful day. Instead of daunting tasks of drawing complicated scenes, the book eases you into it. You start out with simple but useful exercises. This is truly for the absolute and utter beginner. If you really want to learn how to draw, this is the book.

This book is another intorduction to drawing book. It is less psychological than the Betty Edwards books, and I particularly liked the sections focusing on critiquing your own work and correcting specific errors. Nonetheless, it is a beginner book. If you are looking for something more complex and in-depth, I would recommend Nicolaides _The Natural Way to Draw_.

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.

I am a novice at drawing. I took a community college drawing class last Winter that whet my appetite for drawing. I checked out all the drawing books at the library and found this jewel. It was exactly what I was looking for. It takes you through the process step by step and explains in detail the techniques you need to learn. The book allows you to go at your own pace! I gain confidence in comparing my work to the students' examples included in the book. I almost feel I am in a class with others as I go through the lessons. I extended my library check out of this book so many times, I figured I might as well buy it. I found this on Amazon and bought it. Amazon is a great place to buy things. Go Amazon!

I bought a few different books on learning to draw before finding this one. I wish i would have found this one first! This book is so user friendly and encouraging for the person just starting out. The drawings in it are really great examples of other beginners work, and the book doesn't over analyze everything so much, like some of the other drawing books do. It simplifies the learning process, but still explains everything very well. I really like the layout of the book and all the examples and drawings are very encouraging. If you like books that are not complicated, (like myself) and give good basic instruction than this is the one to get! She keeps it simple, so that you dont feel overwhelmed. You just wanna jump in and get started with this book! The other books i have are also good, but this is the one that really motivated me the most, and keeps me drawing every day. she is an excellent art teacher. I cant wait to get her painting book too!

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.

I chose this book because it had a powerful premise and differentiated itself from other drawing books that promise to be for beginners but are, in reality, summaries of the drawing process. I noted that many of these books jumped from holding a pencil on the first page to drawing a detailed scene on the second page. With "Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner", I had the feeling that I would start at the most elementary level and learn in a detailed and sequential process. I had the feeling that the author would become a silent teacher and would stay with me as I grew in skill.

In short, many books promise to be for the beginner. I learned that this book truly is for the beginner.

It is clear that much thought went into the production of the book: attractive print, a conversational style, detailed illustrations and text that effectively teach these detailed techniques. The author even shows drawings of what a student did wrong, and how they corrected them to ge the drawing just right.

It is obious that the author is a master teacher who thought about the student's perspective and translated it into "doable" activities that help the student advance easily. I felt like I was practically in her class.

What a find.