Drawing from Observation [Paperback]

Brian Curtis (Author), Brian Curtis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 19, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0072410248 | ISBN-13: 978-0072410242 | Edition: 1

Perceptual drawing, in which one renders the physical world as it appears to an observer, is the focus of this new text for the introductory drawing course. Drawing from Observation offers a balanced mix of hands-on technique and perceptual theory while making a compelling argument for the long-term value of studying perception-based drawing.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Brian Curtis joined the art department at The University of Miami in 1985. He is a representational painter whose current series of psycho-mythological narratives explores those transitional, tentative moments that occur between times of purposeful activity. In an age that is often categorized as being in a perpetual state of crisis he seeks, by monumentalizing the ordinary, to reinforce the shared human core that is embedded in everyday experience..

. Brian completed a five-year project of writing, illustrating, and designing an introductory perceptual drawing text, Drawing from Observation, which McGraw-Hill published in 2002. This book contains over two hundred drawings from Miami students. Brian spent 2001 in his studio preparing for a solo exhibition of his narrative paintings, charcoal drawings, and digitally manipulated images installed at the Lowe Art Museum. In February of 2002 Brian presented a paper at the 90th Annual College Art Association conference in Philadelphia. His paper, titled "Preserving the Post-Medieval Mindset" was part of a session on Perceptual Drawing in Higher Education..

. In the spring of 1999 Brian was awarded the Dean's Excellence in Teaching award and was also a finalist for the Excellence in Teaching Award for the University of Miami for both 1999 and 2000..

. Brian is the head of Miami's drawing program and works with students in painting and printmaking programs. .

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages; 1 edition (November 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072410248
• ISBN-13: 978-0072410242
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #539,398 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Realism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great textbook., July 5, 2003

By 

june (San Pedro, Ca, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Drawing from Observation (Paperback)

As a teacher of drawing, I have read many books on the subject. This book is the only one I would use as a textbook. I would agree with all the previous reviews but would only comment on the one review from the budding artist who felt the book is confusing and has too much art history for someone who only wants to learn to draw. I come to this book with over two decades of art experience so maybe that is why I find it so interesting, but even if the history is skipped and you read only the practical explanations and do the lessons in the back of the book, you will learn to draw from observation, as this book promises. The book is not meant to be read in two weeks. Learning to draw takes hard work and invested time.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clarity of Required Concepts, June 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Drawing from Observation (Paperback)

The simplification and clarity of the needed concepts to trascribe from a three dimensional space to a two dimensional plane are clearly eplained in this new book.
It has been a great experience to teach with this new text because the student is able to read the concept before he comes to class and therefore able to better understand the concept at hand.
The progressive format of the book from gesture to clock angles and chiaroscuro are well illustrated and clear.The perspective chapters are to me an addendum to what is done from the start with the square and rectangular forms. The historical aspects that are weaved into the text set the book apart for the student of fine art who is interested and needs this reference. I find that the materials chapter at the start of the book also set up a sequence of answers that are important to the beginning student of fine art. The section on "Drawing Assignments" is of particular interest to those didactic artists who will work on their own as well as the instructor who needs refernces for student exercises.
One suggestion on my behalf is the incorporation of a "CD" to augment the in class lectures and help the student visually.
I have been using this book for one semester and have adopted it for my College. Good work Mr. Curtis

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Drawing Basics Available, June 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Drawing from Observation (Paperback)

As an art teacher at major universities, I have found that this book gives students the much needed principles that form the basis of an ability to draw from life. Many feel that drawing should be strictly intuitive and therefore no knowledge is needed. This is wrong. Without the ability to put what you see down on paper correctly, it is usually impossible to draw intuitively. This book gives students the needed basics to free up their imaginations to draw intuitively. I would recommend it to all beginning drawing classes.