A Guide to Drawing [Paperback]

Daniel M. Mendelowitz (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 003007312X | ISBN-13: 978-0030073120 | Publication Date: 1988 | Edition: 4th

Truly a classic, A GUIDE TO DRAWING, Fifth Edition builds on the idea that mastery of traditional skills is fundamental to expressive drawing. It allows beginning, advanced and specialized drawing students to master basic skills and to use them creatively, whether working under the direction of an instructor or on their own. Perspective receives the most systematic and thorough treatment available in any drawing textbook. Nearly 400 master drawings (with 13 color plates) represent many periods, techniques and subject matters, filling the need to integrate art history with studio experience. Over 170 valuable studio projects promote understanding of the material, technical comptence, and control and confidence in both beginning and advanced students. Sketchbook activities in most chapters encourage a spontaneous approach to drawing and seeing when students are working outside the structured classroom or studio environment. Illustrations for both the part and chapter openers by Duane Wakeham.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Thomson Learning; 4th edition (1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 003007312X
• ISBN-13: 978-0030073120
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,442,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top rate drawing text, February 7, 2002

By 

M. Theberge (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Guide to Drawing (Paperback)

I have two older versions of this book which was a required college text for a course a friend of mine taught. This is a thorough and up-to-date volume on the elements of drawing: line, shape, texture, value, gesture, shape, form, etc. What I like best about it is that it is illustrated with a wide array excellent contemporary and historical master drawings that make great examples when teaching a particular concept. I only wish it came with a companion volume of large prints or slides for teaching.
I have many books on drawing but this has the best visuals. Much better than many other drawing books are illustrated with only the author's drawings or perhaps a few Renaissance sketches and focus on only one small expect of good art: rendering representationally. This book brings gets to the heart of what makes good drawing is designed for professionals teaching at the college level but would probably make a good home study course for those without access to college courses.

I also liked the sequential exercises given and have used or adapted some for my own students. Covers a wide array of media from charcoal to pencil to pen and ink and colored pencil.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get the 1967 edition, February 14, 2010

By 

T. W. (Northeastern United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Guide to Drawing (Paperback)

The 1967 edition of this book is a very well-made book in cloth covers. It's that edition I've used, and it's so good that I wouldn't be tempted to look at the more recent editions. I think you'd be hard pressed to find another treatment as thorough & insightful of the history, styles, and materials of master drawings from the 15th-20th centuries. Now, for all the book's copious information about the techniques with which artists have made drawings, I should make it clear that it does not address any explicit lessons or suggestions to the aspiring artist. As a textbook, it is equally or more suitable to a course in art history and appreciation than to one in studio art. That said, of course, a book of sensitivity and depth about the art of drawing will be more useful and stimulating to most aspiring artists than yet another how-to.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Horrible Quality, May 11, 2008

By 

KS (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Guide to Drawing (Paperback)

I agree with the previous review which explains the horrible quality of this textbook. While I am not evaluating the content, I must say I have used it three times and the binding has completely fallen apart. For such an expensive item, this is absolutely unacceptable. I am in the process of contacting Thomson Wadsworth to complain about the issue. I am also asking my instructor to adopt another textbook and to file a complaint with the publisher. I tried to find a hardback copy of this item but could not. If you need to have a sturdy, solid textbook this is NOT for you. I am completely disgusted.

**UPDATE**
After using the textbook for a week, I must say that overall the content of the text is outstanding. As a beginning art student, the text is very accessible and logically arranged. The illustrations are helpful, although almost all are just black and white, and the important terms and concepts are easily noted. However, the binding has COMPLETELY fallen apart; several of my classmates have complained of this as well. Shame on the publishers for such low quality standards...