Customer Reviews

A Guide to Drawing

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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...

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.

I originally bought the 5th edition. That was over ten years ago. It is still intact and more importantly, the most valued in my collection of art books. The authors cover drawing from a real artist's perspective. They cover, exceptionally well, what drawing is, the mechanics, the creative solutions and encourage self expression from cover to cover. This is a definite must have.

Side note: I wouldn't care if they sold this book without a binding, the contents are just invaluable.

Jim

Had to get this book for art class. I previously used the 6th edition for a class the semester before. It is the same book as the other edition except for some small changes. The publisher THOMSON WADSORTH obviously felt this was an improvement over the last book. NOT...... It is a $100.00 dollar piece of crap book. As soon as you open it up for the first time and apply even the slightest pressure to the pages the binding splits and cracks and all the pages start to fall out. It is not an isolated problem as this is the fourth book I have recieved and they all do the same thing. I have brought this issue up to the company and they deny and type of problems. I guess they feel they can rip off and take advantage of college students and no one will care. SHAME ON YOU THOMSOBN WADSWOTH... PS.. If I ever have another class where your I have to buy another book with your name on it I am going to refuse. Another fine example of corporate greed. I bet the books are made in China so that instead of making $95.00 profit per book you make $98.00 profit per book.

Received this book in very good used condition. It is an excellent guide to drawing. Contains alot of history and examples of artwork done by famous and not so famous artists. It is written in very clear and concise language making it easy to read as well as great for reference. Would recommend it to anyone interested in drawing at any skill level. It is one that I will use for years to come.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who seriously wants to learn to draw. Whether a novice or advanced artist, this book gives excellent guidance for improving the ability to 'see' what you draw. The book is worth ten times what i paid for it, but I'm glad I didn't have to pay that much!

Tracy

The book is a very precice book. there are many chapters covering many of the major subjects of art. My skill have improved a great deal from reviewing this book. The book is a very long piece but its worth the time if you need too, or want to improve your artistic skill in every which way.

I bought all the books for my Grandson to take to college. They are required for his classes at New Hampshire Institute of Art. I'm sure they are what he needed.

A list of the books:A Guide To Drawing, Seeing and Writing, Easy Writer.

This book was ordered for a college class. I received it very quickly and it was much cheaper than the bookstore.