Pencil Magic [Paperback]

Phil Metzger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 6, 2004

With Pencil Magic, readers will learn to improve their artistic skills with just two simple tools: pencil and paper. Featuring invaluable instruction, this guide will help beginning and advanced artists master the fundamentals of drawing, including: -The spectrum of basic strokes, including sharp, crosshatching, and directional strokes -Drawing styles from quick sketches to blended-stroke drawing -Strategies for capturing measurements accurately -How to paint trees, shadows, paths, and other landscape elements -Various methods of approaching perspective

With ten step-by-step demonstrations, Pencil Magic appeals to artists at all levels of artistic ability, while making learning the basics easy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Phil Metzger has been painting and selling his artwork for over thirty years. The author of eight fine art instruction books, including Perspective Without Pain, Watercolor Basics, and The North Light Artist's Guide to Materials and Techniques, he lives in Rockville, Maryland.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (April 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581805845
• ISBN-13: 978-1581805840
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #45 in Books > Arts & Photography > Drawing > Pencil

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended!!, May 9, 2004

By 

A. Burley (Santa Clara, Ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pencil Magic (Paperback)

This book is definitely a hidden treasure! The first half of the book goes over basic skills and techniques, design, perspective...the essentials. Then each subsequent chapter tackles a specific aspect of landscape drawings; trees, water, buildings, animals...I mean it covers it all. I am currently a Landscape Architecture student and picked up this book as a way to boost my skills. If you read through it and follow the tips you will be surprised at your progress. Once again, Highly Recommended!

51 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GET THIS BOOK!, May 20, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Pencil Magic (Paperback)

I highly recommend this book. I first read "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" and this book is a great follow up to it for anyone who thinks they cannot draw! I could hardly draw legible stick figures and now carry a sketch book with me wherever I go. Mr. Metzger has a way of writing that seems to speak to you at whatever level you are at in drawing. His examples are excellant. Tips abound. GET THIS BOOK!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great stuff, February 5, 2007

By 

Woodie - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pencil Magic (Paperback)

It describes how to interpret nature and useful techniques at drafting what you see. I got a lot out of this book. The artwork is fabulous. This book is a great starting point for an adventure in nature and landscape.