The Watson Drawing Book (Paperback)

~ Ernest W. Watson (Author), Aldren A. Watson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For people of all ages interested in developing their artistic abilities--an authoritative, stimulating book brimming with information on techniques, media, and artistic examples. Comprehensive chapters explain how to use pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, brush and ink, quill and rush pens, and felt-tip, wash, and mixed media. 250 black-and-white illustrations provide sketches and drawings by the authors, as well as old masters and contemporary artists. An ideal resource for anyone who wants to develop their skills for professional reasons or simply for personal satisfaction. Technical information and tips on: perspective; measure and form analysis; rendering light, shade, and shadow; portrait drawing; figure sketching; outdoor sketching.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Dover Ed edition (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486426068
• ISBN-13: 978-0486426068
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,095,258 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not adequate, and very difficult especially for BEGINNERS, December 15, 2006

By	Bruce Bain "Romans 9:33/Remember Jackie Robinson" (Englewood, CO United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

WATSON DRAWING BOOK by Earnest W. Watson

When I review DRAWING books, the first question I ask is, "Is this for BEGINNERS?" Because I feel an obligation to the book buyer to provide good information, and also to prevent a beginning student from being discouraged, and feeling that they are defective, or ....just cannot get it.

Some books can be for ADVANCED students, and they can skip beginning lessons. In this case, this book is not clear about precisely who its reader is. If it was clear about its audience, it could go right to the basics and move on from there. There are basics here, in chapter three, so it is intended to be a BEGINNERS book.

Chapter I consists of wordy text, answering the author's intellectualizations about WHY WE DRAW.

Chapter II consists of wordy text, answering the author's intellectualizations about WHAT IS GOOD DRAWING. The illustrations accompanying this are still life sketches, dogs & cats, seafood and roosters. There is a decided lack of inspiration here.

Chapter III is wordy text on the principles of PERSPECTIVE. It is covered in a disorganized manner. Some of the material in the latter part of the chapter should be on the first page or two of the PERSPECTIVE chapter.

The reader has to go clear to page 115 to find instruction on drawing people, and here the lesson is only on PORTRAITS. The text is supported by one rough sketch and 4 completed drawings.
Not until page 123 does the student find instruction on drawing the human figure.

Throughout this text it is difficult to find a single drawing style used throughout. The examples of completed drawings are lacking in inspiration. About the only recommendation I can make for the WATSON DRAWING BOOK is that the list price of $12.95 makes it affordable.