Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Cartooning but Were Afraid to Draw (Christopher Hart Titles) (Paperback)

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Product Description

Written by a master cartoonist with a combination of wit (which every cartoonist needs) and invaluable advice, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cartooning But Were Afraid to Draw is the ultimate cartooning book. It serves as a complete course for beginners as well as a great tool for the most advanced cartoonist. Author Christopher Hart covers everything a cartoonist needs to know to tell a joke visually, from the effective use of layout, light, and shading to the techniques of conveying emotion. There are lessons in drawing characters in reaction shots and “takes,” indicating specific settings such as underwater and nighttime scenes, and depicting various weather conditions. There is even an entire chapter devoted to creating special effects—from speed to explosions. Of special importance, Hart shows cartoonists how to find their own drawing style and how to develop a cast of characters.

Written with boundless enthusiasm, this friendly yet authoritative book is filled with appealing, original comic strips and gags that Hart created especially to illustrate his lessons. Every artist who wants to draw cartoons will appreciate the insider's knowledge and tricks of the trade that Hart shares in this comprehensive sourcebook.

About the Author

Christopher Hart is Watson-Guptill's best-selling author; his previous books have sold more than a million copies. He lives in Westport, Connecticut.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill (April 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823023591
• ISBN-13: 978-0823023592
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #132,335 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite in the Fifth Grade, February 6, 1998

By	Jim Bennett ([e-mail]) (Poughkeepsie, NY) - See all my reviews

I am a fifth grade teacher and I bought this book for my class. The students just love it! This book is crammed full of really high-energy cartoon images with instructions on how to draw them. Every day, students ask to borrow this book. I have other art and cartoon books in my classroom, but this one is their all-time favorite.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent find!, August 22, 2003

By	Green Pineapple ":)" (Honolulu, Hawaii United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is great! There are a ton of helpful tips and techniques that range from how to draw facial expressions and body types to how to draw ice cubes and water... and even how to convey wind or rain. The author, Christopher Hart, even explains why cartoon characters have only three fingers.

This book is very clear, very informative and very funny! I highly recommend this book!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Touch of Paradise!, September 12, 2001

By	Michele Leyland "nick_leyland" (Kenmore, N.Y. United States) - See all my reviews

Everything this man draws is worth gold to beginning and intermediate (and probably advanced; I'm not that far yet) cartoonists! I bought this book for the cats, lions, and bears and discovered apes, skunk, mice, pigs and more, plus many human figures with hats,mustaches, etc. More imporantly, it discusses the principles of layout, how to create distance, depth, the use of props, backgrounds, angles and silhouettes. Wheh! A lot to learn, but so much fun. One of Hart's best books!!