Drawing Basics and Beyond: Transform Observation into Imagination (Sketchbook Master Class)

this author and book are amazing. i love the approach to drawing. i'm working my way through the book and practicing things as i go. aside from the learning value, it is super fun to have all these images of the author's work. big fan.

This drawing book is an excellent resource for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals of sketching. It provides clear and concise information on materials needed and basic concepts. While it covers a lot of ground, even touching on more advanced techniques, the focus is on building a solid foundation. The book is filled with inspiring sketches and examples to help you understand the concepts. It's a great tool to get started with drawing and explore your own creativity.

I looked at many drawing books, and as an art teacher, i felt this was a good one to help my 15 year old Niece improve her skills.

I can't say exactly who this book is written for, but it was exactly what I needed and wanted at my place in my drawing journey.I've been sketching, urban sketching, figure sketching, portrait sketching, etc, for a few years now as a hobby. I'm not particularly great, but I have read and watched tons and tons of books and videos for artists at all levels. This book provided me with some great insights and ideas, not because it has extensive written explanations or step by step instructions, but rather through short text tips, ideas, and mostly through the drawings and pictures from her sketchbook.For me in particular, she really got me thinking more about form. I started seeing simple objects around me with more interest. In particular, she got me sketching these objects with more emphasis on simplification and representation of form through explicit contour lines and simple shading. I am also drawing more from imagination, or warping real objects in interesting ways.I love being inspired by her sketches and replicating them in my own way as well - it actually helps me conceptualize things in space better. Overall, the illustrations are very inspirational and cover a gamut of styles, subject matter, detail level, etc. Many are beautifully rendered. Just about all convey an amazing sense of form and solidity.The text is just enough to cover some basics, but also give good tips of use to beginners and intermediate artists. It should not be a first book for someone looking to understand the basics of drawing. She briefly touches on many beginner topics, but doesn't dive deeply enough in them to be considered a beginner book.Overall, though, for intermediate or even advanced sketchers, I think there's a lot to be learned from the words and images in this book.

More like showoff instead instructional. Topics are interesting, but not deep enough. Sketches inside are amazing. I will describe this book as an "intro to sketching". If you collecting books like me, and you love autors sketches - would be nice to have and look/read. But if you want to learn basics of drawing and behind, don't expect much from this book, consider as an companion book for inspiration in your journey.

Reading this drawing book was the first time I felt that I actually learned something. I wasn't just trying to trace or otherwise replicate individual steps from someone else's picture. There is nice information on components of a sketch and techniques to use. But also, how to look at things and get in the right mindset. It feels more like taking a class.I wouldn't call this a textbook though. While it introduces lots of concepts, it never goes into much detail. Also, there aren't any real exercises, you are left to do that on your own terms. But now I feel more prepared for what to look for, on the internet or elsewhere. I think this is an excellent starter book.

Large drawings and easy to follow. It defines a lot of basics like how to connect a line between two points, so it does have at least some absolute-beginner level techniques. If you've done any sketching before it should be easy enough to pick up most of the lessons. This book covers a lot of ground and even a few more advanced techniques for less common shapes and objects, so if you master it all I think you'll be a great sketcher!

I think this book is more aimed at intermediate artists than beginners, and there isn't a ton of instruction or "how to" in this book, but the drawings are very nice. If you are someone who is already into drawing and illustration, this book could be an excellent source of inspiration. And even if you are not into to drawing you might just enjoy looking at the artwork included in this book.