Mastering Sketching: A Complete Course in 40 Lessons

by Judy Martin

Rare book

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Drawing

176 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I have considered myself an artist most of my life, I've always had trouble with committing to sketching on a regular basis. I really like this book, which goes through different media, locations and types of sketches. Lots of great examples and tips for different techniques. Best of all, it has many answers for that eternal question when one has a blank sketchbook page in front of them: "what should I draw?"

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not done any drawing since high school. I’ve never had formal training. As such, I can’t draw. So, I went to the library and took out a pile of books.

I skimmed this book, and I would say it is a good overview of sketching. Each 2 page chapter explains a concept. As another reviewer mentioned, these chapters are not lessons, and this book is not a course. A lesson breaks things down step by step. A course has exercises, homework, or tests for hands-on learning. While the book does suggest trying each tool or technique described, it does not have specific exercises.

Overall, the book is a great introduction or overview to sketching. It would also be useful to a person with some sketching skills who is stumped about what to draw and how to move forward. In conclusion, it’s worth a read. I should probably return to this for a more thorough read when I have some basic skills under my belt.

[Michael Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Sketching School, a Reader’s Digest book by Judy Martin, and then discovered that the book is not listed on Goodreads. But this one is, and I wonder whether they are the same book. They seem close enough. Regardless, this is a great overview of quick sketching, covering a large number of techniques, tools (pen and ink, pencil, watercolor, crayon, etc), and themes (ie, portraits, urban, nature, landscapes, etc). And it covers them well, with plenty of eye-catching examples throughout. If you can find it, get it. This copy will stay on my shelf.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't say it has 40 "lessons" so much as 40 suggestions for studt. But overall I found it very helpful and gave me some insight on how to use best some of the mediums that I have. Definitely geared more towards those using traditional media rather than a digital artist.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

More examples of other artists' sketches than actual lessons, but still, very helpful.

[Eliel Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read on basics with some great art work and good tips.