The Complete Guide to Drawing and Illustration: A Practical and Inspirational Course for Artists of All Abilities

by Peter C. Gray

This volume will demystify the subject and, at every stage, treat drawing as a rewarding activity that encourages observation, experimentation and play.

Genres: Art, Reference, Nonfiction, Drawing

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Illustrator of books, magazines, newspapers, advertising and packaging for children and adults.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Reviews

[Robert Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was scouting around for some way to meet people and make friends whilst doing something I enjoyed, when I happened across a Live Drawing Class; so I joined up and spent a couple of hours drawing this nude guy in a class of 20 others doing the same.

Well, I wasn't really very good at it so, to hone my skills, I tripped off to the library and got me a book - this book.

I read and followed the instructions in the relevant chapter (figures), which enabled me to draw some nude women. Then I put the book down and drew another nude woman - just to make sure. Then I went back to the class the following week.

I spent another couple of hours in a room, with 20 others like me, drawing a nude guy. And even though the tutor commented that had improved (I told him I got a book) I thought to myself 'I can think of better things to do with £20 than this!'

So the book went on the shelf and I thought of better things.

After having paid a couple of overdue fines on the library book I thought I'd better get on with reading it, and it's surprising how much enjoyment you can get out of a book like this without actually picking up a pencil.

There are sections on drawing shapes, landscapes, townscapes, figures, faces, animals and cartoons.

The examples and instructions are easy to follow and there are plenty of clear illustrations (the author/artist is one talented guy).

All the technical stuff is covered such as perspective, shading/toning, layout and various media (pencils/pens/watercolour (bit of a misnomer as it's all black and white)/crayons/chalk).

This isn't a funny book, like the Dummies books. It isn't a history book - it doesn't try to give any insight into the way various art forms and techniques have developed. What it is though is a good solid introduction to drawing pretty much anything you might think of and a guide to developing your skills so that you can produce some mighty fine illustrations.

If you need a good intro to drawing - look no further.

[Martin Vong · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd book i have used to Improve my drawing skills, very effective with drawing faces, above average with drawing bodies

[Leonard Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive and maybe even a bit too much so. It didn't do anything to help my nonexistent draughtsmanship, I tell you that much.

[Angie Lisle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good starting place for those learning to draw.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear instructions on how to draw things from still life to comics, but all very much in an introductory fashion.

If you want something in depth on a particular subject, this is not the book for you. If you are a beginner and are looking for a general overview of different types of drawing; take a peek.