The Art of Basic Drawing: Discover Simple Step-by-step Techniques for Drawing a Wide Variet of Subjects in Pencil

by William F. Powell, Michael Butkus, Mia Tavonatti

Gives step-by-step instructions on the basics of drawing and sketching, including landscapes, still lifes, animals, and people.

Genres: Art, Drawing, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

William F. Powell is an internationally recognized artist recognized as one of America's foremost colorists. He has written and illustrated more than 30 instructional art books.

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a good introduction to drawing. The author goes into basics about topics like perspective, supplies, shapes that make a drawing, shading and cross-hatching (and more), exercises to build your talents, and so on. Exercises are provided to practice with still life, animals and landscapes, with quite a few step-by-step examples of everything from horses to Persian cats to gorillas to mountains. There is just a bit of "and then a miracle occurs" when going through the steps to the fantastic drawing you see at the end, but that's pretty much the norm in drawing books. There is help with drawing people and facial features at the end and there's the typical 1950's look to the people that is so common with drawing books. All in all, this is a great primer on developing your drawing talents, though.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This is a delightful book full of easy to follow but detailed step by step instructions to encourage the budding but beginning artist. This book covers many starting points such as shading, shadows etc and gives activities to try before starting out with the sketches in the book itself.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Art of Basic Drawing: Simple step-by-step techniques for drawing a variety of subjects in graphite pencil' by William F. Powell, Michael Butkus, Walter Foster and Mia Tavonatti is an art instruction book with a variety of projects to draw.

This book has 5 sections. The first section goes in to tools and materials, how to hold a pencil for art and learning to see (or unsee) for art. Then there are sections on drawing still lifes, animals, landscapes and people. There are lots of step by step instructions and lots of encouragement to take a sketchbook everywhere and draw.

This book makes drawing beautiful things attainable and has a great encouraging approach to teaching. The examples are not simple but are broken down to show the steps to get there. I found this to be a really good art instruction book

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Nemo Nemo · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE AUTHORS

William F. Powell and Michael Butkus, et. al. are the accomplished authors, artists, and writers of a plethora of publications. Together the authors have created a splendid tutorial for all those who want to increase their skills and abilities.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE

The Art of Basic Drawing provides a guided tutorial, style self-help book based on Quarto’s Walter Foster imprint style. Although it is described as basic, there are techniques described within the pages that will appeal to those with an intermediate skill level. For this reason I believe most artists or aspiring artist will benefit from the valuable information in this print.

SYNOPSIS

This book is skillfully illustrated and resplendent with invaluable insights as well as tips, tricks, and techniques. The magnificent tutorials enclosed will guide you through methods to improve your skill-set and assist you in producing more satisfying results from your efforts.

This artists manifesto is attractively presented and most important easy to follow in step-by-step instructions. The presentation gives the viewer confidence to try out the techniques in the comfort of their own home or studio.

The structure of the book allows the reader to move from chapter to chapter or section to section with equal ease, whilst maintaining full comprehension. The phased sequence transports the beginner through the drawing methods: from getting started, to how to approach still life subjects, followed by animals, landscapes and people.

CONCLUSION

The Art of Basic Drawing made a considerable impression on me, and it reminded me of the depiction and style of more traditional artists of previous decades. It has the feel of a quality product written and published by those who possess genuine experience and love for the subject. For the price of a night out at the cinema you could have this manual that will give you a lifetime of pleasure. I heartily recommended this book for both beginners and intermediate artists.

WHO IS WALTER FOSTER

Walter Foster Publishing is one of the most recognized names in art instruction. The timeless drawing and painting techniques found in Walter Foster titles have assisted people around the world discover their creative talents. Walter Foster Publishing has developed a full library of titles for the modern artist: from traditional pencil sketching; to acrylic, oil, and watercolor painting; to mixed media, hand lettering, and DIY crafting.

KNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank the authors William F. Powell and Michael Butkus, Netgalley, and Walter Foster Publishing for affording the opportunity to review The Art of Basic Drawing.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, this is a must-have book for learning how to draw. Basically, it compiles various materials from other Walter Foster books and consists of various drawing exercises. After its initial chapter describing basic tools, basic shapes, and a smidgen of perspective explanation, it then shows step-by-step methods of drawing things from still life to flowers to animals to human faces to people.

While this may sound like any other drawing book, keep in mind that this is from Walter Foster, a reputable publishing company when it comes to art instruction books. The method of drawing step-by-step with tips and advice contained inside is probably the best way to learn how to draw. You only learn by doing, after all.

[Amit Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like drawing. I try to copy illustrations and cartoons.
I am able to draw simple ones, but when stacking of multiple items in a picture is required alignment becomes haphazard.
But now I know principles of single person or two person perspective in a drawing; that stacks items correctly with respect to each other.
This book teaches such basics in a simplified way like shading, perspective, shadowing, faces, noses etc.
A very good work that has stood test of time and can work as inspiration for young artists.
A nice book to gift to kids who love drawing.
Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.

[Lael Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book of basic drawing techniques covers pretty much everything a beginner should know in quick little snippets. It would be worthwhile especially if someone was looking for a quick overview of all topics. The actual art samples unfortunately like many art books seem to jump from simple to complex without really explaining how to get there yourself. However the topics covered run the gamet here as well, covering pretty much all one might be interested in.

[Lizbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, publisher and Netgalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Art of Basic Drawing demystifies sketching in a beautifully illustrated book with clear instructions and great tips to learn and grow as an artist. Both beginner and experienced can learn from this gorgeous book.

5 out of 5 stars. Recommended for every art reference library.

[Cyril · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me to learn to draw.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Art of Basic Drawing is a tutorial technique guide for graphite pencil drawing for the beginning to intermediate artist. Due out 3rd March 2020 from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

The layout follows the familiar Walter Foster tutorial format. An introduction covers tools and supplies and is followed by a short and easily accessible general drawing tutorial and an introduction to texture and perspective. There's a good subchapter on blending, texture strokes, and pencil techniques as well as a short intro on how to compose a drawing and developing forms.

Each of the chapters includes several start to finish projects illustrating the concepts and techniques from the chapter. The tutorials are grouped roughly thematically: still life, animals, landscapes, and people/portraiture.

This is a very basic book but full of good technique and will provide some useful takeaways for the majority of readers/artists. This entire series is worthwhile and will be a valuable addition to the artist's home library. The material is at least partially compiled from previously published work; one of the contributors (Walter T. Foster) passed away roughly forty years ago.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Kurt Rocourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because I wanted to improve my drawing ability. I can't draw, so this book was helpful to me. It did help with that but I learned something I didn't expect. With a book like this I need to keep the book open while I practice what I read. This is more of a read and apply book. While your reading it your also trying to apply what your reading to a separate page or board. So, I read the book book I didn't get as much out of it as I wanted because practicing will be a longer process then reading.

I read this book via NetGalley. I thank them for this book.

#TheArtofBasicDrawing #NetGalley

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really easy to follow, it has a great layout which makes it easy to read. It’s perfect if you didn’t want to sit and read it all at once, but wanted to learn how to draw certain bits at different times, with no pressure. I found little snippets of information quite interesting that I didn’t know. It made me want to get my drawing book and pencils out and I don’t think I’m capable of drawing. It’s certainly inspired me to try again, watch this space!!!

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very detailed and informative. The sections on perspective and shading are excellent. I highly recommend this book and I truly loved it. This book covers many solid techniques and the artwork is well done. I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC for an honest review.

[Wsclai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for beginners and it teaches a lot of basic drawing techniques. With the knowledge, one can sketch and draw with more confidence.

[Jenny Houle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most extensively inclusive book on drawing I’ve seen in quite some time, not only would it be a gift for a novice, but even more advanced artists could find it useful as a compact reference book.