Drawing, a Contemporary Approach: A Contemporary Approach

by Claudia Betti, Teel Sale

Going beyond conventional approaches, this drawing text emphasizes the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual significance of art. The development of today's art from that of the past is traced, giving a sense of meaning and continuity. Illustrations and analyses enable students to turn their energies to new and different directions, to give material form to their own ideas.

Genres: Art, Drawing, Nonfiction, Education, Textbooks, Reference, How To

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book that I learned to draw out of and it has many pros and cons. It contains a lot of good images from the past hundred years in its chapters on gesture, shape/plane and volume, value, line, texture, color, thematic development, etc. It also covers why contemporary art is important and worth our time. This book is for higher learning/secondary students and goes more into the philosophy of these chapter headings instead of a step-by-step process of creation. I would have liked something easier to read, the language is just not appealing to me.

[Sananab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the example pictures. The text was interesting enough. I spent weeks of quarantine gradually working through many of the exercises, but few clicked with me the same way some from other books had. They struck me as the sort of exercises it would have been better to have a teacher present for. Still, I'm happy to have read it.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is useful in not only art instruction, but in understanding how great art was created by showing and explaining examples of work from some of the masters such as Picasso, Rembrandt, Klee, Matisse, Pollock, Wyeth, O’Keefe and so on. . .

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at drawing that goes beyond the conventional. Sketchbook projects at the end of each chapter reinforce the concepts taught and allow for further exploration and practice by the reader/student. A great textbook to have on your bookshelf.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better drawing textbooks.

[モーリー · Rating 5 out of 5]

I come back to this book over and over. I was lucky enough to once find a reasonably priced used copy online. If it hasn't gone through another printing by now, I suggest you grab it if you can!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great teaching aid.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another art textbook from art school. I have it marked up but haven't looked at it since then. These books would certainly be an inspiration to draw again.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspired me to start drawing again.

[Deon Mixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely resourceful and easy to read. Every drawing class needs this as a guide. I think we'd be less efficient artists without it.