Drawing Basics and Beyond: Transform Observation into Imagination

by Sorie Kim

Take your sketching practice to the next level with this practical and inspiring guide to drawing what you see…and beyond.

Sketching from life is critical to learning how to draw. It’s also an invaluable source of creative inspiration. In Drawing Basics and Beyond, artist and popular instructor Sorie Kim breaks down her compelling approach to drawing from direct observation to make it fun and easy for artists of all levels.

Sorie guides you through the why and how of sketching from life, including different approaches and the eight elements of sketching. She then shares pages from her sketchbooks captured at a variety of locations as a jumping-off point for sharing innovative tips and techniques. Finally, Sorie provides guidance to take the information gathered from and inspired by sketching to create original, imaginative art.

This informative and entertaining guide reveals:

The benefits of sketching from life and how it impacts your artwork.
Sorie’s seven favorite types of sketchbooks, including the “ugly sketchbook,” and when to use them.
Strategies for sketching in any location, from parks, to cities, to zoos, to museums, and more.
An inside look at Sorie’s fascinating sketchbooks and how she uses them in a wide variety of locations.
Approaches to adding imagination to your sketches through experimenting with mediums, pushing boundaries, abstraction, and doodling.

No matter your chosen art medium, style, or subject matter, sketching will improve your drawing skills and observation abilities and increase your creativity. Drawing Basics and Beyond is the inspirational and encouraging guide that will help you on that path, whether you’re just getting started or want to step up your sketching game.

Genres: Art, Drawing, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Bloss ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little book!

As someone who has always been intimidated by the technical 'rules' of drawing (thanks, school system), I found Kim's approach refreshing. She presents some common formats and gives basic tutorials for each but encourages readers to experiment and not get too bogged down in following rules and perfectionism. I enjoyed Kim's accessible, gentle style and the peek inside some of her own sketchbooks was a neat touch!

Could I replicate some of these drawings? Ha! Not even close. But, it deepened my understanding of the drawing process and made me feel like art and drawing is something that I too could try, enjoy, and experiment with!


Thank you, Rockport Publishers for making this available on NetGalley!

[Mandy Kool · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorie Kim is one of my all time favorite artistic instructors. I have taken multiple courses of her’s and they have definitely been a turning point and aha moment each time I revisit them. She just understands the basics more than any other instructor I’ve ever learned from. Her work is plain phenomenal.

When I saw that she was releasing a guidebook, I had to jump on it and I am pleased with the inside guts of this book.

In her courses, she goes through all of the steps within this book, and even more in depth. But through these pages, you can really get an introduction into her courses and enhance your skills, beginners and expert artists alike. The way that Sorie teaches shines even here.

My favorite part of all is the beautiful sketchbook work she has throughout. She uses simple, accessible supplies and reinforces the idea that in order to get better is through breaking it down to simple processes and repetition. It’s just so good.

I cannot wait to gift this book to any and every aspiring artist I know. It’s fantastic!

[Crimson Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC of this book

I have always loved art since I was a child, when I was younger I wanted to be an artist, but was persuaded by my mother to persue a different career choice, but now I have decided that I am egar to learn and become better at drawing again so I habe been looking into books etc to get things started.

This was a really good book to give u a look into but also help you to start into drawing basics but at the same time not giving too much where u feel overwhelmed, so if you are interested in art but don't like when u are given too much info where u feel overwhelmed then this is a good book to start with and to start slowly into learning.

[Jacqueline Nyathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Drawing Basics and Beyond* introduces formal drawing techniques and theory to those who want to learn to draw. It’s very much in the artist’s style, and so will be most useful for those who want to imitate it. It’s also really very packed with method; and so, depending on your perspective as a beginner, you’ll find you’ve got far more than you bargained for, or real value for money.

Thank you to Rockport Publishing and to NetGalley for early access.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher, Sorie Kim, and Netgalley for this eARC.

In her captivating book, Drawing Basics and Beyond, artist and esteemed instructor Sorie Kim invites us on an inspiring journey from observation to imagination. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this sketchbook master class offers valuable insights and practical techniques.

Sorie Kim demystifies drawing by emphasizing direct observation. She encourages us to see the world around us with fresh eyes, transforming everyday scenes into artistic inspiration.

Kim breaks down the essential components of sketching, guiding readers through line, shape, form, value, texture, space, composition, and perspective. Her clear explanations empower artists to build a solid foundation.

Drawing from life is at the heart of this book. Kim shares her passion for capturing the nuances of reality, whether it’s a bustling cityscape, a serene landscape, or a simple still life.

As we learn to observe, we also learn to imagine. Kim encourages experimentation, playfulness, and the freedom to infuse our sketches with personal expression.

Throughout the book, you’ll find engaging exercises that reinforce concepts. From quick gesture sketches to detailed studies, these hands-on activities enhance your skills.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by a blank page or struggled to translate what you see onto paper, Drawing Basics and Beyond provides a supportive roadmap.

Kim’s warm tone and relatable anecdotes make this more than just an instructional manual—it’s an artistic companion.

Whether you’re sketching in a cozy corner café or capturing the grandeur of a mountain range, this book celebrates the joy of creation.

In summary, Drawing Basics and Beyond is an enriching resource that bridges the gap between observation and imagination. It’s about discovering the magic within the ordinary.

I am purchasing a hard copy for future reference.

[Candice Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am someone that likes to introduce and encourage the people around me to art. I give my family members books to help develop a creative and well-rounded person. As a child, I was given a sketch book, which helped me express my emotions. I wish I had a copy of this book when I was younger. I will be buying copies for the family for Xmas. The book goes through “Why Sketching is important?”. It also shows you how to develop an image from start to finish. It goes into how you draw an object in motion and make it more lifelike. I don’t have any complaints about this book. I feel like it is a must have for New Artist.

[Seb5253 · Rating 1 out of 5]

In my humble untrained, low skilled opinion i personally found this to be essentially an Illustrated dictionary of terms- beautifuly illustrated but with negligible information on technique and no logical progression to speak of - i think the term "masterclass" is somewhat presumptuous.
Having spent a small fortune on drawing books I should have known better. From what I've picked up on elsewhere: If you want to "get good" go old school and put in the time, learn the foundations of drawing so thoroughly that you dont have to think about them . books like these ( and i have more than a few) are pretty much the art school equivalent of junk food.

[Ande Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great sketching guide! I really liked the coverage of basic sketching skills and practice as well as the discussion of the best materials to use. I enjoyed the art style a lot and am excited to get my sketchbook out tomorrow. The author had some great designs, and I really appreciate their style!

Thanks to NetGalley, Sorie Kim, and Quarto Publishing for the chance to read and review!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for both beginner and more advanced artists. I especially loved the section about how to keep a sketchbook. The author gives plenty of advice on a wide variety of subjects, which is really helpful. An art book I highly recommend.

[Brodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good concepts provided but it's all rather surface level. There's not much structure provided for readers which could make it hard for a beginner to know how to utilise this book.

The artwork is beautiful and is certainly an inspiration.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this book is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Easy to grasp and perfect for a true beginner artist. Other beginner books start of with deep level concepts while here I am not even grasping the concept of a box in 3d. This book gets me and had helped me improve a lot.

[WhimsyRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this! I plan to purchase a hard copy when it releases :) This is very comprehensive yet still easily digestible and enjoyable to read.

[Ashlyn Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this is a lot of basic but very helpful info. And it put me back in a creative mood

[Avery Dow-Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful and beautifully illustrated book; I took lots of notes for my own practice.