Debt-Free Art Degree: Foundations in Drawing: The Affordable Way to Learn Professional Skills

by Marco Bucci

An essential guide for a new generation of artists to learn professional-level art skills—no student loan required! Now a successful artist, illustrator, and YouTube star, Marco Bucci once thought you had to be born with art talent and go to an expensive art school to have a career in art. Unfortunately, he couldn’t draw and didn’t get in to art school, but he heard that drawing was something you could learn anyway, so he set off on a self-guided journey of becoming an artist. In Debt-Free Art Foundations in Drawing, Marco shares what he learned to help you become a successful artist without experiencing the same false starts and setbacks he did. This accessible yet comprehensive guide   Affordable, high-level art instruction for serious beginners and seasoned artists seeking skill enhancement or a career in art A logical curriculum that avoids information overload Connected lessons, exercises, and demonstrations that pave the way to strong drawing skills Instruction on essential art principles such as working with 2D and 3D shapes, gesture, form, color and more Encouragement to develop your personal artistic vision while building foundational skills Debt-Free Art Foundations in Drawing is your gateway to a thorough and budget-friendly art education.

Genres: Art, Drawing, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2024

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Marco begins by letting the reader know anyone can learn to draw, and then breaks it down into manageable chunks with step-by-step instructions. He includes many illustrations that are broken into parts so the reader can follow along and be successful in their endeavor in practicing and repeating lessons. He addresses many things such as how to draw movement in a way that is interesting to the eye, how to balance shading and light and discussing color temperature and color theory. I especially loved in his final note where he discussed that learning isn’t linear and that as you improve there will be new challenges you face, but to continue to practice and one day you will see the results of your efforts and hard work. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to improve or learn new drawing skills.

[73pctGeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of Debt-Free Art Degree: Foundations in Drawing by Marco Bucci. Caveat: a scant few illustrations were missing from my copy, so I've not seen every single picture contained within the final copy.

The book consists of a short introduction, then eight chapters covering 2D shapes, gesture drawing, 3D form and space, building the figure, capturing poses, shapes and characters, constructing the head, shading and lighting, and finally colour, before ending with a helpful index.

The introduction details Bucci's own journey and concludes with a helpful section on how to effectively study using the book. The chapters are very informative and thorough. So thorough, in fact, that I can in all honestly only give a cursory review. I'll really need time to absorb and study the information in order to fully understand it all.

The QR codes scattered throughout lead to some fantastic videos showing the concepts in a way that can be easier for some to absorb. I also really like that assignments are given at the end of each chapter. Another thing I really appreciated was Bucci using pictures of himself showing poses etc. throughout, it's helpful in reinforcing references are useful and that you can and should make them yourself.

This isn't a book for complete novices, but I believe any experienced beginners and those of higher skill levels will gain a lot from this book. I'm a somewhat experienced beginner and this is squarely aimed at my skill level and well above it. I can understand the concepts covered and studying this book will help me learn how to leverage them better.

I really, really, really liked this book. I'm buying a copy of this to add to my art library immediately.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco Bucci has written an insightful, step by step way of honing your talents in drawing. I was a bit nervous to dig into this as all of the beautiful illustrations look top notch and very hard to do. As I read and absorbed the lessons I found it an easy read and began practicing bit by bit. He really takes each chapter and goes in depth with the learning and yet breaks it down into manageable chunks at the same time.

He covers topics such as shapes, form and space and also covers character poses, shading and lighting and colour. The activities and assignments at the end of the chapter are really good and think focussing on those first would be good for beginners.

More experienced artists could use this book as a reference book, going to the chapter they need, but it can also be read from start to finish while your skills improve.

Thank you to Netgalley, Rockport Publishers and Marco Bucci for allowing me to read the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debt-Free Art Degree: Foundations in Drawing is a clear and concise exploration of how to draw, and think, like a professional artist. Starting from three simple lines: C-curve, S-curve, and Straight; and ending with color theory, this book really does contain all you need to begin your drawing journey. The book is fully illustrated to explain complex ideas simply.

If you have someone in your life interested in improving their drawing skills, Debt-Free Art Degree: Foundations in Drawing is a great choice. It is even good for intermediate amateur artists so they can understand why some of their drawings work better than others. 5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and Rockport Publishers for providing me with an advanced review copy.

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a budding artist in your family, check out Marco Bucci’s Foundations in Drawing. YouTube star Bucci writes in that comfortable, conversational style that comes naturally to YouTubers who must engage their audience to keep them. The instruction is clear yet simple as he breaks down the drawing process to a few simple shapes anyone can master. Lots of fun to read and to practice.

Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Rockport Publishing and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing resource. It started off as a simple easy to follow refresher. But oh my. As I got further into the material it became increasingly more intense. I had to take breaks because though it was broken down into simple steps it made my brain hurt. This is a great read that will be a resource to go back to time and time again as I continue to develop my skills. Recommend for any aspiring artists.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive book on figure drawing, taking you from the basic forms to creating a complete person. Each chapter goes into it's topic in depth, with exercises at the end to reinforce what you've learnt. With chapters on perspective and colour, it's perfect for beginners or intermediate artists who want to improve their techniques. Highly recommended.

[Danielle Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wealth of knowledge in one book. worth the read get yourself a sketchbook to work in while enjoying the lessons of this book

[Crimson Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC of this book

When I was a child I loved doing art and also writing but I stopped and only recently have become serious about picking it up again to learn and get back into one of my passions, I was told about this artist and read up on him becoming interested in this book... I am glad I was because this is a great book to read, and learn from and also to see how he makes things more accessible for u to learn and grow through the chapters.

This is a book I plan to buy to add to my collection so I can always look back on the information given & if ur looking for a book that's easy to read, follow with digestible chapters giving u time to not only go at our pace but to see each example he gives in drawings and pictures.. including at the end of each chapter some small assessments for you to do ... then this book is for you.