Drawing from Observation: An Introduction to Perceptual Drawing

by Brian Curtis

Perceptual drawing, in which one renders the physical world as it appears to an observer, is the focus of this new text for the introductory drawing course. Drawing from Observation offers a balanced mix of hands-on technique and perceptual theory while making a compelling argument for the long-term value of studying perception-based drawing.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference, Drawing, Read For School

336 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2001

Reviews

[Danielle Smiley · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's good stuff in this book, but the author is so wordy and babbles on and on before getting to his point. The big difference between this and the newer version is there is a 17th chapter in the newer version.

[beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.6 / 5 stars
Hear me out...I literally had to read the ENTIRE textbook for school...it counts okay?
Bland but doable.

[AJ Easterday · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't believe this book can actually teach a person how to draw on their own. When I read this book, it was being used as a textbook for a college drawing class, and the only reason I ever understood what the book was talking about was because my professor was good at explaining the concepts discussed in the book. So really I learned everything from my professor and the book did nothing to enhance my learning. Brian Curtis may be a good artist, but that does not mean he's a good writer (or a good teacher). He is way too wordy and has a tendency to go off on long tangents. This along with his tendency to use complicated vocabulary makes the book really frustrating and hard to understand. When it comes to instructional books, clear and precise language is the way to go, and Brian Curtis is neither of those things. I really do not recommend this book for self-teaching or to be used as a textbook. There are much better books out there.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent primer to observational drawing. Most of it is very easy to follow with lots of student drawn examples. A couple of chapters could be made shorter and they wouldn't lose any impact. Follow what the author says and you'll improve. No book on drawing will make you great at drawing. Only drawing can do that.

[scherzo♫ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why are some drawing books such eyesores?
Some good information, but hard to read because pages are badly designed.

[Dan Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for anyone learning to draw on their own. The book teaches many practical ways to correct any of the common drawing mistakes.