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Dare to Sketch: A Guide to Drawing on the Go
An inspirational, instructional, and visually stimulating guide to sketching and drawing. Dare to Sketch is filled with practical tips about which materials to use, a variety of subject matter ranging from easy to more challenging, and wisdom about overcoming creative blocks and fear of making mistakes.
A whimsical beginner's guide to sketching, covering all of the important basics: what kind of notebook to buy, what drawing materials to use, ideas for subject matter, and daily exercises. Includes inviting, inspirational, and idiosyncratic tips (don't start on the first page of your sketchbook!), Dare to Sketch is gorgeously illustrated with the author's unique and contemporary art style.
A whimsical beginner's guide to sketching, covering all of the important basics: what kind of notebook to buy, what drawing materials to use, ideas for subject matter, and daily exercises. Includes inviting, inspirational, and idiosyncratic tips (don't start on the first page of your sketchbook!), Dare to Sketch is gorgeously illustrated with the author's unique and contemporary art style.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
January 28, 2018
More entry level than I expected, but good cheerleading.
This covers materials, perspective, format, and addresses some very artistic sensibilities like protecting your work, pushing out the inner critic, and taking chances. I love the advice of starting with a patently "bad" work--get it out of the way, don't fear it. And then the discussion of works that don't turn out as planned and viewing that not as a setback, but a new perspective.
Scheinberger is big on non-realistic sketching. Photography is for documentation; drawing is for expression--let's not get into a battle of mediums, but suffice to say that he advocates for communication over verisimilitude. Scheinberger also addresses more complex concepts.
This is one of the most basic and fundamental concepts and he lays it out simply while comparing various techniques: cross-hatching, watercolor, etc.
Perhaps the most significant advice for me and the screaming perfectionist who destroys as much as they create is this statement about the sketchbook's raison d'être:
This covers materials, perspective, format, and addresses some very artistic sensibilities like protecting your work, pushing out the inner critic, and taking chances. I love the advice of starting with a patently "bad" work--get it out of the way, don't fear it. And then the discussion of works that don't turn out as planned and viewing that not as a setback, but a new perspective.
Scheinberger is big on non-realistic sketching. Photography is for documentation; drawing is for expression--let's not get into a battle of mediums, but suffice to say that he advocates for communication over verisimilitude. Scheinberger also addresses more complex concepts.
"Reality" is more a compromise among many ways of seeing. Hence, realistic drawing is more like the smallest common denominator than actual reality. Instead, think about what you want to convey.
"The most important thing to realize is that what you see is light, but what you draw is shadow. Do not use it too sparingly."
This is one of the most basic and fundamental concepts and he lays it out simply while comparing various techniques: cross-hatching, watercolor, etc.
Perhaps the most significant advice for me and the screaming perfectionist who destroys as much as they create is this statement about the sketchbook's raison d'être:
"It remains a field of experimentation and of trial and error. It remains a notebook and a diary."
April 30, 2017
A comprehensive beginner’s guide to drawing. It is full of tips, advice and inspiration. I wish it had more illustrated tutorials.
**ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
**ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
March 23, 2021
For as long as I could remember I wanted to be an artist and that is what I studied growing up, however I’ve somehow ended up as a data analysist. I’ve continued to draw, but over the years the amount of art I’ve produced has withered to very little as my free time has been whittled away and inspiration dulled.
I requested the ARC for this book as I’ve been meaning to get back into art for a while and I must say that this wonderful book has inspired me and reminded me of my love for art.
Felix Scheinberger is an amazing artist with such effortless talent, his work is a pleasure to behold and his advice is incredibly useful. From materials to subjects, his advice is simple, effective and easy to follow.
I’d say that this book is useful for someone such as me who has previously studied art, it would also be perfect for beginners who would definitely gain a lot from reading this.
This isn’t an in depth look at art, methods and history, it is advice, guidance and encouragement – which was more useful to me than the dry books I studied in school and college. I absolutely loved this book and would wholeheartedly recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for a fair and unbiased review.
I requested the ARC for this book as I’ve been meaning to get back into art for a while and I must say that this wonderful book has inspired me and reminded me of my love for art.
Felix Scheinberger is an amazing artist with such effortless talent, his work is a pleasure to behold and his advice is incredibly useful. From materials to subjects, his advice is simple, effective and easy to follow.
I’d say that this book is useful for someone such as me who has previously studied art, it would also be perfect for beginners who would definitely gain a lot from reading this.
This isn’t an in depth look at art, methods and history, it is advice, guidance and encouragement – which was more useful to me than the dry books I studied in school and college. I absolutely loved this book and would wholeheartedly recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for a fair and unbiased review.
September 2, 2020
You won't get in depth instruction on technique, but more a spiritual guide to being a sketch artist. Yes, there's some technique advice, but the better part of the book is evangelical. Drawing as a way to better connect to the world. To reflect a more encompassing reality than photographs can. "Drawing is a sensual process...it is a personal, human medium."
May 18, 2019
This is NOT a book that teaches you to draw various things. There are many other books that do that. And if you want to draw better, just draw, draw and draw and you will make fast progress.
Felix Scheinberger's books convince you to smash your fear and draw without seeking perfection. They show you that mistakes can be useful and how perfection kills your enjoy-ability of drawing and painting sketches.
The examples in the book are awesome! They teach you that you can obtain wonderful sketches without a single straight line, and make you think "I can draw this way myself!".
So, this book is like having a psychologist friend with you. You will start drawing with more confidence and that's all you need.
I own lots of drawing books but this is one of my favorites. Highly recommended.
Felix Scheinberger's books convince you to smash your fear and draw without seeking perfection. They show you that mistakes can be useful and how perfection kills your enjoy-ability of drawing and painting sketches.
The examples in the book are awesome! They teach you that you can obtain wonderful sketches without a single straight line, and make you think "I can draw this way myself!".
So, this book is like having a psychologist friend with you. You will start drawing with more confidence and that's all you need.
I own lots of drawing books but this is one of my favorites. Highly recommended.
February 12, 2018
2.5 stars. Ok overview of drawing basics with particular tips for urban sketchers. Definitely feels like a variation of other things I've read before.
August 19, 2018
A copy showed up during my latest library haul, so did a quick re-read. A good primer.
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Original review:
I'd recommend this one for beginner artists and people new to keeping sketchbooks. There's some good advice in here, and I like the loose style the author uses in his sketches. If you are not a newbie, this one is pretty basic, but the actual book itself is wonderfully designed, and the art fun to look at.
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Original review:
I'd recommend this one for beginner artists and people new to keeping sketchbooks. There's some good advice in here, and I like the loose style the author uses in his sketches. If you are not a newbie, this one is pretty basic, but the actual book itself is wonderfully designed, and the art fun to look at.
May 24, 2020
Wonderful; fantastic, grand, howling, marvelous, terrific - it's all I can say, it's all I have time to say ... before running out to do some serious sketching.
September 15, 2017
I'm always on the lookout for a sketching book to finally get me to sketch! Yea, I know... it is up to me and not a book but inspiration is always a good thing. While this one didn't quite get my butt in gear and start sketching as much as I should, it was a good primer book for those that want just some information on sketching in general.
I actually didn't agree with some of the suggestions here, I didn't quite disagree either. I do like his suggestions on materials, but I think to get someone to sketch you need to make it more accessible and more relaxed. The suggested paper and pens were ideal, but I think that a much more relaxed attitude toward it gets people to start more than anything else. Ironically it is a sentiment he seems to make when getting down to how to record what you see. His attitude there is that you don't need to produce photographic type of drawings (keep those for a camera) but to get more of the gesture and feel of the objects.
In the end I give this book 3 stars. It is good basic information for those starting to sketch and it does have some good inspirational sketches from the artist. I also like the last couple of pages that talked about master artists and what happened to their sketchbooks. I always love those kinds of tidbits.
I actually didn't agree with some of the suggestions here, I didn't quite disagree either. I do like his suggestions on materials, but I think to get someone to sketch you need to make it more accessible and more relaxed. The suggested paper and pens were ideal, but I think that a much more relaxed attitude toward it gets people to start more than anything else. Ironically it is a sentiment he seems to make when getting down to how to record what you see. His attitude there is that you don't need to produce photographic type of drawings (keep those for a camera) but to get more of the gesture and feel of the objects.
In the end I give this book 3 stars. It is good basic information for those starting to sketch and it does have some good inspirational sketches from the artist. I also like the last couple of pages that talked about master artists and what happened to their sketchbooks. I always love those kinds of tidbits.
March 19, 2019
Engaging and of great use to anyone who wants to draw
This delightfully well written book introduces the reader to the world of urban sketching. While it does not deal in huge detail with the actual materials of sketching, like which pen to use or favored watercolor brands, the author, a seasoned professional illustrator and artist, follows the time honored rule for writers, and in this case literally shows, not tells, how urban sketching is done. No, you won’t learn the rules of perspective or how to produce a realistic eye, as that is not the book’s main aim. You will instead learn, from wonderful colored reproduction of the authors work, what to sketch and where and why...If thé why is not obvious from reading the book, it lies half in the sheer joy of drawing, no matter how “sketchy” or “unrealistic” and half in the human need to preserve and to share memories. While the author insists that a sketchbook is personal and need not be shared, the fact that he shares his sketches here and in other books reveals that this is in fact a need. To share memories and observations and viewpoints is innate and utterly human, as is drawing itself. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking inspiration to draw or sketch what interests her in the world. (Review written by Phoebe Sparrow Wagner)
This delightfully well written book introduces the reader to the world of urban sketching. While it does not deal in huge detail with the actual materials of sketching, like which pen to use or favored watercolor brands, the author, a seasoned professional illustrator and artist, follows the time honored rule for writers, and in this case literally shows, not tells, how urban sketching is done. No, you won’t learn the rules of perspective or how to produce a realistic eye, as that is not the book’s main aim. You will instead learn, from wonderful colored reproduction of the authors work, what to sketch and where and why...If thé why is not obvious from reading the book, it lies half in the sheer joy of drawing, no matter how “sketchy” or “unrealistic” and half in the human need to preserve and to share memories. While the author insists that a sketchbook is personal and need not be shared, the fact that he shares his sketches here and in other books reveals that this is in fact a need. To share memories and observations and viewpoints is innate and utterly human, as is drawing itself. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking inspiration to draw or sketch what interests her in the world. (Review written by Phoebe Sparrow Wagner)
May 27, 2017
In "Dare to Sketch," the author offers a variety of different useful tips, mostly the kind that I would associate with beginning artists. I enjoyed perusing the sketchbook images he provided, and liked looking at the different styles he incorporates in his drawings. The information he provides on drawing on the go is valuable for all artists and his discussion on materials was also interesting.
I like the fact that this author is someone who keeps a sketchbook with them and has done drawings out in public in both comfortable and uncomfortable surroundings as that is something that I try to do as well. I always find the drawing you come up with when you are rushed or uncomfortable are some of the most interesting and memorable ones, so to read about his experiences made me feel good.
This book covers a lot of topics related to artwork and sketching and would be excellent for a beginning artist to learn about different mediums, paper and sketchbook options and general information about the craft. The book is well organised and easy to read. Overall, I thought this was really good and would recommend it to other artists without hesitation.
This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I like the fact that this author is someone who keeps a sketchbook with them and has done drawings out in public in both comfortable and uncomfortable surroundings as that is something that I try to do as well. I always find the drawing you come up with when you are rushed or uncomfortable are some of the most interesting and memorable ones, so to read about his experiences made me feel good.
This book covers a lot of topics related to artwork and sketching and would be excellent for a beginning artist to learn about different mediums, paper and sketchbook options and general information about the craft. The book is well organised and easy to read. Overall, I thought this was really good and would recommend it to other artists without hesitation.
This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
April 4, 2020
Inspirational, beginners book on sketching on-the-go. Lots of decent tips, but nothing you can’t find in a number of other books. I spent more time looking at the author’s way of drawing than I did reading the text. Many of his sketches looked amateurish and primitive, but in a way that I found appealing. It told me to not seek perfection. It told me to put myself into the sketch and, better, to put the moods and ambience of the subject over its visual details. I liked this short and engaging book very much.
December 29, 2017
For the emerging artist, the developed one, the traveler and/or the observer this book is an revelation. Each page inspires new ideas. Each image is fresh and illuminating of what's possible. There are drawing basics embedded in here counterbalanced with nudges towards defying tradition and rules. A great read and resource.
October 4, 2019
Dare to Sketch
A Guide to Drawing on the Go
Felix Scheinberger
Watson-Guptill, Sep 2017
160 pages, Kindle edition
Art how-to
Purchased for Kindle app
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cover is appropriate for a sketchbook and looks very much like someone’s own sketchbook with doodles on the cover. The font is a handwritten font that is also appropriate for the sketchbook concept and adds a great deal to the whole picture. Overall, it really looks like something one would find in an art student’s backpack filled with the sketches of all sorts of things, from a demonized version of his least favorite professor to a picture of his half-eaten lunch or a pair of grungey sneakers.
What’s inside the covers is a combination of brief education on what you need for tools to actually sketch to warnings on how to deal with being caught drawing someone who doesn’t want to be drawn to cheering squad. Mr. Scheinberger has so much enthusiasm for sketching that it bubbles over in his encouragement for absolutely anyone who wants to sketch, whether you are an artist or someone who just wants to put pencil or pen to paper and make marks. He emphasizes the fact that a sketchbook is personal and that what you put into it is “for your eyes only.” So if you have never been taught and have no “talent”, you can still sketch. It’s no one else’s business what it looks like. It only has to mean something to you.
I’m one of those people who buy a new sketchbook and try to put a perfect picture on the first page. I agonize over it. Not the way to do it according to the author. Intentionally make the first page a bad one or start on page 17 or so just to get started and get over the whole “getting started” problem. I love the idea of page 17!
There is a brief section about the tools for sketching, but the author doesn’t go into depth about which sketchbooks to use or which pens or paints to use. It’s just a general overview to account for the tools of the trade. A section I was really impressed with was the part about getting permission to draw people. It’s like the photographic release that photographers get. Many people won’t think anything of it, but some people might really object and you will lose your drawing. You either need to be more discreet about what you are doing or be very open about it and make sure that you are ready to cover your work with something or are willing to give up your work peaceably. Or, you could try getting permission ahead of time and risk losing your subject.
Mr. Scheinberger has a loose, cartoon-like sketching style in the book which is fun and easy to look at. It brings a lot of energy to his pictures and adds interest to even simple scenes. He talks about light and shadow and shows you how to see one and draw the other with various types of hatching, and his personal style illustrates what he says very well. I highly recommend this little gem of a book to artists and artist wannabes alike. Not so much for educational purposes, but more for entertainment and encouragement. There are so many sketchers who don’t because they don’t have any confidence in their sketching. If this book can help even one timid sketcher pick up their sketchbook and start again in their own way, then I think this book will have done its job. I know it’s encouraging me to try again. I’m starting on page 17! Highly recommended.
Addendum: I saw the hardcover book at B&N the other day and was blown away with how much more awesome it is! The artwork is SOOOOOO amazing! If you can afford to buy it in hardcover, do so and you'll have a much better experience. I almost bought it again in hardcover, but I'm watching my "book bucks" right now.
A Guide to Drawing on the Go
Felix Scheinberger
Watson-Guptill, Sep 2017
160 pages, Kindle edition
Art how-to
Purchased for Kindle app
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cover is appropriate for a sketchbook and looks very much like someone’s own sketchbook with doodles on the cover. The font is a handwritten font that is also appropriate for the sketchbook concept and adds a great deal to the whole picture. Overall, it really looks like something one would find in an art student’s backpack filled with the sketches of all sorts of things, from a demonized version of his least favorite professor to a picture of his half-eaten lunch or a pair of grungey sneakers.
What’s inside the covers is a combination of brief education on what you need for tools to actually sketch to warnings on how to deal with being caught drawing someone who doesn’t want to be drawn to cheering squad. Mr. Scheinberger has so much enthusiasm for sketching that it bubbles over in his encouragement for absolutely anyone who wants to sketch, whether you are an artist or someone who just wants to put pencil or pen to paper and make marks. He emphasizes the fact that a sketchbook is personal and that what you put into it is “for your eyes only.” So if you have never been taught and have no “talent”, you can still sketch. It’s no one else’s business what it looks like. It only has to mean something to you.
I’m one of those people who buy a new sketchbook and try to put a perfect picture on the first page. I agonize over it. Not the way to do it according to the author. Intentionally make the first page a bad one or start on page 17 or so just to get started and get over the whole “getting started” problem. I love the idea of page 17!
There is a brief section about the tools for sketching, but the author doesn’t go into depth about which sketchbooks to use or which pens or paints to use. It’s just a general overview to account for the tools of the trade. A section I was really impressed with was the part about getting permission to draw people. It’s like the photographic release that photographers get. Many people won’t think anything of it, but some people might really object and you will lose your drawing. You either need to be more discreet about what you are doing or be very open about it and make sure that you are ready to cover your work with something or are willing to give up your work peaceably. Or, you could try getting permission ahead of time and risk losing your subject.
Mr. Scheinberger has a loose, cartoon-like sketching style in the book which is fun and easy to look at. It brings a lot of energy to his pictures and adds interest to even simple scenes. He talks about light and shadow and shows you how to see one and draw the other with various types of hatching, and his personal style illustrates what he says very well. I highly recommend this little gem of a book to artists and artist wannabes alike. Not so much for educational purposes, but more for entertainment and encouragement. There are so many sketchers who don’t because they don’t have any confidence in their sketching. If this book can help even one timid sketcher pick up their sketchbook and start again in their own way, then I think this book will have done its job. I know it’s encouraging me to try again. I’m starting on page 17! Highly recommended.
Addendum: I saw the hardcover book at B&N the other day and was blown away with how much more awesome it is! The artwork is SOOOOOO amazing! If you can afford to buy it in hardcover, do so and you'll have a much better experience. I almost bought it again in hardcover, but I'm watching my "book bucks" right now.
January 20, 2024
“If it’s fun, you’ll do it more often. If you do it often, you’ll do it well.”
Felix Scheinberger’s art and writing are equal parts weird and encouraging, and I always leave his books feeling empowered to draw.
“Dare to Sketch” is a comprehensive toolkit for starting an observational sketchbook practice. Scheinberger gives practical information on supplies and technique, and he balances it with repeated permission to experiment, break the rules, and play. There are also a lot of fun anecdotes from his own sketching experiences around the world.
Heads up that there are a few nude drawings in this book of that is something you want to avoid!
Felix Scheinberger’s art and writing are equal parts weird and encouraging, and I always leave his books feeling empowered to draw.
“Dare to Sketch” is a comprehensive toolkit for starting an observational sketchbook practice. Scheinberger gives practical information on supplies and technique, and he balances it with repeated permission to experiment, break the rules, and play. There are also a lot of fun anecdotes from his own sketching experiences around the world.
Heads up that there are a few nude drawings in this book of that is something you want to avoid!
May 2, 2023
Very useful inputs for a beginner level artist. Brief but succinct points covering a broad variety of topics related to urban sketching, with a lot of examples of sketches from the author to inspire the readers and amateur artists. I liked that the author took the approach to show, rather than tell.
July 8, 2022
อ่านแล้วได้รับพลังจากผู้เขียนว่าใครก็วาดได้ หนังสือแนะนำคอนเซ็ปต่างๆอย่างเรียบง่าย แต่ครบถ้วน เช่น อุปกรณ์ perspective การวาดคน ไม่ถึงกับละเอียดถี่ยิบให้ทำตาม แต่ก็ให้แนวทางที่ดีในการลงมือวาด คนเขียนจะย้ำเสมอว่า วาดเถอะ วาดเลย สมุดคุณ ภาพของคุณ คุณจะวาดอะไรแบบไหนก็ได้
อีกมุมนึงที่คนเขียนย้ำคือ สมุกสเก็ตมันคือ journal เป็นการบันทึกช่วงเวลาหนึ่งๆของโลกใบนี้ไว้ เราวาดเพื่อเก็บเป็นความทรงจำของเรา แต่เราก็ได้สร้างประวัติศาสตร์ชิ้นเล็กๆของเราไว้ให้โลกด้วย ดูยิ่งใหญ่ดี
หนังสือมีภาพตัวอย่างของคนเขียนเยอะมาก ภาพสวยมากด้วย
อีกมุมนึงที่คนเขียนย้ำคือ สมุกสเก็ตมันคือ journal เป็นการบันทึกช่วงเวลาหนึ่งๆของโลกใบนี้ไว้ เราวาดเพื่อเก็บเป็นความทรงจำของเรา แต่เราก็ได้สร้างประวัติศาสตร์ชิ้นเล็กๆของเราไว้ให้โลกด้วย ดูยิ่งใหญ่ดี
หนังสือมีภาพตัวอย่างของคนเขียนเยอะมาก ภาพสวยมากด้วย
Want to read
January 28, 2018requested via library: e-book
December 24, 2021
Simple. Informative. Whimsical.
A nice overview of the authors take on sketching. Probably more for beginners but I think all people, and all levels of artists, will appreciate.
A nice overview of the authors take on sketching. Probably more for beginners but I think all people, and all levels of artists, will appreciate.
December 23, 2017
Although art has never been my forte, I can telephone doodle with the best of them. In addition, when I've tried automatic writing . . . look it up, if you don't know what that is . . . instead of written words, I end up doing elaborate sketches . . . that look like really nothing. Still, I'm not sure why I wanted to read this book by Felix Scheinberger. I'm glad I did, though, because it's an excellent primer for those who want to sketch, but don't know where to begin.
You apparently begin with a sketchbook. Herr Scheinberger guides the reader through the world of sketchbooks, as well as through the choices of pens, pencils and paint. Then, he goes on to offer advice about keeping a sketchbook, and explores the various subjects one might want to draw. Interestingly, he also points out that a sketcher, like a photographer, must be careful about drawing strangers in public places. Some subjects may not like that happening, or not understand what the artist is doing.
Felix Scheinberger's book is highly readable and highly helpful. I'd like to add highly motivating, except I don't see myself getting a sketchbook and pens right now. As the author points out, some people write, some people shoot photographs and some people draw. Of course, some people do two or all three of those things, too. I've always tended to write and shoot photos, and got a new Canon camera last month I'm just starting to use.
Thus, it may be a while until I get a sketchbook. Yet, when and if I do, I now know what type is the best, as well as the pros and cons of the instruments used. Plus, I know to just sketch and not worry about how good or bad the sketch happens to be. Every drawing is a reflection of what's going on in the life of the sketcher, what has caught her or his attention and motivated her or him to draw.
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher or author.)
You apparently begin with a sketchbook. Herr Scheinberger guides the reader through the world of sketchbooks, as well as through the choices of pens, pencils and paint. Then, he goes on to offer advice about keeping a sketchbook, and explores the various subjects one might want to draw. Interestingly, he also points out that a sketcher, like a photographer, must be careful about drawing strangers in public places. Some subjects may not like that happening, or not understand what the artist is doing.
Felix Scheinberger's book is highly readable and highly helpful. I'd like to add highly motivating, except I don't see myself getting a sketchbook and pens right now. As the author points out, some people write, some people shoot photographs and some people draw. Of course, some people do two or all three of those things, too. I've always tended to write and shoot photos, and got a new Canon camera last month I'm just starting to use.
Thus, it may be a while until I get a sketchbook. Yet, when and if I do, I now know what type is the best, as well as the pros and cons of the instruments used. Plus, I know to just sketch and not worry about how good or bad the sketch happens to be. Every drawing is a reflection of what's going on in the life of the sketcher, what has caught her or his attention and motivated her or him to draw.
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher or author.)
September 18, 2018
I’ve tried many, many - too many - times to keep a sketchbook. Invariably, I get a few pages in, mess up something, and then tear out the mistake only to abandon the rest of the book. Before we moved and I recycled them, I had a whole bunch of sketchbooks that were, like, 10% filled. Here’s the thing: I know sketchbooks are supposed to be experimental and personal but I haven’t been able to stop being so precious with mine. However, reading Felix Scheinberger’s “Dare To Sketch: A Guide To Drawing On The Go” I felt something in me sort of click, like its realigned how I think about sketching.
Part how-to manual, part inspirational guide, and part showcase for the author’s own lovely work, “Dare To Sketch” doesn’t have anything shockingly original to say about sketching but somehow it’s a pretty powerful kick in the pants nonetheless. From the practical (how to engage with people in public when they discover you’re drawing them) to the whimsical (how to let your imagination run wild through your pen) to the technical (how to achieve certain effects with different drawing implements), this book has all the bases covered. If you don’t want to immediately pick up a crayon or pen or watercolor brush after flipping through “Dare To Sketch,” nothing is gonna do it for you.
So, I’ve got a brand new sketchbook, a head full of ideas, pens, and a whole world - big and small - just waiting for me to fill up some pages. Hopefully “Dare To Sketch” is the intangible piece that helps me stick with it this time.
Part how-to manual, part inspirational guide, and part showcase for the author’s own lovely work, “Dare To Sketch” doesn’t have anything shockingly original to say about sketching but somehow it’s a pretty powerful kick in the pants nonetheless. From the practical (how to engage with people in public when they discover you’re drawing them) to the whimsical (how to let your imagination run wild through your pen) to the technical (how to achieve certain effects with different drawing implements), this book has all the bases covered. If you don’t want to immediately pick up a crayon or pen or watercolor brush after flipping through “Dare To Sketch,” nothing is gonna do it for you.
So, I’ve got a brand new sketchbook, a head full of ideas, pens, and a whole world - big and small - just waiting for me to fill up some pages. Hopefully “Dare To Sketch” is the intangible piece that helps me stick with it this time.
August 19, 2017
Useful little book! Short and to the point he doesn't go on about the probably hundred of types of notebooks and sketchpads, just gives a few guidelines and says don't worry about it. It was specific enough to be helpful but vague and light enough that you didn't feel pressured. Unlike his granny said, you don't need to be a master at drawing, it's just sketching, so enjoy it and you will get better. I liked the idea of it as a journal to incorporating writing. Overall a helpful resource and interesting read, even if I didn't appreciate the authors unique and contemporary drawing style, it's his style to share, not to copy. The whole point is its your sketchpad and not up for others criticism or opinion, it's just for you!
March 29, 2019
This was a lovely, encouraging book. I took snapshots of several spreads to keep as reference to remind me that drawing doesn't have to be a big ol' terrifying practice. You just do it, over and over, and get better.
It was a great mix of pep talks and practical information-I particularly like how he broke down the different compositions so you could make intentional decisions about how to depict your subject, and the short essay about how part of sketching is capturing that actual moment, and how that changes your interaction with it, and how artists are never tourists. That made me unaccountably happy.
It was a great mix of pep talks and practical information-I particularly like how he broke down the different compositions so you could make intentional decisions about how to depict your subject, and the short essay about how part of sketching is capturing that actual moment, and how that changes your interaction with it, and how artists are never tourists. That made me unaccountably happy.
December 12, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read and review Dare to Sketch by Felix Scheinberger. The descriptive Table of Contents built my interest in reading this book. Advice and instructions on sketch pads and their uses, drawing tools, different perspectives in drawing and the subjects of drawings are included. I especially like the page entitled, "Drawing is a Global Language", which advises artists to observe respectfully. The art reminds me of Roald Dahl's style. 4 stars for a helpful art book with personality!
November 7, 2017
Awesome. I teach drawing, especially in journals, and found this to be a book I wish I'd written, and illustrated. Scheinberger's drawings are fun, and expressive, and personal, and anyone reading this book should get the sense to bring themselves into their work in a way that it takes people years to do. I bought it for someone who asked me about drawing, and sent it, as I am too far away to do personal lessons.
February 16, 2022
The tips inside are elementary for most people that have picked up a pencil before, but this book does a good job nudging aspiring artists to draw a lot and often, and encouraging "shy" sketchers like myself who fear the endless possibilities of that blank page. :)
One of the thing I'm taking away from this: "The most important thing to realize is that what you see is light, but what you draw is shadow."
One of the thing I'm taking away from this: "The most important thing to realize is that what you see is light, but what you draw is shadow."
May 2, 2019
Inspirational!
I was looking for a book to get me back on track from a hiatus from sketching due to many bumps in the road. This allowed me to receive guidance without it being "the basics of drawing" that so many other books of This genre gravitate toward. With this quick and meaningful read I am sketching again!
I was looking for a book to get me back on track from a hiatus from sketching due to many bumps in the road. This allowed me to receive guidance without it being "the basics of drawing" that so many other books of This genre gravitate toward. With this quick and meaningful read I am sketching again!
October 20, 2017
This is a well thought out book that has nuggets of inspiration and information appropriate for beginning sketchers to seasoned artists. I am sure I will find myself referring to some of the pages for years to come.
December 17, 2017
I was mostly looking for something to get me motivated to do some drawing. Enjoyable and I like seeing his very loose sketchy, non-perfect style, but I haven't quite broken that barrier so I'm not sure it accomplished what I was hoping for.
August 13, 2018
Couldn’t put it down
I’ve read many books about sketching but this one is so accessible, human, personal… I could almost feel like the author was there next to me giving me advice. Loved the book. I couldn’t stop reading once I started.
I’ve read many books about sketching but this one is so accessible, human, personal… I could almost feel like the author was there next to me giving me advice. Loved the book. I couldn’t stop reading once I started.
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