50 Robots to Draw and Paint

by Keith Thompson

Learn how to draw awe-inspiring robots for comic books, graphic novels, and computer games. From terrifying Victorian clockwork creations to the dark future’s most lethal war machines, this book helps you bring cold life to your robot art.

Learn the core skills for rendering where to find inspiration; how to draw and color your work using a range of media; techniques for adding detail like electrical circuits, machinery, and weapons. The main section of the book is a directory of 50 robot designs to copy, each featuring step-by-step constructional drawings and instructions for shading and coloring. Features a wide range of robot styles, from simple tin men to sophisticated tank destroyers, and includes ten super-simple designs to get you started.

Keith Thompson is a renowned illustrator and conceptual designer who specializes in fantasy and science fiction art. His surreal and innovative work has been featured in numerous books and magazines around the world, and is also available to buyers as fine-art prints. He lives in Ottawa, Canada.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Drawing

Paperback

First published February 17, 2006

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always afraid when I write a review that someone will thing that was not in the book. You know I will misremember what was in the book. I enjoyed reading the book. I liked reading the stories behind
the 50 robots. I also liked when the author wrote about the robot joints and other stuff I need to think
about when creating a robot. I can't want to create my own robots.

[ピピ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not for people that draw stick figures.

It includes geometric shape skeletons of the robots about halfway in. Then jumps straight to sketches, then colorings.

Who is this book for?
If you can already draw, and were wondering, "Where are some robot outlines?"

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided to take up sketching as a hobby. I got this book from the library because I thought I would enjoy drawing robots. It had some helpful information but of the 50 robots, there were really only 1 or 2 that I liked. Most of them were way too complex, too organic, and not robotic enough, in my opinion.

[Farhana Faruq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal work!

There is lots of helpful info for those getting started, and for those that are more advanced.

It's amazing what needs to be considered when designing a robot (i.e: like a weapon affecting the robots center of gravity, etc.).

[Cody Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! The robots shown were really intricate and interesting. The steps were well shown, and I liked that it showed things like hinges and screws in detail to better complete a final project. Illustrations were really interesting to look at.

[Geek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. It brings in many skill building techniques and tips. Each of the robots shown has a unique style and the design concept of each is explained very well.

[Abraham Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

nice book about drawig styles.

[Claire Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is filled with beautiful images all of which describe the robots is every detail. The organization of the content is great and it is just an awesome how-to-draw book!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Keith Thompson's art.