Drawing for the Absolute Beginner: A Clear & Easy Guide to Successful Drawing

Love this book. It begins with the basic materials for drawing and includes stuff I wouldnt have used.It has info on perspective, (which i struggle with), shading, and making shapes to begin the drawing. The title might be a tad misleading, i think it's a bit more advanced than the (absolute) beginner, but i still give it 5 stars for all the info it has. If you draw and want to take it to the next level, this book will be helpful.

I am an amateur photographer preparing to take an Art 101 course. I purchased this book to learn the terms used in sketching and drawing and how to apply them to what I know about taking pictures. Success! My knowledge of horizon lines, composition, light and shadow, textures and vanishing points can now easily be used to absorb my instructor’s teaching. I tried a few of the exercises and came to quickly realize that using my creative skills to actually create a scene or portrait will require practice but that even after my classes are over the basic information in this book will remain a good reference.

Let me begin by stating that I am a fairly decent hobby artist that has been self taught in all my endeavors. That being said, over the years I have found many good art books that were "for beginners" that really were a bit more advanced than the title would make you believe. This is not one of those books. The book was a simple step-by-step kind of guide for those that want to make the journey from the awkward cartoonish drawings we learn as children to a more realistic and satisfying sketch of items around you in the world. It truly is a beginner book and the bare bones to beginning sketches with observation. I personally gathered no new information reading this; but I do not think giving a poor rating would be fair since it was decently written and had plenty of example pictures along the way. Just giving others like myself a fair warning.

I ordered this book to help me learn how to actually draw. It gives easy techniques and instructions for someone just learning. It’s a great tool for anyone wanting to learn to draw and shadow with quality pencils. It came quickly and has helped me to gain prospective on portions. Thank got the great service!

I wanted a drawing book to help give drawing lessons/coaching to 2 grandchildren. This book looks perfect!

I would consider this a good beginner drawing book for use among many other references and learning tools. It's matter of fact and clinical in its presentation. I see many people complaining about this not being for beginners. Reviews seem to point out how some early examples of drawings go from shapes to sudden completed professional drawings. I would assume that if you've got the patience to become a good artist or draftsman then you'd have the patience to turn a few pages and realize that this book goes into detail on the techniques used to make these completed drawings. I would say these early examples are meant as an overview of what's possible. Keys to Drawing is a much better beginners book but this is still useful and is much better than some people would lead you to believe. Basically, calm down, have patience and read a few chapters before whining about how a few examples seem daunting.

Easy to follow and learn.

Really good book for learning to draw! Taking are classes & so helpful in drawing!

Just as described

the book is brand new and beautiful. it was late but that it came. 5 stars!

Very detailed and nice guide to get started!

A fantastic reference guide which has given me the confidence to enjoy learning to draw properly.

Truly the best book for absolute beginners. It gives very good explanations. Instructions are clear and easy to follow. Examples are explained in detail. Author is very supportive throughout the book and gives words of encouragement, which feels nice.