Topics: sketching, drawing, books
Asked by Dreaming 35 months ago

Details:

I'd like to learn how to draw, but I need a good book for beginners, please if you guys have any in mind please mention any book that pops in your mind?


0
 Forward to friends
 Discuss this question (2 comments) why can't I answer? Report abuse

av-answers (5)
(2)
 
Show all details, Hide all details

"Drawing on the Right side of the Brain."

 by atlantajim on Mar 14 2007 (35 months ago)
Official Rating

http://www.drawright.com/

 

Welcome to the DRSB web!

This book was used in my college 101 drawing class and i have always had a fondness for it.  Easy, helpfull and CORRECT instruction to help you begin to use you "artist eyes"

Drawing is not just how to use watercolors or pen and ink.  It is about training your hand and eyes to work together.

Start with this book.  Start simple, start fun, start right.

 

Like this Answer?  (1)

"Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain"

 by JAHPhotoGirl on Mar 14 2007 (35 months ago)
 Best Answer
Official Rating

I'm sure there will be more recent books, as Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain has been around for 30 years or more.  But back then we were having some pretty great results with it! Also I think you should look at the drawings (in books or probably nowadays online) of Leonardo, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Durer, Caravaggio - look at different kinds of line and try to draw what you see in those ways - you'll find your own style as you try to understand (not copy, exactly) others.

JAHPhotoGirl's Recommendations
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $17.95
Used from: $8.10
Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 27 reviews)
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $16.95
Used from: $7.58
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 126 reviews)
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $10.95
Used from: $0.01
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 3 reviews)
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $65.00
Used from: $26.95
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 11 reviews)
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $65.00
Used from: $37.43
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 3 reviews)
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $75.00
Used from: $37.50
Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 3 reviews)
Like this Answer?  (1)

"There's really loads"

 by CleverMonkey! on Mar 14 2007 (35 months ago)
Official Rating

What do you want to draw? A certain style or something? I have enjoyed both these books, one for more general drawing and one for more illustrating/cartoony.

http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Absolute-Beginner-Claire-Garcia/dp/0823013952/ref=sr_1_6/102-5033673-1840904?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173876017&sr=1-6

and

http://www.amazon.com/Draw-Comics-Dick-Giordano/dp/1581806272/ref=sr_1_2/102-5033673-1840904?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173876112&sr=1-2

I also love this book of poses:
http://www.amazon.com/Comic-Artists-Photo-Reference-People/dp/1581807589/ref=sr_1_5/102-5033673-1840904?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173876112&sr=1-5


Your local library has lots of these books, so you might want to take one or two for a "test drive" from there.
Like this Answer?  (1)

"I really enjoyed these"

 by mookle on Mar 14 2007 (35 months ago)
Official Rating

1) Draw Your Own Cartoons with Rolf Harris:

 

Mookle's notes: I grew up watching him draw and always loved his style. He breaks it all down and really makes it seem very simple

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draw-Your-Cartoons-Rolf-Harris/dp/0285634542

 

Synopsis
Cartoons are fun to draw, and they’’re not difficult once you get the hang of the technique. Starting with the basics, Rolf moves from simple stick figures to rounded, more realistic people, guaranteed to unlock the hidden talents of all ages.

 

2) Drawing for Dummies by Brenda Hoddinott

 

Mookle's notes: I have bought a lot of books in the Dummies series & have always been happy

Synopsis

Drawing For Dummies offers you a fun, easy way to learn drawing basics. Its author, professional illustrator and long-time art educator Brenda Hoddinott, has a simple philosophy—that only you can teach you to draw. With that in mind, she arms you with the tools you need to explore the basics and then coaches you through 30 hands-on drawing projects. You’ll quickly

  • Conquer the basics of line and shading
  • Develop an eye for basic shapes and contours
  • Discover how to create the illusion of three dimensions
  • Render still-life subjects and landscapes
  • Bring animals and people to vivid life on the page

3) Drawing for the Artistically Undiscovered (Klutz) by Quentin Blake

 

Mookle's notes: I grew up on roald dahl’s books and was enchanted by the illustrator of his books, Quentin Blake. I have always wanted to draw like him, so when my 8 year old daughter told me she wanted to learn to draw better, I wnet straight for this book (plus, I love the Klutz books). It comes with an artist’s pen & pencil which is really useful too, and it teaches you a really original approach to drawing.

Synopsis

Children’s imaginations will soar with this sketchbook of inspirational artwork, gentle suggestions, practical advice, and lots of white space for the aspiring artist’s use. Quality materials include a sketch pen and two watercolor pencils, one red, one black. Age not specified, but this would be appropriate for anyone over 7. A 1999 Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner. (Ruth B. Roufberg, Parents’ Choice®)

Sources: My past purchases

mookle's Recommendations
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $19.95
Used from: $12.21
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 6 reviews)
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $19.99
Used from: $5.50
Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 14 reviews)
push-pin
The Rolf Harris book is only available on the UK site (and probably the Australian one too!)
Like this Answer?  (1)

"Have you looked at the books by Mark Kistler?"

 by Zora on Mar 14 2007 (35 months ago)
Official Rating

Mark Kistler works primarily with children, but his books are marvelous for people who want to learn to draw and have never attempted it. Two books I'd suggest by this artist/author are Mark Kistler's Imagination Station: Learn How to Drawn in 3-D with Public Television's Favorite Drawing Teacher and Mark Kistler'S Draw Squad. Try not to be put off by the obvious appeal to children on the cover; Kistler really offers some sound advice for the beginner.

 

Another book to look at is Bert Dodson's Keys to Drawing which includes clear information on using proper proportions as well as use of light & dark in your drawing.

 

Good luck!

Sources: personal opinion

Zora's Recommendations
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $18.00
Used from: $4.40
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 19 reviews)
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $17.95
Used from: $2.35
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 7 reviews)
Product Image
Amazon List Price: $22.99
Used from: $8.45
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 24 reviews)
Like this Answer?  (1)




Ask a question of your own:


 

Latest post on this question's discussion board:

Zora, regarding your answer "Have you looked at the books by Mark Kistler?":

Thank you for telling us about his book! I just purchased them from Amazon.com this morning. :-)

DustyAZ
Read more & discuss (2 comments)