Customer Reviews
A good tutor - By: Gareth White, 26 Mar 2008 
There are tons of books about various painting techniques out there, but it's surprising how few books about the basics of learning to draw there are. The ability to draw realistically is the bedrock from which an artist should build, & BB has produced a work here that could take you from a fumbling amateur to an accomplished artist (IF & only if you are willing to put a lot of time in).
What I like about BB is:
He is himself a very talented artist (witness his own excellent imitations of various artists to illustrate their different techniques) but is happy to spend time teaching the rest of us
He uses only his own drawings throughout the text
His books are actually enjoyable to read of themselves, even if you don't bother completing a single exercise
He recognizes the essential importance of endless practice over so called "natural" talent.
Happy drawing!
Very Complete - By: Jorge M Machado, 05 Jun 2006 This book is packed with useful information: it covers techniquein detail, including body posture, not just the way you use your hands. Although at first the need for good posture may not be very obvious, follow the advicein this book & you will soon notice the difference. As the book says, you should be bodily involvedin your drawing.
I have been drawing for years. I've shown my workin art galleries. Yet I do not come from a fine arts background; my training isin the humanities. This book has been immensely useful to me. I picked up very valuable tricks - how to use shadows, good crosshatching, how to draw convincing spheres, how to control perspective & convey a sense of space -- to name but a few.
An added plus are the chapters on composition & those on individual artists.
This book is worth reading: a) pencilin hand, paper at the ready, so you can do the exercises; b) just as you relax, looking at the examples, telling yourself "oh, how clever" & trying stuff out for yourself, later.
I for one am delighted with my purchase.
An excellent beginner/intermediate skills book - By: Louis, 29 Apr 2005 I bought this book as I enjoy drawing but need more skills, I was not dissappointed.
This book is for the beginner & intermediate. Over 350 pages it is mainly pencil & pen drawing, does not require specialit equipment. Starting with very basics such as shading & shapes progressing to foliage, facial features, animals & so on to fine art/artists & the human body.
I recommed this book for those wanting to practise their skills & for those who enjoy drawing.
