logo Wed, 25 Dec 2024 15:25:45 GMT

How to Draw


Synopsis


How to Draw is for artists, architects and designers. It is useful to the novice, the student and the professional. You will learn how to draw any object or environment from your imagination, starting with the most basic perspective drawing skills.


Early chapters explain how to draw accurate perspective grids and ellipses that in later chapters provide the foundation for more complex forms. The research and design processes used to generate visual concepts are demonstrated, making it much easier for you to draw things never-before-seen!

Best of all, more than 25 pages can be scanned via a smartphone or tablet using the new Design Studio Press app, which link to video tutorials for that section of the book!

With a combined 26 years of teaching experience, Scott Robertson and Thomas Bertling bring you the lessons and techniques they have used to help thousands of their students become professional artists and designers.

This book is indispensable for anyone who wants to learn, or teaches others, how to draw.

Scott Robertson, Thomas Bertling

Summary

Chapter 1: A Beginner's Guide to Drawing

* Introduction to basic drawing concepts: line, shape, form, texture, and perspective.
* Explains the different types of drawing pencils and their uses.
* Provides simple exercises to practice drawing lines, shapes, and textures.

Example: Guide to Drawing a Basic Circle
* Start by practicing drawing light, continuous lines.
* Slowly work your way around until you have a circular outline.
* Gradually darken the lines to define the circle's shape.
* Add shading to create depth and volume.

Chapter 2: Drawing Still Life

* Focuses on drawing objects from everyday life, such as fruits, vegetables, and household items.
* Explains the importance of observation and proportion.
* Provides step-by-step instructions for drawing various still life objects.

Example: How to Draw an Apple
* Observe the apple's shape and form, paying attention to its contours and curves.
* Use light lines to outline the basic shape.
* Gradually darken the lines to define the apple's contours.
* Add highlights and shadows to create depth and texture.

Chapter 3: Drawing Landscapes

* Introduces the principles of landscape drawing, including perspective, composition, and lighting.
* Provides techniques for drawing trees, mountains, water, and other elements.
* Explains how to capture the mood and atmosphere of a scene.

Example: Drawing a Simple Mountain Landscape
* Start by establishing a horizon line and the basic shape of the mountains.
* Use overlapping shapes to create depth and distance.
* Add details such as trees, rocks, and water.
* Experiment with different lighting and shading to convey the time of day or weather conditions.

Chapter 4: Drawing People and Animals

* Covers the challenges of drawing the human form and animals, emphasizing proportion, anatomy, and movement.
* Provides step-by-step instructions for drawing different body parts and facial features.
* Explains how to capture the expressions and emotions of subjects.

Example: Drawing a Portrait
* Study the subject's facial proportions and the placement of features.
* Use light lines to outline the basic shape of the face.
* Gradually darken the lines to define the contours and shadows.
* Pay close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth, adding details to enhance their expression.

Chapter 5: Advanced Drawing Techniques

* Explores more complex techniques, such as perspective drawing, foreshortening, and shading.
* Explains the use of different drawing tools, including charcoal, pastels, and ink.
* Provides tips for troubleshooting common drawing problems.

Example: Foreshortening a Human Figure
* Understand the principles of foreshortening to draw objects that appear closer or farther than they are.
* Observe the subject's perspective and the angles at which body parts appear.
* Use foreshortened shapes and lines to convey the illusion of depth and distance.