Artbookreview.net
Books of ideas are not exactly thin on the ground and what they cover is broadly similar. Where they stand or fall, therefore , is mainly on the quality of the illustrations and even that may come down to a matter of personal choice.
This pitches itself at the beginner and suggests a range of subjects from the contents of your pockets to hands and feet, trees and flowers, wildlife and even domestic fittings. This could be summed up as: if you see it, draw it, which is no bad idea if youre feeling stuck for inspiration. Just get your pens and pencils out and have a go.
Theres a charm about this particular implementation that gets under your skin. The illustrations are simple enough, loose enough and recognisable enough to make you feel pretty sure that yes, actually, you could manage something like that. It doesnt look too difficult and, with a little help (the text is admirably concise) and a few examples along the way, you almost certainly can.
Add in a pleasant and none-too-taxing technical introduction and some basic exercises that get you practising simple shapes without just drawing circles and ellipses and you have one of the best books in this well-served field.
Crafts Beautiful
Self-Taught artist Jen Russel Smith provides an invaluable guide to build your confidence and draw spontaneously. In this book, you'll find simple exercises to practice making quick, loose sketches of what's around you, then use simple watercolour techniques to bring them to life.
