GrumpyCatWhat are some beginner "how to draw" books?
Gradually_AdjustingWord to the wise, unless you need it to be a physical book, get your stuff from Anna’s Archive if money is an issue right now. You can go and support the authors and artists you love when things are better for you.
Further note - look for a book that teaches the fundamentals of sketching. You want to start right, and learn about lines, construction of forms, anatomy (if you’re interested in figures), and real basic stuff like colour. Maybe even a textbook.
CherryAgree with the above. Learning simple stuff such as tone or how-to bunch shapes together is priceless.
Have you considered some short activities? Like put 20 circles on a page and then make them in to objects? 20 seconds per circle.
I actively enjoy a doodle pad. Learning to make marks and not be scared to make a mess or mistake is very freeing.
iiiI absolutely love Drawing on the right side of the brain!
late_nightDefinitely! That book taught me that drawing wasn’t a magical skill for a few lucky people, but that anyone could do it
Yes! And also Drawing with Children
or are there better ways to learn art?
Nothing is better than classes where someone will give you personalised advice, corrections, and assignments. IMO books are a supplementary resource.
Definitely not cheap though, and definitely not required if you want to do it as a hobby.
I did a couple days of drawbox before I got bored again, seems legit drawabox.com/lesson/1
Drawabox.com | Part One: The Basics | Lesson 1: Lines, Ellipses and Boxes | Some Quick Reminders
Let's look at the absolute basics, and what it takes to draw smooth, confident lines, exercises and techniques that help us to improve our overall control, and the fundamentals of perspective.
The art and science of drawing by Brent Eviston really help me. I highly recommend it.
Brent Eviston - Evolve Your Art
Learn to draw! Get access to the clearest, most accessible drawing instruction from one of the world’s top drawing teachers. The bestselling, award-winning Drawing Laboratory series is a straightforward, structured program to learn how to draw from fundamentals skills to advanced techniques.
bledleyThere are so many books out there but I really like ‘Keys to Drawing’ by Bert Dodson. Start simple, you only need a pencil and something to draw on.
The Natural Way To Draw by Kimon Nicolaides. You should be able to find a copy online for free.
I’ll give you some suggestions you can download for free from the internet archive
As others have said, The natural way to draw is an excellent book archive.org/…/naturalwaytodraw0000kimo_q8c1
Andrew Loomis has a lot of great books.
archive.org/search?query=andrew+loomis
Personally I recommend Fun with a pencil. archive.org/details/andrewloomisfunwithapencil1 You can start from zero with that one.
He is good for anatomy and portaiture
Anatomy for the artist by Sarah Simblet This book has great photos, even to just flip through
archive.org/details/anatomy-for-the-artist
This next book I haven’t read myself but is a very important topic!! Some people are scared of perspective because it looks very technical, but it’s not hard at all. You definitely should get comfortable with it!
archive.org/details/PerspectiveMadeEasy
Color and light by James Gourney This one is more about painting, but these are concepts that you should get familiar with early on, and some people neglect.
archive.org/…/color-and-light-james-gurney-englis…
Now for video:
The Proko channel on youtube has great tutorials on anatomy as well, I used those a lot arround 2014? So I would look through their archive.
For figure drawing sessions
The Croquis café croquis.cafe Has a huge archive of natural figure drawing videos and photos, you have to pay a subscription to access but it’s so worth it! They have a free section as well if I remember correctly
Edit:
For materials, start simple: pencil and paper. A cheap sketchbook or just printer paper will do. Whatever you have arround .
And just draw draw draw every day! a little every day will do wonders for you. Don’t be precious with your drawings, and learn to let go of your mistakes and your successes as well.
Check the different resouces and see what clicks for you. Art requires you to pay attention to a lot of stuff, but don’t get overwhelmed. Ask for advice, look for drawing groups/ buddies. Have fun with it.
This comment is amazing and I have now temporarily bankrupted myself based on its recommendations.
Oh man, since you are more advanced I can share some extra recs for you xD. Also since I know you like drawing people, maybe you can save this for the future. (Plz don’t bankrupt yourself :P )
Figure Drawing Design and Invention by Michael Hampton this book is my literal bible. It distilles the anatomic study in a super comprehensive way, it has a lot of George Bridgeman’s influence but is a lot more digestible…
Devin Korwin Creative Fundamentals vol 1 & 2. These are digital only. They are very affordable , but excluded them last time for the paid aspect; and I think it’s better to dive into them with some knowledge already. He has advanced books as well but I haven’t read those.
devinkorwin.gumroad.com/l/YPtf
devinkorwin.gumroad.com/l/cfv2?layout=profile
An extra
Gesture Drawing by Ryan Woodward. Series of books focusing on quick sketching technique for the human form. His approach is super sleek. This is certainly not fundamental but it’s worth to check out if you are interested in that practice, just thowing it in 'cause I like it a lot.
Creative Fundamentals Vol. 1
This is the culmination of years of collected knowledge, simplified into a really approachable introduction to the fundamentals of art. It’s useful for not only fine art but concept art and illustration as well. This is the very basics, so the tools are useful for all creative work, not a formula that only leads to one style. If you’ve been feeling like there are some basics about art that you don’t understand but don’t know how to address it, this is for you!Includes:41 pages6 chaptersGlossary of fundamental art termsReading listRecommended viewingInspiring old master painting examplesSimple, approachable diagramsContents:ForewordComposition & TrianglesPrinciples of ContrastThe Oreo Cookie TheoryExposure & CompressionSpecular HighlightsA Hierarchy of EdgesGlossaryResources
You’re my hero. Thank you so much
Always happy to share learning resources. ;)