Best book for learning how to draw
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OK, there's this girl I haven't seen for the three decades since we left school (as you can imagine I am using the term "girl" in its loosest sense). Well, we're both single now, and we live in different countries, and have recently started chatting a lot together on Facebook. In one of the posts on her wall she said it was a shame that she didn't know how to draw. So as I'm visiting her country in the New Year and planning on seeing her, I thought it would be quite fun to send her a How to Draw Portraits book for Christmas with a note telling her to practise a lot, because she would have to draw me from life in January.
OK, I know it's a bit of a cheesy, flirty thing to do, but middle-aged divorcees are allowed to flirt with each other.
But there are about a million books on drawing on Amazon. Has anyone got a recommendation for a good one for a beginner?
OK, I know it's a bit of a cheesy, flirty thing to do, but middle-aged divorcees are allowed to flirt with each other.
But there are about a million books on drawing on Amazon. Has anyone got a recommendation for a good one for a beginner?
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Not in the country where I live though. I could send her a book like Jak nakreslit portrét a hlavu, but as she's English she might struggle with Czech. That's why I need to find something online, preferably from Amazon.
Actually when you say there are always loads of those books in good condition in charity shops, you know what this means: How to Draw books are often unwanted gifts:D
Still, it's the thought that counts.
I have heard good things about this right side of the brain drawing thing.
And a bit more subtle than my first idea - How to draw nudes.
I tried drawing nudes, well tracing them which is why I was banned from art classes
I tried painting nudes, but they couldn't sit still because the brush tickled too much.
I know someone who took up the guitar in his mid forties, and now some five years later, he's quite good. Of course he's never going to be a professional, but he can play well enough to be able to perform for friends and for his own pleasure. I suppose that could be the same with drawing.
However I think you might be missing the point of why I'm sending her the book. It may end up in a drawer by Boxing Day, but sending it is part of what one might describe as a courting ritual. I just thought I might as well get a good one.
BIB - I think that an Arts shop, ie. one that sells arty type materials, would be a good start. There used to be a place like that in Oakham in Rutland when I lived there - that was quite a few years ago now though.
Have you ever read the poem "It couldn't be done" by Edgar Guest? I think you should.
You are right, I used to paint many years ago and my son has inherited my artistic talent. He didn't believe I could draw so I did a quick sketch of our pet cat to prove it. Looking at my drawing he said I wish I could draw like that, aww bless
It covers all the basics including still life, drawing faces/figures, portraits, landscapes etc. It's well written and well laid-out, with plenty of examples to work from. It's a super book and has really helped me improve my drawing.
I don't have any books just about portraits but this one looks good value.
Try this one too - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1844487474
Not at all. The majority of the new members at the SAA I dealt with were newly retired people finally having time to take up a hobby. Many were very very good. And you can be taught the basics.