{"id":2464,"date":"2014-09-06T14:44:02","date_gmt":"2014-09-06T18:44:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/?p=2464"},"modified":"2019-07-13T15:46:29","modified_gmt":"2019-07-13T19:46:29","slug":"the-best-books-for-learning-how-to-draw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/the-best-books-for-learning-how-to-draw","title":{"rendered":"The Best Books for Learning How to Draw"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Best<\/div>\n
\nWe all learn in different ways. Some of us learn by watching, others by doing, and others by reading. \u00a0Many of us learn most effectively by doing a combination of these things.<\/p>\n

Instructional videos are great for learning because the artist can demonstrate techniques in real time and explain their actions and thought process throughout the video. Instructional videos meet many styles of learning and for this reason are a popular platform for learning. Videos are also more accessible than ever. Just about any skill can be learned by watching a series of videos on the internet.<\/p>\n

Now that videos are part of our everyday lives, it’s easy to overlook the wonderful information that you can get from traditional books.<\/p>\n

Books are Special<\/h2>\n

There’s something to be said about holding a book in your hands. \u00a0The thickness – the weight. \u00a0The stiffness of the binder. \u00a0A book is like a new adventure in your hands. \u00a0There’s a special intimacy with a book. \u00a0I had my favorites growing up (art related and non-art-related). \u00a0I can still remember spending hours with certain books, studying the pictures over and over again. \u00a0As much as I love technology, some experiences you can only get from a physical book.<\/p>\n

Along my journey of drawing, several books have had a great influence on me and have helped along the way. I’d like to share with you three of the books that I have most enjoyed and provide a little insight on why they were helpful.<\/p>\n

Books for Drawing<\/h2>\n

(Some of the following links are affiliate links which means that I earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you.)<\/p>\n

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain<\/h3>\n

No book has a greater influence on my drawing development than Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain<\/em> by Betty Edwards. \u00a0I was first introduced to the book when I was about 11 or 12 years old but overtime it has helped to mold my opinions about drawing.<\/p>\n

The book presents an analytical approach to drawing. It suggests that drawing is an activity that happens in your brain and that anyone is capable of drawing well. \u00a0The book explores how our mind sees and understands the world around us. \u00a0By understanding how we see, we are better equipped to communicate subjects in our drawing.<\/p>\n

The book includes drawing exercises and case studies while providing the knowledge and mindset for success in drawing. \u00a0This book is highly recommended for anyone wanting to improve their drawing skills.<\/p>\n

Click here to buy Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain<\/a><\/p>\n

Drawing Course – Charles Bargue and Jean-L\u00e9on G\u00e9r\u00f4me<\/h3>\n

A 19th century classical drawing course which presents a series of “plates” to copy. \u00a0It is a presented as progression of drawing exercises. \u00a0Each exercise builds upon the last. \u00a0The entire “course” is focused on observational drawing from a classical perspective. \u00a0Many of the plates are drawings from cast sculptures. \u00a0It is incredibly detailed-oriented.<\/p>\n

The course eases the student at the start with line drawing exercises but becomes extremely rigorous. \u00a0I can honestly say that a beginner may become discouraged and put the book down, so I would recommend this book for intermediate and advanced artists.<\/p>\n

If you are serious about drawing, then this book needs to be in your collection.<\/p>\n

Click here to buy Drawing Course – Charles Bargue and Jean-L\u00e9on G\u00e9r\u00f4me<\/a><\/div>\n

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25 Days to Better Drawings<\/span>
Learn a new drawing concept and skill every day for 25 days. Each drawing concept taught includes a short drawing exercise (less than one hour) that reinforces the concept taught.
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VIEW COURSE<\/div>\n

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Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner<\/h3>\n

This book is a fantastic book for beginners. \u00a0I have this book in my collection and I still refer to it on occasion. \u00a0You’re not going to find elaborate drawings that are overwhelming for the beginner. \u00a0Instead, you’ll find straight forward strategies for finding success with drawing with examples that are actually manageable for beginners.<\/p>\n

Lessons within the book are logically sequenced so that each lesson builds upon the last. The book is beautifully laid out and easy to follow along with. \u00a0What I especially like about the book is that it clearly points out common beginner mistakes with illustrated examples. \u00a0It then clearly explains how these mistakes are resolved.<\/p>\n

These are just a few of the books in my collection that I refer to often and cannot do without. \u00a0They have helped me along my drawing journey and I am sure will help you along yours.<\/p>\n

Click here to buy Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner<\/a><\/p>\n

Do you have any drawing books that you absolutely love? \u00a0Share them in the comments below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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