Long read including drawing excersises
4 stars
Reading this book included more work than what I expected when I started. This book is not one that you just simply read cover to cover. There are a lot of exercises that readers will have to spend time on to get the full value of what the book has to offer.
The instruction in the book is clear and well written. The book claims that anybody can become better at drawing, and I would agree, as it seems to work for me. It explains how to learn to observe and see in a way that facilitates drawing.
A large part of the book is about finding the right state of mind, which is perhaps what I appreciated the most, as I could be described as more analytical than absorbed into artistry. I'm not sure how much this has actually to do with the human brain and its two halves, …
Reading this book included more work than what I expected when I started. This book is not one that you just simply read cover to cover. There are a lot of exercises that readers will have to spend time on to get the full value of what the book has to offer.
The instruction in the book is clear and well written. The book claims that anybody can become better at drawing, and I would agree, as it seems to work for me. It explains how to learn to observe and see in a way that facilitates drawing.
A large part of the book is about finding the right state of mind, which is perhaps what I appreciated the most, as I could be described as more analytical than absorbed into artistry. I'm not sure how much this has actually to do with the human brain and its two halves, but calling the differences Left / Right is as good a name as any, although the reality is probably more complicated. Left or L-mode is more analytical and the active thinking and preconceived ideas prevent observing and drawing objectively. Right or R-mode is more suitable for creating drawings as the analytical thoughts are suspended. Part of the book consists of exercises aimed to enable going into R-mode. There are also lots of more practical information about drawing related skills, mainly focused on drawing portraits. In addition there is a chapter on color and one about improving hand writing.
Although I have read the book I don't think I'm actually finished with it. As the author states as the closing words: "Draw every day".
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in drawing. The down side is that after reading this book you will not have as much time to read any more.
