Drawing for older children and teens, creative method for adult beginners ... drawing lessons from Mona Brookes ...
Drawing for older children and teens ... a creative method for adult beginners too
Sample pages include:
drawing: the big picture - exploring different styles ... there is no right way: letting go of preconceptions ... learning the differences: appreciating more possibilities ... abstract drawing: from toddler's scribbles to modern art ... scribbling
Artist - Mona Brookes
learn to draw for older children, learn to draw for beginners
Creative Drawing Lessons
Learn to Draw Books
Art Books. |
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Mona Brookes Drawing for older children and teens, creative method for adult beginners |
This drawing books reviews ...
Realistic expectations
The book's title is what the book actually provides. Drawing for OLDER CHILDREN AND TEENS. People who give this book to a six year old shouldn't be surprised that some of the exercises or explanations are too hard. Likewise, people who want to draw like Rembrandt should realize that a book titled 'drawing for older children and teens' might not be the best resource. Do people even think any more?
Anyway, now that that's out of my system: I adore this book. There are three drawing books I will never give away: this one, Edwards's drawing on the right side of the brain (psychobabble or not aside, the fact is, it works!) and Dodson's book on drawing. Each has strengths and weaknesses. The absolute strength of Brookes's book is sheer enthusiasm. One reviewer is scandalized by the testimonials of success cases Brookes includes: I found them the most inspiring. But what can I say, I need all the encouragement I can get. Even if you skip all that and jump to the exercises, you will get your money's worth out of this book.
What it has that is unique: a day one invitation to play with different drawing media. Edwards's book is perhaps a little too pencil-sketch focussed -- this book encourages you to play with colored pencils, art pens, and pastel crayons. I reiterate the word 'play'. For those of us who want to learn to draw as a hobby, not as professional artists, the notion of art as play rather than work is very important. (Again, professional artists, the title alone might tell you this book is not for you?) It also encourages you to learn different STYLES. Edwards's book has sometimes been criticized for being too focused on realistic drawing. Brookes encourages you to try abstraction and flat drawing as well as a more realistic style. Overall, it encourages you more than any other book I've encountered thus far, to develop your own style.
Even the limitations of the book are not limitations, if you take into account the audience. Her list of subjects to draw doesn't necessarily work for me, but I remember as a teenager drawing a lot of the items on her list over and over again. (I must have drawn about a million horses). A student today just handed in an in-class writing assignment with the bottom half covered with a drawing of a car. She knows, in other words, what young people like to draw, and presents the information in manageable and attractive pieces. If you're an older reader, like me, who picked this book up because I suck way too much at drawing for books like _the Natural Way to Draw_ and many other upper level learn to draw books, some of the exercises seem silly. Skip 'em! Do another one you like better, again. I've had a lot of fun, for example drawing my cats in not only a variety of media (pastel, colored pencil, conte, pencil) but also in many more styles (primitive, cartoonish, realistic, abstract). A lot of the technical exercises (copying drawings upside down, using a viewfinder) are in many other drawing books, but are again presented in a young adult friendly manner.
It's a book about ENJOYING drawing. Anything you like, you're bound to become better at, because you enjoy it, so you keep doing it. Especially if you get results you like. This really is worth a look, but only if you either fit into the categories of the title, or still draw like you do! |
A higher way of thinking for those incllined
Mona completely re-opened the "right hemisphere" in both myself and the kids I taught to use her methods (age 8 and older).
For those who understand this mode of thinking, once the gate is opened and your drawing hand coordinates with it, you can draw anything well: buildings, landscapes, people, animals, vehicles.
Others may not understand this approach, they may think differently and prefer the "left hemisphere" mode of analytical thinking, years of critique, the old method of drawing lots of nudes, studying the analysis behind perspective. But for those who want to get straight to the source of artistic ability and draw what they are seeing, in their mind or what they're directly looking at, here's an approach that can be very useful.
After time with it, a visual of what you want to draw just seems to shoot out of your drawing hand. It sinks in deeply, vs. the other approach of taking years to gain talent, or even worse, the instant gratification approaches to drawing animals or cartoons that rely on memory of that particular step by step drawing, without being able to use it for any other drawing. All three could no doubt work together in some beneficial way, but this approach is highy recommended either by itself or with the others.
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Drawing for older children and teens
This book is excellent for any beginner in art irregardless of age. It gives fun projects to start you off that aren't overwhelming, and plenty of encouragement. |
Learning to draw over the telephone?
After years of searching for a good text for my teleclass in high school Art-2D, I finally found this out-of- print text. Luckily you had enough copies for these two classes, a total of 16 students, at a public school for students who are sick at home or at the hospital and need to be taught by phone.
This is a simple system that really works. It is not some "miracle cure" but based in solid art training and much practice. It takes time for the teacher (me) to learn how to get the job done on the phone, but this book helps a lot.
The idea is to lead these kids forward step by step as described in the book. I usually do the exercises with them, and I have seen considerable progress in a very short time. After years of art training I am learning a lot myself by simply following the steps outlined. Learning to draw is no rocket science for me now. It is a simple process. You can learn how to draw.
The only small criticism I have is that the book addresses itself more to the adult teacher than to the student. I wish Ms. Brooks would write a new text that can be used in high schools, addressing the student directly. It would help, of course to have a teacher edition to go with it.
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Addendum to other positive reviews
This book has been praised by other reviewers and I have no wish to repeat and rehash their reviews, so check them out. =) I would only add that the title could be misleading in that the term "older children" can be variously interpreted. I bought this for my 10-year-old daughter, whom I consider an "older child." This book is most definitely geared to the attention ability of teens -- or "older children" with a HIGH (and determined) level of interest in truly LEARNING how to draw. It is VERY heavy on prose, with a LOT of written explanation of technique. There are plenty of illustrated examples, but I don't see my daughter sitting down to learn to draw and wanting to READ a lengthy explanation of how to do something.
I would consider this more of an instruction book than a how-to book, intended to be READ then applied. A child who is younger (younger than say 13 or so) would likely need a good bit of parental involvement to get a more full understanding and appreciation of what the book teaches. However, if you have a young savant or a very patient reader at home, who doesn't mind wading through the lengthy explanations of technique, by all means buy this book. It is an excellent treatise on drawing fundamentals.
All this being said, I intend to keep the book. I will break it out as a Xmas present and see what her interest level is in really learning about drawing rather than just busting out a quick picture. If she seems overwhelmed by its depth and scope, I will help her work through some of the basics and/or hang on to it until she is older. |
Contents ...
Part 1. Drawing: The Big Picture
Exploring the different styles ... there is no right way: letting go of preconceptions ... learning the differences: appreciating more possibilities ... abstract drawing: from toddler's scribbles to modern art ... symbolic drawing: from childhood stick figures to cave paintings ... flat-styled drawing: from children's work to that of working artists ... reatistic drawing: from loose gestures to detailed realism ... integrating drawing styles: creating your own style
Understanding what is possible ... first attempts: realistic expectations ... further progress: students sharing their work ... overcoming obstacles: students sharing their stories ... you too can learn: it is more than possible
Part 2. Drawing: An Endless Journey
Starting with the preliminaries ... creating the proper environment: internal and external ... learning how to see: the five basic elements of shape ... warm-ups: duplication, differentiation, and mirror imaging ... achieving realistic drawing of objects by recognition of the five elements ... developing confidence: making warm-ups and doing sketches
Choosing your subject, style and materials ... initial steps: toward breaking the project planning block ... two main reasons for inability to plan projects ... choosing and planning a project ... step 1: design the project ... step 2: plan the composition and style ... step 3: prepare for exploration ... step 4: utilize rough drafts
Cookin' with the fun stuff ... expressing feeling: from your own to the mood of your drawing ... representing form: proportion, positive and negative space, and scale ... creating dimension: contrast, perspective and shading ... making changes: flexibility and adjustments ... adding finishing touches: texture and fine detail
Endless subjects - endless results ... beings: the human form, the animal kingdom, and imaginary beings ... inanimate objects ... plants and flowers in nature or in still-life arrangements ... vehicles ... landscape or nature scene ... city or building scene ... endless explorations on your own
Appendix: Notes to teachers ... tips for all teachers ... different types of students ... different environments and class sizes ... different age levels ... a note for all |
Sample pages include ... drawing: the big picture - exploring different styles ... there is no right way: letting go of preconceptions ... learning the differences: appreciating more possibilities ... abstract drawing: from toddler's scribbles to modern art ... scribbling |
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Sample pages include:
drawing as a magical ability ... drawing as a learnable, teachable skill ... drawing and seeing ... the artist's way of seeing: a twofold process ... drawing attention to states of consciousness ... drawing on your creative self ... my approach: a path to creativity
Artist - Betty Edwards
Learn to Draw Course
Learn to Draw Books for Adults
Art Books. |
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Drawing for older children and teens ... a creative method for adult beginners too ...
Sample pages include ... drawing: the big picture - exploring different styles ... there is no right way: letting go of preconceptions ... learning the differences: appreciating more possibilities ... abstract drawing: from toddler's scribbles to modern art ... scribbling
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Manga Mania
Fantasy Worlds
How to Draw the Enchanted Worlds of Japanese Comics
Sample pages include:
contributing artists, the medieval world
How to Draw a Knight
Choosing an Angle - Posing Manga Characters
how to draw the knight, knight illustration
Artist / Illustrator - Christopher Hart
how to draw knights, learn to draw manga, learn to draw knights, how to draw a knight, how to draw Japanese comics...
CONTENTS...
the medieval world, gothic beasts, the faerie kingdon, warrior women of manga, science fiction, monsters, steam punk
Art Books. |
How to Draw Caricatures
Sample pages include:
materials and supplies ... marker techniques ... drawing eyes ... pencil techniques ... shading
Artist / Caricaturist - Harry Hamernik
learn how to draw caricatures, learn to draw a caricature, learn how to draw eyes, learn how to draw an eye, learn pencil techniques, learn shading
Caricature Drawing Books
Art Books. |
Wizard Comics Basic Training
Sample pages include:
art essentials ... figure construction ...
Wizard Comics
learn how to draw, learn figure construction
Comic Drawing Books
Art Books. |
How to Draw Anatomy
for the
Comic Book Artist
Sample pages include:
... drawing skulls ...
Artist / Illustrator - Christopher Hart
learn to draw anatomy for comics, learn to draw comics, learn to draw skulls, learn to draw a skull, how to draw skulls, how to draw a skull
Comic Art Drawing Books
Art Books. |
How to Draw Heads and Portraits
Sample pages include:
Polyclitus and the Canon, anthropometry, proportions on a greek skulpture
Proportions on the Human Body (Male and Female)
Contents
Ingres's advice to his students
The Canon For the Human Head - anthropometry - that is the canon? - the head seen from the front - the head seen in profile
The Construction of the Human Head - the skull - the basic structure - the perspective of the circle and the sphere - the canon applied to the basic structure - the structure of the eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth - practice exercises - examples of the head in different positions - practice exercise in drawing a model
Age and Gender in Drawing the Human Head - at the age of two - value and contrast in drawing children's heads - the development of the human head - elderly people - women's heads - examples of women's heads
Detailed Study of the Parts of the Face - eyebrows and eyes - the external appearance of the eyes - pairs of eyes - noses and ears - lips and mouths - hair
The portrait - a lesson from Velazquez - basic features of a good portrait - how to do a good portrait - likeness - applications of Ingres's advice
The Portrait as a Work of Art - lighting - pose - more about the pose and the distance of the model - preliminary sketches and composition - using preliminary sketches to study the pose - formats and sizes - How to Draw Portraits - portraits in red chalk, step by step - doing a self-portrait: you are your own model
Jose Maria Parramon
Art Books. |
How to Draw Digimon Monsters
Sample pages include:
how to draw your favorite digimon ... starting to draw
learn to draw Digimon monsters
Digimon Drawing Books
Art Books. |
Forensic Art
Sample pages include:
Introduction to forensic art and illustration
What is forensic art
Four categories of forensic art
ILLUSTRATIONS
image modification
demonstrative evidence
two-dimensional facial reconstruction from the skull
three-dimensional facial reconstruction from the skull
Art or Science
Artist / Illustrator - Karen T Taylor
CONTENTS
Part 1 - Forensic Art: The Foundation
Introduction to Forensic Art and Illustration
A History of Forensic Art
The Human Face
Drawing the Human Face
Part 2 - Forensic Art: Finding and Identifying the Living
The Interview
Composite Imagery
Age Progression: Growth
Age Progression: Aging
Image Assessment and Modification
Part 3 - Forensic Art: Finding and Identifying the Dead
Postmortem Drawing
Skull Protection and Preparation for Reconstruction
Two-Dimensional Facial Reconstruction of the Skull
Three-Dimensional Facial Reconstruction of the Skull
Methods of Superimposition
Part 4 - Forensic Art: Additional Responsibilities
Professional Ethics and Conduct
Printing and Graphics Reproduction
Dealing with the News Media
The Forensic Artist in Court
(Note : Search Inside book for more detailed contents list)
Forensic Art Books
Art Books. |
How to Draw the Human Head and How to Draw the Human Figure
Sample pages include:
how to draw the female eye, how to draw the female mouth, how to draw a lauging mouth vs. how to draw a straight mouth
Jack Hamm
Art Books. |
How to Draw Cartoon Animation
Sample pages include:
Character development ... Cartoon construction ... Stance ... Body built from circular and rounded forms ... Drawings of dogs ... More circular and rounded forms.
Animator - Preston Blair
DESCRIPTION
This is the one sourcebook that cartooning and animation enthusiasts have been clamoring about for years! A time-tested classic, this tried-and-true reference is often used as a textbook in cartooning workshops, and beginning and professional cartoonists alike are known to have copies of Cartoon Animation in their libraries. In this comprehensive title, famed animator Preston Blair shares his expertise on how to develop a cartoon character, create dynamic movement, and coordinate dialogue with action. Topics include character development, line of action, dialogue, timing, and, of course, animation! This valuable resource provides inspiration and information you need to begin drawing your own animated characters.
CONTENTS
Introduction ... Character Development ... Character Movement ... Animation ... Dialogue ... Technical.
224 pages.
At least 32 people rated this 5 stars.
Art Books. |
How to Draw Pictures that Look Real with Colored Pencils with artist Ann Kullberg
Sample pages include:
Getting started, drawing materials - the basics, drawing materials - accessories
CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED... materials the basics ... materials - accessories ... vertical line - smooth stroke ... pressure bar ...feather vs. definitive stroke ... vertical line - quick ... overlap and straddled strokes ... scribble stroke ... broken scribble stroke ... dense vs. airy ... where to start ... building color ... value.
INTERIORS... wicker basket and drapes ... upholstery and pillows ... carved wood ... wood grain floor ... patterned carpet ... windowsill ... walls ... metal fixtures ... patent leather shoes ... tennis shoes ... teddy bear ... eyelet lace.
EXTERIORS... apple blossom and sky ... tulips ... distant flowers ... rhododendrons - using a marker blender ... hedge, sidewalk, ivy and background greenery ... tall grasses, dirt and beauty bark ... close grass ... fir tree trunk ... lake and trees ... alder tree trunk with crosshatched background ... ocean and clouds ... tropics ... waterfall ... barn doors - old wood ... stone stairs ... stones or pebbles ... old brick ... new brick.
Art Materials
From Creation to Framing
For Artists, Sculptors and Crafters |
How to Draw Realistic Portraits with Coloured Pencil Step by Step with artist Ann Kullberg
Sample pages include:
Getting started, materials with hints, basic techniques.
CONTENTS
Introduction ... Getting Started ... Composing a Portrait ... Seeing the Light ... Creating Believable Skin Tones ... Painting Features of the Face ... Painting Hair ... Painting Fabric ... Putting It All Together.
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How to Create Animation
Sample pages include:
front and back covers with illustrations ... why this book? ... page with 10 illustrations ... a few autobiographical pages
Richard Williams
Art Books. |
Draw Squad
Mark Kistler
Sample pages include:
dissolving a popular myth ... the pre-test ... the key words of drawing
TV Artist Mark Kistler
Art Books. |
Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters
Sample pages include:
list of illustrations ... learning to draw ... John Henry Fuseli
Robert Beverly Hale
Art Books. |
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