Drawing And Learning About Cats

Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo

A brief introduction to "The Basics of Drawing," this book includes definitions for line, guideline, shade, value, shape, and diagonal. "Four Tips for Drawing" suggest that the artist create lines that are light, medium, and dark, and that shapes should be drawn first and then connected with a sketch line, and followed with details and color. This is followed by types of shapes and lines to practice and a suggestion to "Be creative!" Drawing eight kinds of cats, including American shorthair, Turkish Angora, Siamese, and Sphynx are presented in seven steps. The steps show the additional shapes in red ink, while the text states what is being done in the picture. The seventh step adds the color and the background. For some of the children the backgrounds may be a bit difficult. A final page suggests learning more through the books in a brief bibliography and a website. This is part of the "Sketch It!" series, which offers budding artists simple instructions on favorite topics.