Overview
"I can't draw faces" is a sentence that art teachers are very used to hearing. In fact anyone can, drawing faces is no different from drawing a vase of flowers or a landscape. It's a question of looking and seeing without any preconceptions. Bearing in mind this false idea that many people have, Susie Hodge introduces the subject at its most basic level. She starts with how to hold the pencil and position the paper, then moves on to composition, line, tone, light and shadows, structure, perspective and proportion. There are also very useful tips on how to pose a model comfortably. People of different ages and skin tones have been chosen as the subjects of the demonstrations so that the reader gets the opportunity to practise a wide range of drawing techniques, for example how to create softness and shine on skin, showing form through shading and how to "lift" dark areas. A complete beginner will be amazed at what they can achieve by following the progressive series of demonstrations and learning from the tips, tricks and know-how of the experienced artist.
Synopsis
Still life is perfect for beginners since every element can be controlled: composition, lighting, shape, color, and tone. Filled with expert advice, this wonderful guide offers budding artists all the information they need to get started. The ten projects become progressively more complex and highlight different skills. Arrange objects into pleasing displays and be sure that they are properly lit. Draw still lifes of fruits and vegetables, hard objects, flowers and other natural objects, fabric items, pottery, and more. Techniques covered include line and line quality, rendering tone and depicting color as tone, erasing as a creative process, using a grid, and mixing media. With endless possible variations, still life offers art students the ideal introduction to drawing basics.
Library Journal
This series from New Holland Publishers is intended to compete with Hamlyn's "Step-by-Step Art School" series. Both offer good, basic books at attractive prices. Hodge's How To Draw Portraits is a workmanlike manual, though her stilted style detracts from its effectiveness. Sidaway's How To Draw Still Life is a more authoritative work from a veteran writer of several art books. However, the comparable book in the Hamlyn series, Jack Buchan and Jonathan Baker's Step-by-Step Art School: Still Life, also contains a valuable history of the genre, with examples from Caravaggio, Manet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. While the Hodge and Sidaway volumes are adequate, libraries will be better off choosing from Hamlyn's "Step-by-Step Art School" series. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.