Sketching and Drawing (First Step Series)
These three drawing books offer quite different approaches, but only one can be recommended without qualification. Johnson's Sketching and Drawing is for the absolute beginner who may have little confidence and be intimidated by art. Through extremely basic lessons, Johnson guides one from putting a first scribble on paper to completing scenes that incorporate blending, shading, perspective, and color. Because she overemphasizes her belief that anyone can draw, even someone who can't manage a straight line, the result of her instruction is an assemblage of scribble lines that are very rough sketches at best. Nevertheless, some aspiring drawers could benefit from this approach. Capon's Drawing Techniques, though, is the most extensive compact drawing manual available. In 80 pages, Capon, a British author of a number of books on art and craft techniques, gives clear advice on materials and step-by-step exercises in a variety of drawing media. Her inspiring examples in nature, architectural, figure, still life, and abstract drawing are well chosen. While its small size and good binding make it suitable for carrying into the field, the book may leave some wanting more than its one or two pages on each topic. Woods provides the next logical step with a much more comprehensive and better-organized drawing course. The student is led by a congenial teacher through 25 lessons that are practical, enjoyable, and challenging. The former director of a British art school, a widely exhibited artist, and the author of five books, Woods demonstrates a remarkable ability to impart his gift in this highly recommended manual.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.