Remember back in school when you had to do a book report? Well this is another version of that, but hopefully on a subject that you love and want to share with others.

Practicing drawing is essential to grow and learn but in the arsenal of learning tools most of us have a number of reference books that show us techniques and help explain how to render specifics or go back to basics.

In this thread, I am asking that you provide a report on what your favourite art book is. It should be brief and include the following:

Title
Author
IBSN number
How and why you think this book is important

We are only going to explore How-To Books

You can provide a photo of the book cover if you like, but its not essential.

Do not link to another site. This report should be in your words only, not someone else.

You can make your report as detailed or as loose you like.

If you have any problems with this, please contact me and I'll be happy to help.

I'll start off to show you more or less how it should work. Remember, you don't have to follow my process.

________________________________________________________________________________________

[attachmentid=1496]

Title: Colored Pencil Portraits, Step by Step
Author: Ann Kullberg
ISBN Number: 0-89-134-844-1
Publisher: North Light Books
Hardcover, 127 pages
Copyright: 1999

Overview

Ann Kullberg is a talented coloured pencil artist and in this book she details how to achieve lifelike skintones, as well as how to render clothing, backgrounds and lighting. The book provides excellent overviews of how to build skin tones and create realistic clothing and backgrounds, how to transfer your master drawing, what materials you will need and how to deal with clients. I would recommend this book for the intermediate to advanced artist who has previous knowledge of drawing and basic coloured pencil work. This book does not at any point teach you how to draw.

Summary
Chapter 1 Getting Started
Chapter one reviews all the materials you need to get started as well as some recommendations as to quality brands of paper (Stonehenge), pencils (Prismacolors), pencil sharpener (Boston), drafting brush, ‘sticky stuff’ and pencil extenders.

Chapter 2 Composing a Portrait
Chapter two reviews the correct processes in making up a composition. Subjects include: using reference photos, using the correct size reference photos, drawing freehand and transfer options to your final paper. Instruction of using grids is explained as well as using projectors. The most interesting and useful section of this chapter is learning how to see good composition.

Chapter 3 Seeing the Light
Chapter three discusses the importance of making the darks and creating contrast to show light. The author discusses how to create powerful drawings with strong colour and light contrasts. She explains and demonstrates this progression by showing her first attempts to portray light in her work to where she developed her skills to portray light by use of darks and contrast.

Chapter 4 Creating Believable Skin Tones
In Chapter four a palette guide is shown for all of the different skin tones arranged according to hue. There are yellow, orange and pink skin tones. Colours are arranged into value groups, and Ann explains the importance of your first ‘wash’ that provides the base for all future layers. There is also an exercise to create a Skin Tone Bar. The rest of the chapter shows you how to build skin tones, using a value viewer and tips for creating black and Asian skin tones.

Chapter 5 Painting Features and the Face
This Chapter shows you, step by step, how to use colored pencil to create the facial features (eyes, nose, mouth and ears) as well as the colors to use (as a guide). Then she does a step by step on painting the entire face of a child.

Chapter 6 Painting Hair
The book breaks down the steps to draw hair successfully. It deals with types of hair to the effects of light on the hair.

Chapter 7 Painting Fabric
This Chapter shows how to ‘paint’ believable fabrics. Cotton, patterns, plaid, denim (including denim hems and seams), polished fabrics (satin and the like) and knits are detailed.

Chapter 8 Putting It All Together
This Chapter puts it all together Step by Step. Two separate drawings are created here. One drawing is of a little girl sitting on a brick wall and the other of a brother and sister together.

Appendix The Portrait Business
The appendix gives you an overview of how to conduct a portrait business, and contains a lot of useful information for someone who would want to create a business with their skill. Subjects here include initial contact, photo shoot, choosing the reference photo, Contracts, pricing as well as a few humorous errors made by Ann.

I really liked the detail and step by step illustrations. As a background reference document for portraiture in coloured pencil, this book is a must have. I find her portraits technically very well done, but too sugary sweet for my taste. They are usually squeaky clean, nearly always barefoot children in obviously pampered circumstances. However, that may be the usual genre who purchases portraits. I'd like to see more reality in her work. From a technical standpoint, her work is flawless and this book makes a wonderful addition to anyone interested in coloured pencil portraiture. This is one of my frequently referenced books.

I have the Ann Kullberg book checked out from the libarary right now! It's excellent!

I don't know if this book is my favorite, but it's one I've had forever and one I constantly refer to, so I would say it's been the most helpful for me.

TITLE: How To Draw Animals

AUTHOR: Jack Hamm

ISBN #: 0-399-50802-3

PUBLISHER: A Perigee Book
Published by The Berkley Publishing Group
A division of Penguin Putnam Inc.

In Canada: Published by General Publishing Co., Limited, Toronto

(Wasn't sure how much of this was needed!)

This book is very useful because it not only shows the framework/skeletal/muscular makeup of various animals but I like it best because it shows various animals in natural movements and positions.

It also shows simplified shapes that make up the anatomy of the various animals and details the differences between related animals (for instance - the wolf, fox & coyote.)

This book has two pages listing content so I won't even bother trying to put it all here, but I will vouch for this being an invaluable resource for the animal artist. It's not a fancy book of colored pictures but is a very worthwhile investment. I think this is my second copy of the book as the first literally fell apart from use.

J

Jeanette,

This is a fantasic idea for a thread and I don't have time right now, but I will be back tomorrow with a detailed report about my favorite books!!!

Thanks,
Laura

I have a book on drawing. Helps you alot with the deawing of faces animals in pencil and color pencil. It is a very good book to have if you are a bigginner.

big book of DRAWING
Lee Hammond
ISBN 0 7153 1872 1 paperback
Bookstore: Exclusive books South-Africa

Master the essentials of Realistic DRAWINGS
I THINK IT IS A EXCELLENT BOOK.
I have learnt from it.

Thank you so much for this thread. I cannot add to it since I don't possess any "how to" books at the present time. But since I intend to get some this will be an invaluable guide.

Thank you all for wonderful reviews.

[attachmentid=1519]
Title: Drawing Realistic Textures in Pencil
Author: J.D. Hillbury
IBSN number: 0-89134-868-9
Publisher: North Light Books
Paperback, 128 pages
Copyright: 1999

I first discovered J.D. Hillbury when I was surfing the web in search of realistic graphite drawings. While reviewing his website I realized that I had been fortunate enough to have actually seen his work at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, CO about 15 years ago. I was fascinated with his abilities and techniques in Tromp l'oeil (French for "fool the eye"). He has a creative and lively imagination and seems to me to have been heavily influenced by M.C. Escher who was known for his optical illusions.

In his book, Drawing Realistic Textures in Pencil , he tells about the materials and techniques he uses to create realistic textures from leather to wood..glass to metal...fur to barbed wire. This book is filled with useful information that he has gathered through trial and error throughout his life as an artist.

Summary

Introduction
Mr. Hillberry discusses the most important tool we have, our eyes. The ability to see what creates different textures around us and how exagerating one texture will enhance the look of another.
He also tells us the importance of having good basic drawing skills before we attempt his techniques.

Chapter 1 Materials

The materials listed in Chapter one are to numerous to list here, but as Mr. Hillberry says,"All it takes to draw is a pencil and a piece of paper". He discusses graphite pencils, carbon and charcoal pencils their properties, grades and uses. He also offers information regarding several different erasers and blending tools. In addition he discusses how your choice of paper influences the textures created on it. He suggests several of his favorite papers including Arches, Strathmore and Cresent. He concludes chapter one with a list of misc. materials and their uses.

Chapter 2 Tips and Techniques

Chapter 2 begins with the many questions you should ask yourself before you even put pencil to paper!!!
Questions you should ask yourself before you choose your paper and even the medium. Lighting, background, smoothness of paper all of these factors play an important role in the final piece. Mr. Hillberry reminds us that we should experiment with all of these factors in order to learn what they can do and what we can do as well. He offers suggestions on how to keep your drawings clean and ways to hold your pencil. He discusses the properties of light, cast shadows, the core of the shadow, reflected light, halftones and highlights. Also included are blending techniques incorporating numerous tools such as felt, chamois, tortillion, stumps and facial tissue. He concludes chapter one with techniques such as indenting and the use of masking films and fluids.

Chapter 3 Drawing Realistic Objects

In chapter 3 Mr. Hillberry gives us step by step demonstations of techniques he has developed to create realistic textures such as pitted metal, reflective metal, glass, broken glass, wood, barbed wire, clothing and fur. Also included in this chapter is a step by step portrait of a baby with detailed instructions on how to create realistic eyes and hair.

Chapter 4 Put it All Together In A Still Life

In the fourth and final chapter of Mr. Hillberry's book he discusses composition, lighting and how to use your arrangement to enhance the realism of the final piece. He also includes two step by step demonstraitions incorporating many of the techniques described in previous chapters.



This book is geared more to the intermediate and advanced artist. If you are still working on building your basic drawing skills I would still recommend this book to you because once you have built that foundation you will want to step up to the next level. It will give you techniques that could take a lifetime to discover on your own.


Laura

P.S.
Jeanette,
I followed your format...if it ain't broke don't fix it...hehehehe

Laura

Well apart from the obvious Brenda Hoddinott books (ahem!!)

This is one of my favorites at the moment

[attachmentid=1518]

Title Secrets To Drawing Realistic Faces
Author Carrie Stuart Parks
ISBN Number - 10: 1-58180-216-1
Publisher North Light Books
www.artistsnetwork.com

This has not only been invaluable to me but it has also taught me a lot about facial proportion and measurement. it relates to the absolute novice as well as the accomplished artist.

I would give it an 8 out of 10, worth a look

RJS

Nellie that was the first drawing book I ever purchased last year when I started drawing again!!! It is great.

I recently went to Border Books and purchased a few drawing books for my children and bought myself one too. It covers just about everything for drawing and illustration.

Title: The Complete Guide to Drawing & Illustration
Author: Peter Gray
IBSN number: 1-84193-434-8
Publisher: Arcturus Publishing Limited/Peter Gray
Paperback, 304 pages


I found this book while looking for a book for the girls for Christmas. It was on clearence for only $6!!! The book is designed as a course. Suitable for complete beginners, as well as for those who have alot of experience.

Hey dudes,

Supercool thread I say. But since I am new to the art scene, I don't know any art books. As Farfallina said, this thread will be an invaluable guide.

But can any of you guys recommend a book to a newcommer like me? I just started Brenda's lessons and I do plan to get her dummies book (reviews of it are pretty good).

But is there another book that will be more suitable for me at this stage (and then later on I can get Brenda's books)?

What books did you guys (and gals) start of with?

Sam

(Oh yeah, I come across a variety of art DVDs in my internet surfings. Are they any good as the books?)

I've come across Hillbury surfing the net too Laura. What a fascinating artist! Almost as fascinating as Mersmann.

hahahaha...I love Armin's work too...now if I could just get him to give me an honest critique...hehehehehe
He mentioned rescently that he is thinking of writing his own book. I'ld be first in line!!!!

Laura

Two inspirational books I love by the same author:

Title: The Zen of Seeing/Drawing as Meditation 1973
Author: Frederick Franck
ISBN-10 (republished) : 0394719689
Publisher: Vintage Books - Div. of Random House

Title: The Awakened Eye/Companion volume to Zen of Seeing 1979
Author: Frederick Franck
ISBN: 0-394-74021-1
Publisher: Random House

Both books are beautifully hand-drawn and illustrated. This is creativity for no earthly reason. For me, it is therapeutic and it puts me into a contemplative right-brain mode so the drawing is the main focus. Yes, just like meditation does. Here are scans of both soft covers and one page from the "Seeing" volume.

[attachmentid=1520][attachmentid=1522][attachmentid=1521]



Cheers......Maire

You know this is a wonderful thread and since alot of people may be in the search of purchasing books a cheap place to get them is Amazon.com. I usually buy all of my books from there at cheap reasonable prices. I buy them new or used and they all arrive in beautiful condition. Unlike ebay I have NEVER had a problem with amazon. I think I have bought over 15 books for drawing or painting or just any medium I am interested in learning at the time. I have even bought DVD's from there for art. If you type in the type of medium you are looking to explore in the search engine under books you usually get tons of referels for different types of whatever you are looking for by different authors. I hope this helps.

Laura, I've heard you mention Armin before. Is that a last name first or what?
Paulette

Great books everyone! These will be great resource ideas for people who may want to explore more.

Paulette, Armin Mersmann is a wonderful realistic artist. You can see his work here. His most recent work in progress is of his mother who recently died.

Hillberry's work is amazing too, but the book I want most right now is Mike Sibley's Drawing from Line to Life, which also deals with animal portraits, one of my favourites, along with many other aspects of pencil work. The book's a bit pricey - over $100 Canadian with shipping so I'll save my pennies... I did a class with Mike Sibley in Negative Drawing - sort of like negative space but different. I ended up making prints of the drawing that came out of the class.

Armin Mersmann is my idol as far as drawing is concerned. Hillbury is also excellent but not as good as Mersmann IMO

I could just stare at Mersmann's work forever - just admiring all the details. He is awesome!

Sorry, Gang, Karaoke date night....just got in. Ayup...I'm a big Mersmann fan!!! I could just sit and stare at his work for hours. Would love to stare forever like Joanie, but one of my wee'uns would interrupt...I just know it!

Jeanette,
Lucky girl...would love to see the piece that you made prints of!!!
I had my eye on Mike's book too, but it's a bit to much for my pocket right now.

Nighty Night!
Laura

Jeanette,
The book you refer to is $80.00 canadian on Amazon, i have just checked, that's £35.00
sterling.
I may just treat myself in the new year sales, may even come down in price!!

Great books everyone!

RJS

I went mad late last night and ordered the book from Mike Sibley, directly from him. It will cost 46.50 sterling - $102 and change Canadian. I'd better start selling some more prints to pay for it now!

Wow thank you everyone,
I'm supposed to be packing and here I am jumping from website to website. Armin wow, Sibley great. I'm betting the piece you did with the leaves and grass is the one you did with him? Got to run.
Paulette

I've ordered from Amazon's used books before but found another place & wondered if anyone had any experience with it? I've found many of the books you all have posted as favorites at some really good prices.

http://www.alibris.com/

You can do searches based on either the author, subject, or title/ISBN #.

Any feedback on this company would be appreciated.

J

J-Lynn - I have used Alibris several times and have no problems with it at all. It is just as reliable as Amazon.
So if you find a book that is cheaper on Alibris, by all means, go ahead and order it from them.

Thanks, Joanie! I love books and they seem to have some very good prices as well as good selections in every genre I was interested in.

J

So - thanks to this thread I have taken the step to order some art "how to" books. And what's more I decided to try Alibris for the first time.

They really have some excellent prices although shipping and handling from them is slightly more expensive for me then it would be from Amazon. The 5 books I ordered came to $42 and the shipping $37!! That really sucks doesn't it! Still I saved myself almost $30 on those books as against what I would have had to pay on Amazon, including the shipping costs.

They will probably trickle in one by one as they are shipped from the various dealers.... so guess who's going to have Christmas all over again every few days!!!

The purpose of the thread was just that Rose, to expose individuals to the myriad of books out there that can help them and that they can use as references.

I'm glad you obtained some of the books that you wanted. Pity about the high shipping charges, but as you said, it probably balances out compared to Amazon charges

I have some more books to add to the list, but as I'm back at work today it will have to wait for awhile.

Hello everyone,

This is the best post ever, I really needed help buying books and this is exactly what I needed. Thank you!

I'm looking for a book on landscape drawing and found few on amazon that look good but was wondering if anyone would recommended a certain book? I want one that would be a reference in the years to come.

- Mary

Paradox...I haven't really gotten into landscape pictures myself but the book I described in a previous post...The Complete Guide to Drawing & Illustration....has 38 pages of how to draw nature's landscapes. It also features human figures to drawing cars or building landscapes. Its really a great book. I bought it at Christmas time at Border Books for 6.00 dollars. It was a great price. Hope that helps.

Mary - I have this book and its pretty thorough.

Drawing Scenery Landscapes, Seascapes and Buildings
Author: Giovanni Civardi
Publisher: Search Press Limited - Great Britan 2002
ISBN 903975 10 7

US Price $17.95 (on back of book) (I don't think I paid that much for it)
UK Price 8.99 (I don't know how to make the dollar sign in England) hahahahaha
It is from a series of books called the Art of Drawing Series

If you want some pics of the inside pages, just let me know, I'll scan them for you.

Sorry, Jeanette, I was in a hurry this morning or I would have provided more. So here it is:

This is not my favorite book, it is one of many art books that I own and I don't really have a favorite. But it is a very good book for the specifics that Mary is looking for. Most drawing books do not provide a great deal of help when it comes to drawing landscapes.

This book has 64 pages with more emphasis on pictures than on words. It covers tools and techniques, practical advice on choosing a scene, planning a scene, drawing techniques, drawing outdoors, equipment. A chapter on Linear Perspective and Aerial Perspective. Other chapters are Composing a Scene, Choosing a Composition, Drawing Techniques like drawing grass, rocks fences waterfalls, splashes, reflections. Preliminary Studies, Details, Light, Water, Buildings and Structures, Clouds and Sky, Figures & Animals, Landscapes, Seascapes, Urban and Industrial Landscapes, Mountains. How to use Reference Pictures.

The book is so filled with drawing examples as well as photographs. [attachmentid=1576][attachmentid=1577][attachmentid=1578]

I feel so blessed to be part of this wonderful site. Here is one of my favorites.

Judyvan

Judyvan...thats a good book, though I myself do not own it. I really like Lee Hammond. She is a wonderful artist. I have her Big Book of Drawing like Nellie posted on a previous post in this same thread. It was the first ever "How To" book I purchased since I have started back into art. Now I would say I have purchased over 20 Books and probably be able to fill up the thread with wonderfuls books by different artist. I agree with Brenda though..You can never learn too much when it comes to art. There is sooo much to learn and try.

Painter and Judy, can you provide more details on the content of the book, so people can get a better idea of what it contains and how it may suit their needs?

The outline for the content is in the beginning post of this thread. This isn't to cause work for you, but to help others access the books and find them online or in bookstores.

An 'I like it' is a great statement, but why do you like it? What does it teach you? What examples does it show? How many pages are in the book? What did you get out of it?

You tell em' Jeanette. LOL if we feel the need to post a book of our "Liking" we have to do it in book report style. ( Sorry all I am in a goofy mood tonight...so I feel the need of humor)


Ohhh and here is another of my personal favorites by a wonderful artist...At the moment I thought it would be perfect for the facts that...
1. Its out of the book drawer.
2. Its helping with a drawing I am working on right now.

Book: The Complete Idiots Guide to Drawing People
Author: Brenda Hoddinott
Publisher: Alpha Books
ISBN: 1-59257-223-5
U.S. Price is: $18.95
Canada Price is: $28.00

This book gives advise on: *Training your mind to see through the world through an artist's eye, *Illusion techniques such as light and shadow, shading styles, and blending, *A detailed examination of the human head including shape, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and hair, and *Tips on drawing people from a quick sketch, photograph, or your own imagination.

About the author: Brenda Hoddinott is a wonderful artist. She is from Canada and started her career as a graphic artist, a forensic artist, a teacher, as well as an illustrator, and freelance artist. She has decided in her retirement to also start her own publishing company and write her own books in teaching people the concepts of art. She also provides this site for all of us wonderful members.

The book is a great for learning to draw people. It has been very beneficial for my developing and learning to draw portraits. Trust me I need it. It is 301 pages and well worth the money to invest in if you are wanting to learn to Draw People.

Be as goofy as you like Venus, its wonderful!

I didn't mean to sound like a nag, just wanting the most information for everyone.

Mrs. Jeanette...you so did not even come close to sounding like a nag!!!! But you are right and I agree with you that people should write down all of the information. I know when I am looking for new "How To" books that I personally read up on all of the imformation the seller uses to desribe the book to see if it is what I ma looking for, for the area that I feel I may be needing help with. So its just good to know all aspects of the books that people are putting on this thread.

I picked up this same book at Borders before christmas.

I'm only about 1/4 of the way through it so far.
I don't entirely agree that this book is suitable for complete beginners. Not as your only book, anyway.
Certainly not as your first book.

It seems quite light on basic technique compared to Brenda's "Dummies" book, or the lessons here.
It is very strong on composition. In other words, he talks less about HOW to draw and more about deciding
WHAT to draw.
He also talks about several different media. Pencil, Charcoal, Pastels, ink (both pen and brush) etc...
He shows how he did a night scene, starting with black paper and using grey and white pastels to build
the scene. Another example was starting with brown paper and using black & white ink & pencil he did a
scene containing a large white feather (among other things) and was able to make it look much better than
just pencil on white paper.

Overall I like the book, especially for the price. You just can't go too far wrong for $6
This book should make a good addition to many libraries.

Someone said they were looking for a good landscape book. I recommend :

Drawing Scenery: Landscapes and Seascapes by Jack Hamm.

It doesn't exactly tell you how to draw the different textures in photo-realistic details, but it has a thorough section on composition and atmospheric perspective as well as other great topics that will not only help you will landscapes, but with all your pictures.

Publisher: Perigee Trade; Reissue edition (September 22, 1988)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399508066
ISBN-13: 978-0399508066
Amazon price: $11.16


Brenda's book is a great book especially for beginners who want something very structured and photo realism. Great if you are into really getting into the details.

My favorite book for portraits (especially from life) is :

The Artist's Complete Guide to Drawing the Head by William L. Maughan.

This book to me, is the best book on drawing realistic likenesses without the use of grids and photographs. I use the techniques in this book to draw portraits in 20 to 30 minutes from life in my job, in front of many onlookers, potential customers and paying customers in City Walk at Universal Orlando. It's been a gift from God. The drawings alone are enough to teach you about great portraiture and even though he uses conte and pastel, you can easily adapt the techniques to any medium, I've used them with grafite, sauce, airbrush, and watercolor.
I highly recommend it... I almost feel like I'm giving away the farm here hahaha

Publisher: Watson-Guptill (January 1, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0823003590
ISBN-13: 978-0823003594
Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.53 pounds
Amazon Price: $16.47

I'd recommend several books for figure-drawing:

Anthony Ryder "The artist's complete guide to figure drawing"
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
Language: English
ISBN: 0-8230-0303-5

_________________________________________________________________

Juliette Aristides "Classical Drawing Atelier"
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
Language: English
ISBN: 0-8230-0657-0
_________________________________________________________________

Ron Tiner "Figure Drawing without a model"
Publisher: David & Charles
Language: English
ISBN: 0-71530646-4
_________________________________________________________________

Gerald Ackerman "Bargue drawing course" (contains a chapter on sight-size drawing by Graydon Parrish) (available from the website of the Dahesh museum)
Publisher: ACR Edition
Language: English
and
Language: French


_________________________________________________________________

and (don't laugh!), Stan Lee and Steve Buscema "How to draw comics the Marvel way".
Publisher: Titan Books
Language: English
ISBN: 0-907610-66-8
_________________________________________________________________

I am also currently reading Ted Seth Jacobs "Drawing with an open mind" (this one's out of print, but can be found second-hand).

__________________________________________________________________

There are two major approaches to realistic head and figure drawing, it seems to me. One is constructive anatomy, which basically builds figures based on boxes or other simple geometrical solids, which are then refined. Tiner and Buscema's books are based on this. They are both commercial illustrators by training.

The other is sight-size/proportional etc, which is based on "projecting" a flattened version of the figure onto the canvas -by this I mean finding a series of points (sight-size, or proportional sizing), or an envelope (as per Tony Ryder) and refining the shapes of the edges in terms of lengths, angles, and relationships of line-segments - you might think of it as a bit like tracing (sorry to mention the "t" word, but it gets my point across, if you bear with me) the lines onto a plate of glass, in the drawing plane, between yourself and the subject - this, shifted sideways, is basically what you are doing to get your placements, in the sight-size/Bargue approach. This approach (or rather, set of allied approaches) is used by fine artists working within the "classical realism" style, and is well-suited for detailed drawings and paintings done from the model, from life. Many professional portrait-painters use these approaches.

I'd argue that you need to synthesise both approaches together. Good drawing from imagination requires constructive anatomy skills. However, the danger of the constructive anatomy approach is that figures may end up formulaic and generic. The sight-size approach offers a corrective to that because it teaches observational skills.


Dave