What do artists of all genres have in common? They all had to start at the very beginning.
For most artists, that probably means being inspired by Crayola crayons long before kindergarten art class, and later, practicing out of those nifty how-to books that start everyone off by drawing circle people.
I've literally had tons of these books in my lifetime, and I loved (almost) all of them as dear friends.
Even though I veered from the styles I practiced back then, I learned valuable skills and lessons from all types of art tutorial books.
Today, I am going to share a few of them with you.
The holidays are fast approaching, and many of these would be great gifts for budding little artists, or even big people who dream of trying their hand with a pencil or brush:
For most artists, that probably means being inspired by Crayola crayons long before kindergarten art class, and later, practicing out of those nifty how-to books that start everyone off by drawing circle people.
I've literally had tons of these books in my lifetime, and I loved (almost) all of them as dear friends.
Even though I veered from the styles I practiced back then, I learned valuable skills and lessons from all types of art tutorial books.
Today, I am going to share a few of them with you.
The holidays are fast approaching, and many of these would be great gifts for budding little artists, or even big people who dream of trying their hand with a pencil or brush:
1-2-3 Draw Series
The 1-2-3 drawing books are kid friendly, but teach functional basics that anyone can use.
I highly recommend "1-2-3 Draw Cartoon People" because the poses will help not just with cartoony drawings, but illustrations and even more serious figure work later on.
There are lots of themes besides people too, including Sea Creatures, Dinosaurs, Wild Animals, Mythical Creatures, Princesses and more.
I highly recommend "1-2-3 Draw Cartoon People" because the poses will help not just with cartoony drawings, but illustrations and even more serious figure work later on.
There are lots of themes besides people too, including Sea Creatures, Dinosaurs, Wild Animals, Mythical Creatures, Princesses and more.
How to Draw Horses
Man, did I ever put some wear and tear on this book back in the day. Sadly, I never became a great horse artist, but my sister picked this book up and started creating fantastical horse portraits.
I'm still sulking. But it's a great art book for any horse lovers out there who would love to sketch their favorite animals.
I'm still sulking. But it's a great art book for any horse lovers out there who would love to sketch their favorite animals.
How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way
If you want to learn how to draw comics, who better to teach you than Stan Lee? You don't even have to want to draw comics to benefit from the tutorials.
Comic art is rich in detail, perspective, strong shading techniques, color, and action poses. Elements that are super helpful to any art style (I reference comic tutorials often for inspiration when drawing pen and ink surrealism!)
Comic art is rich in detail, perspective, strong shading techniques, color, and action poses. Elements that are super helpful to any art style (I reference comic tutorials often for inspiration when drawing pen and ink surrealism!)
How to Draw What You See
This was one of the first "grownup" art books I received as a child, and I wore out two copies over the years.
There are tons of books on drawing, but How to Draw What You See is a classic that belongs on every art shelf.
There are tons of books on drawing, but How to Draw What You See is a classic that belongs on every art shelf.
Let's Draw Cute Animals
I found this at a yard sale for a dime, and loved it! Unfortunately, I lost it when I moved, so I really do have to replace it soon, since I think it would be lovely for my daughters.
The title of this book is not kidding. These animals are cute, and you can draw them very easily no matter your skill level.
So far, this is one of the few books I've found that didn't make "cute animals" look like preschool art.
The title of this book is not kidding. These animals are cute, and you can draw them very easily no matter your skill level.
So far, this is one of the few books I've found that didn't make "cute animals" look like preschool art.
5 More Art Books To Get You Motivated
Here's a little secret: you can't have too many how-to books. Ever.
Or art books.
Or heck, books of any kind.
So here are five more of my favorites:
6. The Artists Way (not a how-to-draw book. More of a how-to-kick-your-own-butt-in-motion book!)
7. Painting Watercolors by Cathy Johnson (my first watercolor book.)
8. Drawing in Pen and Ink by Claudia Nice
9. How to Draw Flowers in Simple Steps by Janet Whittle
10. How to Draw 101 Pets by Dan Green
Or art books.
Or heck, books of any kind.
So here are five more of my favorites:
6. The Artists Way (not a how-to-draw book. More of a how-to-kick-your-own-butt-in-motion book!)
7. Painting Watercolors by Cathy Johnson (my first watercolor book.)
8. Drawing in Pen and Ink by Claudia Nice
9. How to Draw Flowers in Simple Steps by Janet Whittle
10. How to Draw 101 Pets by Dan Green
Sharesies: If you are an artist, designer or crafter, what books got you started?
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