How to Use This Book Following this book’s methods, a beginner with no previous art experience can quickly gain enough understanding of the basics to draw recognizable subjects and give them the illusion of dimension. It’s important to start at the very beginning of this learn-to-draw process to build a solid foundation in basic concepts and techniques, and also to acquire the confidence that comes from understanding the fundamentals.
The book is designed as a cumulative learning experience. Each chapter builds on skills acquired in the previous; projects become increasingly challenging while staying within reach. The book maintains a linear sequence from chapters 1 through 4, which provide the necessary preparation to take on exercises in subsequent chapters; you can then pursue the remaining chapters according to your personal interests.
Along with basic drawing techniques, I’ve also included instruction in another important skill: the ability to evaluate your drawings constructively. This will allow you to accelerate your drawing progress, learn more about yourself and your art, and challenge obstacles to learning like performance anxiety and harsh self-judgment.
The Beginners Speak
I’ve illustrated this book with drawings from beginners who completed the same assignments on which you’ll be working. It has been fascinating to see that beginners show an innate preference for certain shapes, visual contrasts, and rhythms that show up immediately in their drawings. This personal style appears without conscious effort, and is integral to each person’s approach to drawing. You too will learn how to express your own unique style in the most fulfilling way as your technical skills develop.
Approach drawing as a magical activity to do, to learn, and to see—profound, mysterious, and gratifying. Guided by the sequence of instruction and wise words from fellow beginners, you’ll have an art adventure—full of challenges, yes, but discoveries and rewards as well.
Getting Organized
Set aside time on a regular basis to exercise your artistic capacity. It doesn’t have to involve a relentless, rigid schedule, where you’ll feel guilty if you don’t abide by it. But recognize that this new part of you needs time to flourish, whenever you can find the opportunity to engage it.
Do you have a place to draw? Since the practice of art is new to you, it’s likely you’ve borrowed space in the kitchen or in a bedroom. However, to ensure that the people you live with respect your space, it’s a good idea to let them know what you’re up to and where, especially if the apple on the kitchen counter they want to eat is part of your still life!
Keep your drawings and art supplies within reach, and in one place. To protect your work, I suggest you buy an inexpensive portfolio, large enough to hold your largest sheets of paper. That way you can save your work easily for later review. If you assemble your supplies in a toolbox or even a cardboard shoe box, you can keep all of your pencils, pens, and other supplies out of sight. A card table and chair can provide you with a mobile temporary studio. Searching for the perfect work conditions can be a form of procrastination, so just remember: a drawing can begin with only a piece of paper and a pencil.
Copyright © 2018 by Claire Watson Garcia. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
