Drawing Class

When I first viewed the opening pages of this book, I thought the plates were poor and the content sophomoric at best. I have been drawing my whole life and consider myself a pretty good judge of how-to books on the subject. (That's about as snooty as I get from here on in.)What I found most positive and compelling about this book is that Barber is not trying to show you how well he can draw, which when an artist really shows what he's got can be somwhat intimdating for newbees. His plates are more diagramatic and give just the right amount of information so that the student's work will actually in certain cases be superior to the teacher's. We know this guy can draw but he takes himself out of the ego equation I feel, by doing this. A second point is that I have begun how-to drawing books and been stopped by the first couple of pages in that the works were more complex than I really felt I had the chops for. That book in short got shelved for a time when I reached that pinnacle of skill where I could approach the work again undaunted. Barber's approach of simple marks leading to more complex mark-making in the way of simple flower shapes, heads, hands and feet and perspective are all done in such a progressive fashion that one finds oneself caught up in the act of being in "Art Class." Bravo!

As I grow as--well, I hate to use the word "artist," as my goal is simply to draw realistically--I am accumulating books on the subject. To save money, I'm now buying them used, when possible. If it comes from Good Will, I have learned it will have been gently used and in good condition when I receive it.

I mostly do sketching anyway so this book works for me but if you want to draw lifelike portraits or anything like that then you probably want a more advanced book.

The pictures in this book are done well and the method is explained well. Shown in easy to grasp stages, drawing is broken down to assist in learning how to draw. Good for beginner wanting to learn and pros who might want to get another perspective on drawing or to hone some of their skills, I recommend this book.

I am using this book in Kendal form to help me teach my Grand kids and daughter. We have purchased several copies and are use this as an ongoing training resource.The step by step training exercised and explanations of why to do what and what is being learned help even the youngest to not be so bored, {Wax On/Wax Off}

Good book nice for beginners.

I had a book by this author and worked my way through it. That book was good-but this one is better. It takes you through some great lessons and you really get so much better as you practice. I am 1/3 of the way into the lessons and have been happy with my progress.

Excellent resource. Easy to follow and will put motivated person on the path to drawing well.

Exactly as described. Excellent book. Thank you

one word -----great

It was the best book i have had it was just great

If you believe you cannot draw, this book will change that. This book will show you ways to understand the process involved in drawing, with simple steps. Thanks a lot to the writer. Wish I had this book some 20 years ago.

Really very inspiring. Got to lesson 7, but my son introduced me to gaming and I have not drawn since