Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun (Lab Series)

I have no shortage of art/craft books- both those for inspiration and those for instruction, but "Drawing Lab" tops them all. Not only does it offer both inspiration and instruction, but it does so in a way that makes you believe that you can actually *achieve* results. And the book is complete eye candy, to boot.Each page of the book offers one simple exercise- the steps are laid out and very straightforward, but the instruction is incredibly flexible so that you can put your own spin on it. I think this is why it reminded me of a cookbook; the book tells you about the steps to take but doesn't give rigid instructions on *how* to do each step. There are numerous examples of different artists' interpetations of each exercise in full color on every page, and large enough so you can see the details, but not so large that the text gets lost. It's just a great mix of instruction and creative spark, sort of like a scrapbook.I have so many art books with detail project step-outs that require multiple pages, and while I appreciate the detail in those, they always intimidate me because even if they are simple projects, they really LOOK like they require a massive amount of materials, concentration, and time. I feel like before I try anything in those books, I need to assemble all my supplies first, clear space off my worktable, do some preparation... etc. And I never get around to that. But the minute I opened this "Drawing Lab", I reached for a scrap of paper sitting on my desk and just tried one of the exercises. Just to see, really quickly, what would happen. And I've *never* had an art book that inspired me to just reach for a scrap of paper and a pen and try something inside quickly, just to see what the results may be. This book got me drawing instantly, and without fear or anxiety, and for that I am in awe.Sprinkled among the pages of exercises are different interviews and bios of artists, with tons of examples of their work.I just LOVE this book. Not only am I inspired, but I really believe I can actually *try* everything in its pages. I also can't wait to try some of these exercises with my four year old daughter, and I went ahead and sent a copy to my friend, who is an early-childhood art teacher, because I truly believed she would be able to use a lot of the exercises in her classroom.I hope for more "Lab" books.Wonderful!!

I love this book! It just arrived today so I haven't had time to try any of the exercises yet, but I've read it through and I'm looking forward to experimenting with the techniques and creative ideas provided by the author. For many artists, drawing can seem intimidating. I myself have less than fond memories of the drawing courses I took in college and later in art school. But this book is very different from the traditional studio approach to drawing--thankfully!The exercises and prompts in this text are perfect for kids of all ages as well as for playful adults looking for ways to add an original element to their artwork. One of my favorites is the "Imaginary Creatures" assignment, which begins with random paint splashes and encourages creative thinking as you look for "creatures" in the paint, which you then draw with an ink pen in a sketchy manner. It's pretty cool, and definitely original!If people and portraits are your thing, the author provides several exercises that will spark creative approaches to portraiture and life drawing. Out of the seven units in the book, my favorite is called Inspired by Famous Artists. Various assignments in this section encourage you to really learn from the masters by not only copying their work but adding a special twist of your own. One example is to try creating your own abstract drawings of dogs reminiscent of Picasso's cubism style; another is trying your hand at a Joan Miro abstract drawing. The author breaks down this assignment by starting you with simple hand-drawn symbols that anyone can invent (or use the author's provided symbols). Fill your page with them, and when satisfied with the design go over the penciled lines with a dark marker. Then add washes of paint, preferably in the primary colors that Miro often used in his art. And wa-la, you have your own "Miro" drawing/painting to enjoy and admire.Speaking of painting, I really hope that the artist will follow up "Drawing Lab" with a book called "Painting Lab!" She's great with paint, and I'd love to see a fun project book on this subject from her. Someday I hope to take a workshop with Carla Sonheim (she has a stellar reputation as a workshop art instructor), but until then, this book will do very nicely. Thank you, Carla, for sharing your creative ideas and talents with us! And do please consider writing a book someday on your creative painting techniques.Sharilyn Miller, author of Bead on a Wire

I can't begin to explain how delightful this book is. Not really. I'll give it a try, anyway...If you love to draw, or know someone who does, the exercises in this book will break through walls and self-imposed limits to unveil creativity in a whole new way.Whether you're a beginner or an illustrator with decades of experience (like me), this book is simply amazing. Starting with the first lesson, I looked at what I was drawing and thought, "Wow... I drew that...? I'm a better artist than I realized!"It's key to draw at least as many figures or pages as she suggests. Don't stop just because the first five giraffes (or bears, or anteaters) look wonderful. Keep going. Do what she says. You'll then go through a bunch of oh-dear-heaven ugly drawings, and, a dozen (or so) figures later, an entirely new -- and more authentic -- style will break through.If you'd like to become a more charming, expressive, and delightful artist -- no matter where you're starting from (including struggling with stick figures) -- I think you'll love-love-LOVE this book.You'll need to be daring. There's not a lot of "copy this, then copy that, and add the whiskers..." in this book. It WILL push you to find your innate (sometimes hidden) creative resources, deep within yourself.The adventure is very worthwhile, and so is this book.

I am a watercolourist and this book was recommended in an old Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, so ordered it from the library and had so many pages flagged that I had to buy it. Shared the book with many friends and hopefully they bought it as well. Great drawing ideas too.

Livro em otimo!! estado, praticamente novo.

Es un libro increíble. Tiene técnicas muy interesantes. Vale mucho la pena.

bellissimo! ricevuto come regalo, lo riprendo spesso dalla libreria quando sono a corto di idee. Anche se in inglese, si capisce molto bene, e gli esercizi sono utili per "sbloccare" il processo creativo, consigliato per disegnatori e illustratori. Consiglio: non limitarsi a leggerlo ma mettere in pratica i laboratori consigliati!

I love this book! I have bought many art books before but when I get them home, I think “ho humm” they are either too boring, too specific to the authors style or too technical and not realistic.But there’s something about this book that got me going artistically straight away. Love it. Lots of fun and allows for individual style.