The Complete Beginner's Guide to Drawing: More than 200 drawing techniques, tips and lessons

I've been an artist for nearly 20 years and unfortunately my beginners books were damaged and had to be thrown away. So when I started to teach young children for free, I needed a new book for them to learn from.The moment I opened the book, I could tell it was very informative and well-prepared to teach a beginning artist. It has everything from pencil techniques to figures, leaving me very impressed. Quite honestly, even with all my experience, I feel as if this book could even teach me more about my trade. I cannot wait to use this with the young children I teach, as their young minds will learn so much from it.Also, I'm sure it was mentioned in the description, I was really surprised by three things. One was how thick the book is! It's a good half an inch. The second thing was it was a hardcover instead of a paperback. I didn't notice that when buying it, so it was a joy! Then the last thing was in how it looks to be like a school book. As if it could be used in a classroom.On a separate note from all of this, the book itself has beautiful illustrations and actual pictures in his to do things. It's instructions take their time with explanations, both showing in their own way what a beginning artist needs to do, and what materials to use.

So this year I was wondering how I was going to illustrate my children's book as a writer. I had no idea how to draw. I had one previous book from Walter Foster but it was only focused on the Head. So I went to my local art store to see if I could purchase some more how to draw art books. No luck. So I did what anyone would do and went on here to search out a book that would cover just about anything and everything! I'm so happy that I made this purchase because it covers the foundations on drawing and I use it for a reference book now to figure out how to draw different objects. This was my first attempt at drawing using the techniques found in this book!

As I entered my fifth decade I decided that I want to learn to draw. I bought a bunch of books and got this one on a whim and I am very happy I did because it feels like a great book for a beginner, a lot of good content, all presented in an easy to follow style, exactly what a beginner like me needs.

I've just done a 14 week art course in my local village hall and ended up thinking I can't do anything arty. I bought this book on a whim and 2 hours later I've drawn a cat, a Golden Retriever, a squirrel, a parrot and a giraffe head - all of which are actually recognisable. I mean they're obviously not amazing, but they're leaps and bounds better than I've managed previously.Amazing! It's really clever teaching - showing you how to build up step by step from circles and squares and a few lines, then adding various different pencil strokes and shading until you realise you've just managed to draw something.I sound as if someone has paid me to say this, but honestly, it's the best £13.45 I've spent in ages. Highly, highly recommended for anyone wanting to give drawing a go.

Hard cover is excellent. Information is easy to follow and understand.