Description
From the Publisher
Art Starts with a Line
A creative and interactive guide to the art of line drawing.
Round up References
Always begin by breaking down your subjects to understand their basic shapes. This will also help you to visually organize them in order to create stunning compositions and illustrative accents. For practice, gather up a variety of reference photos to study different shapes and perspectives – or better yet, go out into your neighborhood or park for some life observation. Drawings always fare better with reference.
Exercise Your Creative Muscles
Perhaps you really enjoy art and want to sharpen your illustration skills further, learn a new style, or strengthen your draftsmanship muscle. Or maybe you’re considering drawing and illustration for the first time and want to learn some good foundational techniques. Either way, you’re in the right place! This book works well for those familiar with everyday drawing, and is also a great tool if you’re just starting out.
This is a thrilling time to be a creative person. Drawing is simply the honing of hand-eye coordination, mixed with a different way of viewing things in the world around you. Develop these two ‘muscles,’ and you will be able to draw anything.
Hand-lettered Drop Caps
A drop cap is a decorative element that appears as a special marker, usually in a novel or book. There are a ton of different ways to explore hand lettering with drop caps. You can swirl lines around a bold letterform, create an elegant crest for a flourished capital, or do a more modern take with a bold, thick letterform.
Retro Signage
For this motel sign, draw a large, rounded rectangle. Draw a smaller one above it. Add a center pole and two smaller signs coming off the side. Draw perspective lines to the left side of all signs – make sure they are parallel to one another. This is the secret to good perspective.
Architecture & Iconic Landmarks
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in St. Petersburg is perhaps one of the most intricate pieces of architecture in the world. It’s highly encouraged to use photographic references when working with architecture in your own illustrations. This structure is very detailed, but yields a great result when finished. Don’t be afraid to simplify.
Stylized Florals
For more complex florals, it’s a good idea to start with a pencil sketch so you know how far the petals will extend and where the center is. This cluster of wildflowers varies in size, with lots of buds and scalloped leaves. The flowers vary between large, open blooms and tightly packed buds.
