Hey everyone
I just wondered if you could take alot at this book and tell me if it is any good before i buy it? http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0007116454/qid=1127593749/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_1/026-6114424-6251611
Thanks to anyone who replies:thumbsup:
p.s just found this book as well, and i wondered if anyone has used it?
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0975449001/102-9515627-1275320
Whether you get much out of “Drawing…” will depend on your level of ability right now.
If you’re a beginner, yes, it would likely be useful, do the exercises and you’ll improve.
If you’re fairly experienced, you’ll know/understand most of it already.
I believe there’s a thread around here somewhere specifically for people following along with the exercises in the book.
btw, it’s a very well known book, chances are any library has at least one copy, if you wanted to check it out first.
Hey everyone
I just wondered if you could take alot at this book and tell me if it is any good before i buy it? http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos…6114424-6251611
Thanks to anyone who replies:thumbsup:
Yes, and in fact, it’s so good we’re running a whole Drawing Workshop based on it right now on CGTalk:
BEGINNERS’ Drawing Workshop - Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - With Stipick_S
[left]We’ve been running it for the past few weeks, but the exercises are simple and straightforward, and you should be able to catch up quickly should you decide to participate. Perhaps you’re asking about the book because of the workshop, I don’t know, but feel free to PM or email me with any questions you might have with respect to the workshop: rebeccak4@gmail.com.
Cheers! 
~Rebeccak
[/left]
no intent on high jacking a thread but this looks nice! how much does it cost in dollars(his link only said the english cost)
The recommendation SpeccySteve provides for the Betty Edwards book is right on. As a beginner I made great progress by following along with the exercises she outlined in her book. The other book you mentioned, I have no idea about.
The only thing I want to add to this thread is that the best books on drawing and painting I have ever read are by Andrew Loomis. “Figure Drawing for All Its Worth” and “Creative Illustration” are classics, and artists of all skill levels can find something of benefit in these books. Unfortuntately both are out of print, but you can find copies for auction on eBay. (Be prepared to see very high dollar bids for these books, as they are that good.)
Good luck!
Jerry
If it helps some beginners to overcome the fear of drawing or if it actually helps improve people’s ability to draw, then I guess it is a good book. However, I am going to take the unpopular stance and would like to respectfully disagree with those views that Betty Edwards’ Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is a good book. I think such book complicates the process of drawing more than necessary. I do not know any artist who consciously turn on or off the different parts of the brain to draw or paint. Our brain is a lot smarter than that and does not need our input to function the way Edwards describes. While I admire the efforts by Betty Edwards in trying to demystify the process of drawing and help beginners get started, she does a disservice by introducing neuroscience into the mix. This is just my personal opinion.
Ekah, I actually agree with you that the left brain/ right brain stuff is not really necessary but I do think that the drawing exercises presented are a good solid foundation to get beginners started.
I’d also agree with autieri that the Loomis books are the best I’ve ever read on the subject, essential reading in my opinion.
All the above books are great, but the important thing is to not treat them like the gospel truth. Read MANY books on the subject while you’re starting out or you’ll get crystalised into a style that may not suit you.
This book is a great beginners book. I had no idea how to draw and I was completely confused by the whole idea. I could only draw stick figures and basic shapes. People laughed at me. I couldn’t get girls. I bought this book and now I have to fight off girls and people admire and respect me.
Ok, that was an exageration. But now I do understand drawing. I still suck but I can now get better and I can understand how to get better if you know what I mean. This book can definately put you in the right direction toward being a better artist.
Hi SpeccySteve,
I was just giving my personal opinion because MarGera was asking what people thought of the book. I think it’s healthy to get varying opinions, even opposing ones. I was not putting down the opinions of those who find the book helpful. If we all thought the same way, that would be kind of boring, wouldn’t it? I hope people didn’t take my comment as a put down on Rebecca. Not at all. I respect very much what Rebecca is doing with the Figurative Drawing forum. Her energy is quite contagious. Just because I disagree with Rebecca’s assessment of the book or even her workshop methods doesn’t mean I don’t respect her opinions. We’re all different, that’s all.
I agree with erilaz that reading many books on the the subject, better yet, taking classes in various methods will give you a better understanding of what works for you or not.
Cheers.
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