160 p.
Published: Sept. 19, 2017
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
Source: NetGalley and Publisher for review
An inspirational, instructional, and visually stimulating guide to sketching and drawing. Dare to Sketch is filled with practical tips about which materials to use, a variety of subject matter ranging from easy to more challenging, and wisdom about overcoming creative blocks and fear of making mistakes.
A whimsical beginner's guide to sketching, covering all of the important basics: what kind of notebook to buy, what drawing materials to use, ideas for subject matter, and daily exercises. Includes inviting, inspirational, and idiosyncratic tips (don't start on the first page of your sketchbook!), Dare to Sketch is gorgeously illustrated with the author's unique and contemporary art style.My thoughts:
I'm always on the lookout for a sketching book to finally get me to sketch! Yea, I know... it is up to me and not a book but inspiration is always a good thing. While this one didn't quite get my butt in gear and start sketching as much as I should, it was a good primer book for those that want just some information on sketching in general.
I actually didn't agree with some of the suggestions here, I didn't quite disagree either. I do like his suggestions on materials, but I think to get someone to sketch you need to make it more accessible and more relaxed. The suggested paper and pens were ideal, but I think that a much more relaxed attitude toward it gets people to start more than anything else. Ironically it is a sentiment he seems to make when getting down to how to record what you see. His attitude there is that you don't need to produce photographic type of drawings (keep those for a camera) but to get more of the gesture and feel of the objects.
In the end I give this book 3 stars. It is good basic information for those starting to sketch and it does have some good inspirational sketches from the artist. I also like the last couple of pages that talked about master artists and what happened to their sketchbooks. I always love those kinds of tidbits.
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Not sure it's for me but well, I didn't know about it
ReplyDeleteIf you aren't interested in sketching my bet is no. :)
DeleteI have a couple of artists in my family that might be interested in this. Thanks for the review and I hope you can get sketching soon. ;)
ReplyDeleteMe too! LOL
DeleteI'm always drawn to books like this even though I'm not artistic. I think it's just my wish that I *was* artistic that sparks my interest. :)
ReplyDeleteI think we just need to do it! :D
DeleteGreat post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI doodle a bit, but sketching is just beyond my grasp. I never thought about snagging a book to coax me along. Sorry it didn't quite meet your needs, but glad it wasn't a total loss.
ReplyDeleteDoodle... sketching... sometimes there is no difference. ;)
DeleteWhile I have a difficult time with stick figures, my six-year-old daughter is a natural born artist. She creates amazing wide-eyed anime images. Books like this would be good to nurture her budding talent along.
ReplyDeleteRebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
Oh I bet she rocks that style too!
DeleteDoing arts (especially paper crafts and coloring books) are one of my favorite ways for releasing stress. I'm not really good with sketching but I'm curious to buy one someday *wink. Thanks for sharing Melissa :)
ReplyDeletexx
Vanessa @ Blushing Geek
Sometimes it causes stress... LOL Seriously, I do know what you mean! It is a good stress reliever.
DeleteI love the sound of the end and the master artists and their sketchbooks. I agree that tidbit like that are always great in books like these.
ReplyDeleteThe tidbit was a surprise for me and so it was extra nice to find.
DeleteI can understand how that wouldn't be the perfect one. I've had that with some of my lettering suggestions. I like a little lower key most days.
ReplyDeleteSo love your lettering and you have inspired me to look more at brush lettering. One day... :)
DeleteYeah, I hear ya on getting butts in gear. I have a few things I need to get working at. Time just seems to slip away far to fast.
ReplyDeleteSo fast! :D
Deleteaww a little sad that you only gave it 3 stars. but why is a celt holding a katana?
ReplyDeleteGot them mixed up. The Blade of Darkness got 4 1/2 stars. He is a Celt but has learned various forms of swordplay throughout the centuries. The art book got 3 stars. :)
DeleteI find with these type of books I find one or two thing useful, and I am glad you did as well.
ReplyDeleteTrue. That is often the case.
DeleteLooks like a good beginners book. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a good book to start.
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