Keys to Drawing
by Bert Dodson
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Book Summary Information
Author: Bert DodsonEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1990-08-15
ISBN: 0891343377
Number of pages: 224
Publisher: North Light Books
Book Reviews of Keys to Drawing
Book Review: The Book That Covers it ALL PERIOD
Summary: 5 Stars
The Introduction
This book, is probably the best drawing book i've ever read. Not only does he cover so much, but Bert Dodson also goes into detail with out boring the reader to sleep (unlike drawing on the right side of the brain)
If you used amazon.com's online reader and see some drawings that look childish inside, don't let those discourage you. I was discouraged by those and immediately saw a new light when I actually READ the book. Many books that have fanciful pictures haven't covered NEARLY as much as Bert Dodson's book. I am ordering his other book, Keys to Drawing with Imagination: Strategies and Exercises for Gaining Confidence and Enhancing Your Creativity
The Meat
Keys To drawing covers things like, "Drawing what you See NOT WHAT YOU KNOW". Drawing from our minds or knowledge tends to be the problem with us. Humans have perspective filters that cause us to assume that we already KNOW how an object looks. So, as a result, when drawing, we tend to mix these "perception images" in with what we're actually seeing. Our minds dont take in as much information and detail about the subject as we think it does.This area of drawing from one's mind is a huge setback with many people, who eventually feel sure that they absolutely can't draw.
This Book also covers topics like restating (a form of not erasing, but simply drawing a new line over the mistake), self critiquing (not having a negative dialogue with yourself, saying things such as, " That foot doesn't look right!" or " I never draw eyes good!"), the light source (learning how to tell where a shadow will form, how light affects and object, and "mapping" to assist in capturing light easier), the power of squinting (to flatten objects around you, and make them more manageable),negative space, merging shapes together, proportion (how to make something look exactly like you see it, extremely helpful techniques to make an accurate drawing and to make sure your subject will fit on the page, all done with tools you already have) and so on... really, there is lots more! (all of which I thought weren't going to help me the least bit in improving my drawings, but actually improved me and gave me as much insight as if I went to college and took a whole art class!)
Still Unsure? Read on!
Has anyone ever read those get rich quick books that always promise they know ways to make you rich, but always disappoint anyway? Well, keys to drawing is definitely the opposite. He, Bert Dodson, breaks these steps down clearly, with no shilly-shallying, no over stressing of a point. Some artists or authors have a hard time explaining themselves and can run on and on but him, oh he definitely knows what he's talking about.
More Books
I'm only thirteen so please excuse the lame review and just hold my word to it. I drew little people who were far from realistic, but with this book, along with Carrie Stuart Parks book ([Secrets to Drawing Realistic Faces) I can already see drastic differences in my sketches!. I would also recommend Lifelike Drawing with Lee Hammond. But lifelike drawings with lee hammond or secrets to drawing realistic faces probably do not break the steps down as easy or have as much detail as Bert Dodson because the authors tried to squeeze so much things into the book without putting much detail for each subject.
Purchasing this Book
The book is about the size of a textbook with less pages. (REALLY BIG) and I got my own (new book btw) for a really low price because I don't buy from amazon, i buy from the sellers within the amazon website.
Summary of Keys to Drawing
Anyone who can hold a pencil can learn to draw.
In this book, Bert Dodson shares his complete drawing system?fifty-five "keys" that you can use to render any subject with confidence, even if you're a beginner.
These keys, along with dozens of practice exercises, will help you draw like an artist in no time.
You'll learn how to:
- Restore, focus, map, and intensify
- Free your hand action, then learn to control it
- Convey the illusions of light, depth, and texture
- Stimulate your imagination through "creative play"
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