How to Draw: Drawing and Sketching Objects and Environments from Your Imagination

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For many of us, the only books we ever read are linear fiction and non-fiction, and maybe the occasional textbook in high school, where we skim for answers to a fill in the blank worksheet. This is not how reference material is utilized. Think of it like the old choose your own adventure stories, except instead of the possible endings being a mystery, you know your desired end goal and you have a table of contents to guide you. I see so many people reading this book like a story from cover to cover. Some take it a step further and do some exercises - which is a step up - but we can still do better. I really love this book and how it teaches perspective to artists. But I want to clarify that you absolutely need a fundamental knowledge of true perspective before reading this book. You've drawn something, there are things you like, and most assuredly some things you don't like. EVALUATE. Find where you missed the mark, and get fresh eyes to help you.

And if you really like Scott Robertson’s writing style then you might also enjoy his other book How To Render. This is another book covering novice-to-intermediate topics and it works well for self-taught artists. The biggest challenge is the jump in skillset as you move along through each chapter. Once you move beyond the chapters on shapes & volumes the difficulty increases dramatically. Same with the chapters that talk about drawing environments, aircrafts, and vehicles.Next time you're trying to think of how to continue to improve and asking the internet for advice, don't blindly follow the advice of the many and immediately try to digest all of H2D like it's a Dr. Seuss book. Instead, treat H2D like a translation dictionary: Are you even going to this country? (do you need this exact resource?) Would you sit on the airplane and try to read lists of words cover to cover? No, to be more effective, you would focus first on the basic grammatical structure, then branch out to the important words and phrases and refer to the book to fill in your gaps (targeted practice). Once you get started with pen it’ll just feel natural and it may become your preferred tool for sketching. This may not be something you’re familiar with but it’s always worth trying new things. And since ink is permanent you’ll be forced to carefully consider every single line you make. For instance, three-point perspective is only afforded three short paragraphs, with the recommendation to use 3D software to achieve it. The reason? Real designers rarely have the time for three-point perspective. The result is a feeling of having signed up for a four-year degree program majoring in drawing with a minor in design, but ending up with the inverse. Readers might make the assumption that they’re expected to become incredibly skilled artists by the last 3-4 chapters. Note this will not happen unless you put in hours of time for months on end. So don’t be discouraged if you reach these later chapters without as much progress.

Its title, in its vagueness, promises more than any other. Literally answering the most common question of "How do I learn to draw?", coupled with Robertson's (well earned!) reputation, causes it to become the siren's song to many young artists and distracts them from an honest evaluation of their needs and how best to meet them. PDF / EPUB File Name: How_to_Draw__Drawing_and_Sketching_Objects_-_Scott_Robertson.pdf, How_to_Draw__Drawing_and_Sketching_Objects_-_Scott_Robertson.epub As a companion piece I’d also recommend a book on perspective, really any title you want, since the topic compliments this book quite nicely. Norling’s Perspective Made Easy is right at the top of this list for good reason. The is widely regarded as the best intro text for artists who want to master perspective. Earlier in this post I recommended one of Phil Metzger’s newer books on perspective. But he actually has a couple out there and Perspective Without Pain is one of his best works.Truthfully all the books in this post can be valuable for entertainment artists. Even the books teaching how to distort perspective get you thinking about perspective rules and how they affect your own personal style. In the very first chapter you’re given an outline of resources to use for your drawing lessons. Scott recommends working solely in ink to restrict erasing mistakes.

Robertson’s book How to Draw is a practical guide to seeing & constructing objects in perspective. But this isn’t a life drawing book. It’s aimed solely at drawing from imagination where you need to invent perspective. I’m always recommending Scott Robertson’s books because they’re so unique compared to everything else available. Robertson currently teaches at the renowned ArtCenter in Pasadena which is one of the best colleges for studying concept art. Even while you work through these, do not hesitate to jump in and make a mess! Celebrate falling short of your own hopes and expectations! This is how we grow, not only as artists, but as human beings. How to Draw: Drawing and Sketching Objects and Environments from Your Imagination by Scott Robertson – eBook Details So far I've already made one big claim: many of you reading this do not need H2D as much as you think. Now for my next big one: You have been using "How to Draw" incorrectly!In my opinion “How To Draw” is not a one-size-fits-all book. It will not solve all of your perspective problems. The goal isn’t to tell you how to draw. Instead it’s to get you thinking about how you want to draw and how you want to exaggerate.

As scathing as this criticism is, How to Draw deservedly earns all its many praises: The book offers unparalleled quality in teaching perspective drawing techniques with empowering lessons that any student of the subject would be sore to miss. Those harboring ambitions of joining Scott Robertson among the ranks of professional concept artists and industrial designers have here an introductory textbook for the decades. And that's its intended purpose; those who understand this will not be disappointed.But it will give you a large head start with real exercises you can practice on a daily basis to improve your imaginative construction techniques. I would like to preface this article by saying that "How to Draw" is one of my favorite learning resources of all time. Without a doubt, I have used this book to solve more problems than any other, up until this point in my journey. Scott Robertson is one of my artistic heroes, and the one whose footsteps I wish to follow as an aspiring industrial designer. This is not a rant trying to convince anyone that they should not invest in this book. It is merely a series of warnings on putting too much significance on a resource without weighing its benefits to that individual's goals. Scott’s knowledge is seemingly endless and it shows in this book. He teaches very powerful principles to master perspective and train your eye for imaginative drawing.