[GeN]

Which books about drawing and/or painting would you recommend?

[ceenda]

We could probably do with an updateable FAQ or sticky thread about this topic as it comes up quite often.

(H) - heavy reading
(M) - okay reading
(E) - easy reading

"Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain", by Betty Edwards. (E) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0874774241/qid=1017922244/sr=2-1/ ref=sr_2_1/002-6643849-5133658
Excellent introduction to drawing. Some great excercises in there. Make sure you go through the book and don't jump sections.

"Composition of Outdoor Painting", by Edgar Payne. (H) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0944699022/qid=1017922206/sr=2-1/ ref=sr_2_1/002-6643849-5133658
Excellent sections on colour, hue, tone, composition and subject matter. Very hard to find thesedays.

"Creative Perspective for Artists and Illustrators", by Ernest W. Watson. (M)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486273377/qid=1017922173/sr=2-1/ ref=sr_2_1/002-6643849-5133658
Good info on perspective methods.

"How to Draw Cars Like a Pro", by Thom Taylor. (?)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/books/0760300100/glance/0 02-6643849-5133658
This book is recommended by a number of the concept art people though I can't vouch for it myself (not until it arrives, at least ). I think it's written by someone at Art Centre.

"How to Paint Like the Old Masters", by Joseph Sheppard. (E)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/082302671X/202-3970752-7284638
I don't know how accurate it is, but I've certainly found it to be quite good & currently working on a few oil paintings. He discusses mediums and even making your own paints from pigments.

I'd strongly recommend getting the books from your library first to see if you like them. Then decide whether or not to purchase them.

Also, I don't advocate Amazon here. It's just that it's a good reference and ISBN numbers simply don't work anymore.

[ April 04, 2002: Message edited by: ceenda ]

[Returner]

I don't know the level you are on, but if you are just starting out I recommend Drawing the Head and Figure by jack hamm.
It has the essential, with proportions, anatomy, different approaches etc.
Sijun and digital forum in general are a much better way to learn than any books.
Here you can ask specific question about problems that YOU have.
Just hang around here and post when you get stuck or want some tips

[GeN]

Woaah tnx guys... Level I'm on would be intermediate I guess... *amazon*

[Fabrys]

quote:

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Originally posted by GeN:
Woaah tnx guys... Level I'm on would be intermediate I guess... *amazon*

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Deiner Arbeit is fucking toll
(sorry for grammar mistakes, I hopeless in German).

[gArGOyLe^]

First check out the Jack Hamm book about face and body

then I suggest you check out the Loomis Project.. I forgot the URL but you can find it on google.com.

Next get "Perspective! for comic book artists" and "How to draw comics the Marvel way"

these books REALLY helped.