The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study,   ISBN:9780395530078

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I would purchase from this seller again and recommend. The item was delivered promptly and in the condition promised.

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If anyone is beginning their art program with foundation drawing this particular book is outstanding. It covers all aspects, beginning with gesture drawing,contour and cross contours. The human body is covered later on in the book.

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Somewhat misunderstood. Doesn't teach how to draw, teaches how to learn to draw.
This book is for the dedicated, and it is a beginning. Complete these exercises, but more importantly draw. Draw everyday. Some complain, "It takes years!" Do you plan to quit drawing once you "learn how to draw"? It doesn't take years, it takes a lifetime of hard work. When you've finished with the book you haven't finished your study. I suggest, like Mr. Nicolaides, to proceed to George Bridgman's books.

"From the age of six I had a mania for drawing the shapes of things. When I was fifty I had published a universe of designs. but all I have done before the the age of seventy is not worth bothering with. At seventy five I'll have learned something of the pattern of nature, of animals, of plants, of trees, birds, fish and insects. When I am eighty you will see real progress. At ninety I shall have cut my way deeply into the mystery of life itself. At a hundred I shall be a marvelous artist. At a hundred and ten everything I create; a dot, a line, will jump to life as never before. To all of you who are going to live as long as I do, I promise to keep my word. I am writing this in my old age. I used to call myself Hokusai, but today I sign my self 'The Old Man Mad About Drawing."

Hokusai

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First of all, I will say that this book is not for everyone and I suspect it is not for most people who want to get something quickly for having done nothing (or hardly anything). This book is a work book... the exercises are going to take you a good 2 years to complete the book if you follow the instructions of the author. Don't let the simple illustrations fool you, this book teaches some very powerful mind tools that you just won't get from any of the other art instruction books. I have a certificate in art from International Art Correspondence Schools (remember the commercials?) and although it was a good start in art for me, I will say that this book took me to the next level.

Having said that, if you just want to hurry up and draw enough to impress friends and family then I suggest another book. Teaching art is hard and learning it can be hard if you don't involve the student enough. Nicolaides uses both of your brain hemispheres as well as involving all 5 of your senses to learn to see and draw. That's very different from most art instruction books who tend to show off the author's skills more so than actually teach you how to do it yourself. I find this book invaluable to me as an artist as well as a human being. This book teaches you mental skills that you will use in many areas of life, not just art. This book made me realize that art is more than just images, but that it is a spirituality.

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I was very happy with my purchase and I thank you for the prompt delivery