The Complete Book of Drawing

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View books by Barrington Barber.

A good tutor - Rated
There are tons of books about various painting techniques out there, but it's surprising how few books about the basics of learning to draw there are. The ability to draw realistically is the bedrock from which an artist should build, and BB has produced a work here that could take you from a fumbling amateur to an accomplished artist (IF and only if you are willing to put a lot of time in).

What I like about BB is:
He is himself a very talented artist (witness his own excellent imitations of various artists to illustrate their different techniques) but is happy to spend time teaching the rest of us
He uses only his own drawings throughout the text
His books are actually enjoyable to read of themselves, even if you don't bother completing a single exercise
He recognizes the essential importance of endless practice over so called "natural" talent.

Happy drawing!

Very Complete - Rated
This book is packed with useful information: it covers technique in detail, including body posture, not just the way you use your hands. Although at first the need for good posture may not be very obvious, follow the advice in this book and you will soon notice the difference. As the book says, you should be bodily involved in your drawing.
I have been drawing for years. I've shown my work in art galleries. Yet I do not come from a fine arts background; my training is in the humanities. This book has been immensely useful to me. I picked up very valuable tricks - how to use shadows, good crosshatching, how to draw convincing spheres, how to control perspective and convey a sense of space -- to name but a few.
An added plus are the chapters on composition and those on individual artists.
This book is worth reading: a) pencil in hand, paper at the ready, so you can do the exercises; b) just as you relax, looking at the examples, telling yourself "oh, how clever" and trying stuff out for yourself, later.
I for one am delighted with my purchase.

An excellent beginner/intermediate skills book - Rated
I bought this book as I enjoy drawing but need more skills, I was not dissappointed.

This book is for the beginner and intermediate. Over 350 pages it is mainly pencil and pen drawing, does not require specialit equipment. Starting with very basics such as shading and shapes progressing to foliage, facial features, animals and so on to fine art/artists and the human body.

I recommed this book for those wanting to practise their skills and for those who enjoy drawing.