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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"
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"
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1985
961 people are currently reading
17.5k people want to read
About the author
Bert Dodson
80books42followersBert Dodson is a painter, teacher, author and illustrator. He has illustrated over 80 books for children . He is the author of Keys To Drawing ( North Light Books, 1985), Keys to Drawing with Imagination, (2006) and NUKE A Book of Cartoons, vols. I and II.( McFarland and Co., 1986 and 1988).He co-authored, with noted biologist, Mahlon Hoagland, The Way Life Works ( Times Books, 1995), and Intimate Strangers; The Story of Unseen Life on Earth (ASM Press, 1999, Needam, et all). He was animation designer for the four part PBS television series, Intimate Strangers (1998). He illustrated over 30 opera stories for children, a series commissioned by The New York Metropolitan Opera.His work appears in Vermont Life, Northern Woodlands, and Dartmouth Medicine. He regularly exhibits his watercolors and drawings. He has drawn and painted over 200 portraits. He lives in West Fairlee, Vermont, and works in his studio in Bradford, Vermont.
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April 13, 2022
Keys to Drawing, Bert Dodson
Anyone who can hold a pencil can learn to draw with some degree of proficiency, Bert Dodson. In this book he shares a complete drawing system that you can use for any subject or type of drawing-even if you doubt your ability to draw. It's based on fifty-five "keys to drawing," which are introduced at a comfortable pace. The keys are interspersed with dozens of practice exercises that help you learn by doing.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیست و سوم ماه جولای سال2012میلادی
عنوان: کلیدهای طراحی؛ نویسنده: برت دادسون؛ برگردان: عربعلی شروه؛ تهران، فرهنگسرای یساولی، چاپ نخست سال1373، در222ص؛ چاپ دوم سال1375، چاپ سوم سال1377، چاپ پنجم سال1380، شابک9643061531؛ چاپ هشتم سال1385، چاپ نهم سال1387؛ در222ص مصور، اندازه21در29س.م.، فروست سری کتابهای آموزش عملی طراحی نقاشی مجموعه شماره25؛ چاپ دهم سال1388؛ چاپ دوازدهم سال1392؛ موضوع: ترسیم و طراحی، راهنمای آموزشی از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده20م
درونمایه ی راستین این کتاب، ترسیم و طراحی است؛ هر بخش از کتاب «کلیدهای طراحی»، شامل برنامه هایی طرح‌ریز� شده� هستند، که خوانشگر را با کلیدهای مهم مورد گفتگو آشنا می‌کنند� بخش مرور، و برنامه خود ارزیابی، در پایان هر قسمتی گنجانده شده اند؛ برنامه� ها موشکافی شده، و مشکلاتی که باید در هر زمان شناخته و حل شوند، تعیین گردیده� اند؛ دید، و زوایای ناآشنای اشیاء، کمپوزیسیون‌ها� شلوغ، و اغراق در واقعیت نیز، مورد توجه قرار گرفته� اند؛ هدف کتاب، ایجاد طراحی‌ها� زیبا نیست، بلکه شناسایی راه‌ها� تازه برای دیدن، و واکنش است؛ نمونه� هایی که در این کتاب آمده، انواع و اقسام طراحی‌ه� همانند «طراحی تند از حالت»، «اسکیس‌ها� کوچک»، «اسکیس‌ها� دفترچه� ای» و «طراحی‌ها� کمپوزیسیونی کامل» را شامل میشوند
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 08/02/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ 23/01/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Anyone who can hold a pencil can learn to draw with some degree of proficiency, Bert Dodson. In this book he shares a complete drawing system that you can use for any subject or type of drawing-even if you doubt your ability to draw. It's based on fifty-five "keys to drawing," which are introduced at a comfortable pace. The keys are interspersed with dozens of practice exercises that help you learn by doing.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیست و سوم ماه جولای سال2012میلادی
عنوان: کلیدهای طراحی؛ نویسنده: برت دادسون؛ برگردان: عربعلی شروه؛ تهران، فرهنگسرای یساولی، چاپ نخست سال1373، در222ص؛ چاپ دوم سال1375، چاپ سوم سال1377، چاپ پنجم سال1380، شابک9643061531؛ چاپ هشتم سال1385، چاپ نهم سال1387؛ در222ص مصور، اندازه21در29س.م.، فروست سری کتابهای آموزش عملی طراحی نقاشی مجموعه شماره25؛ چاپ دهم سال1388؛ چاپ دوازدهم سال1392؛ موضوع: ترسیم و طراحی، راهنمای آموزشی از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده20م
درونمایه ی راستین این کتاب، ترسیم و طراحی است؛ هر بخش از کتاب «کلیدهای طراحی»، شامل برنامه هایی طرح‌ریز� شده� هستند، که خوانشگر را با کلیدهای مهم مورد گفتگو آشنا می‌کنند� بخش مرور، و برنامه خود ارزیابی، در پایان هر قسمتی گنجانده شده اند؛ برنامه� ها موشکافی شده، و مشکلاتی که باید در هر زمان شناخته و حل شوند، تعیین گردیده� اند؛ دید، و زوایای ناآشنای اشیاء، کمپوزیسیون‌ها� شلوغ، و اغراق در واقعیت نیز، مورد توجه قرار گرفته� اند؛ هدف کتاب، ایجاد طراحی‌ها� زیبا نیست، بلکه شناسایی راه‌ها� تازه برای دیدن، و واکنش است؛ نمونه� هایی که در این کتاب آمده، انواع و اقسام طراحی‌ه� همانند «طراحی تند از حالت»، «اسکیس‌ها� کوچک»، «اسکیس‌ها� دفترچه� ای» و «طراحی‌ها� کمپوزیسیونی کامل» را شامل میشوند
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 08/02/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ 23/01/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
February 23, 2015
I'm not sure if Dodson meant this to be more than just a drawing book. But the subtitle of the book is "Rediscover ." And that's what it's about. It's not just about learning how to draw--and it is one of the best books I've found for that. But it's more. It's about being an observant person, who looks at people and things--really looks. It's about not missing detail that makes a person and a picture come to life. I found this not only an excellent book about drawing, but great instruction about writing and the art of noticing.
December 5, 2012
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Here's a pretty good book for anyone who's thinking of picking up drawing. Bert Dodson has written it in a crisp straightforward manner. The are 55 keys of drawing, introduced at a very comfortable pace. Alongside are 48 easy-to-follow lessons.
The examples are all sketches from Bert Dodson, his students and selected pieces old art masters. They are all pretty sketchy but this book isn't about techniques on realistic drawings. It's also not about specific technical rendering techniques, although some are briefly introduced.
This book is really about the approach to drawing, which aims at helping students tackle any subjects confidently.
The principles are very similar to . I prefer this book as the lessons are shorter but effective, and the book can be picked up at anytime after reading for some inspiration.
This book is recommended to beginner artists.
December 4, 2012
This is the first and so far the only art instruction book that I finished reading, did most of the exercises from, will happily re-read and recommend it to anyone starting to draw. I would re-read it now, except I lent my copy to my sister and I suspect that if I buy another one I would "loan" it to a friend, who is earning to improve her drawing skills.
While Betty Edwards' "Drawing on the right side of the brain" could be slightly easier to understand for the complete novice, I enjoyed Bert Dodson writing and drawing style much more. This book helped me to improve my drawing and to understand there the gaps in my knowledge and skill set are.
While Betty Edwards' "Drawing on the right side of the brain" could be slightly easier to understand for the complete novice, I enjoyed Bert Dodson writing and drawing style much more. This book helped me to improve my drawing and to understand there the gaps in my knowledge and skill set are.
June 13, 2012
Some books on drawing seem to want to scare away the riff raff, approaching art as something to fear or grovel before (I'm not worthy!). This one is a refreshing find, after making a slow slog through an exorbitant amount of art how-tos books that had begun to bleed into one another. Many books seemed to assume the reader would be in art school (or had already attended), and more than one recommended among other nonsensical advice, that one should hire models regularly to study human posing. Advice like that serves to throw most beginning artists into immediate despair and frustration, and eventually to alcohol or Rocky Road ice cream.
I love Bert Dodson's approach to art. He lends his passion and artist's eyes, encouraging you to truly see and feel what is there and draw from your own unique perspective. I found myself connecting more thoroughly with whatever I was drawing; I felt (and still feel) I understood that thing, person, or idea in a totally new way.
The beauty of Keys to Drawing is that while it inspires and empowers, it instructs in a simple-to-follow and useful way. You WILL be drawing with this book, right away, and it won't be a huge, scary deal. The exercises don't require much beyond a pencil, possibly an eraser, and a drawing surface. Many are surprisingly easy, while managing to also be imaginative and often strangely mind-altering.
It's not a perfect book, and maybe I oughtn't review a book I didn't get to finish, but if I walked away and never got to look through it again, what I took away from Keys to Drawing was invaluable; it furthered my confidence by improving my drawing skills and perspective. I give it an unrepentant five-stars.
I'd especially recommend this for beginners and possibly intermediate artists, or people who may have drawn in the past and would like to start again but struggle with knowing where the hell to begin.
Anyone can learn to draw or learn to draw better, and there are much worse places to start than with Bert Dodson.
October 7, 2011
I've been strongly recommending this book to people wanting to learn to draw - or to improve their drawing - for years.
I first read " Keys to Drawing" after I got back to doing art after a break of over 15 years. Bert Dodson's book is about learning how to see and it opened my eyes, stimulated my enthusiasm for drawing again and provided me with some really excellent guidelines about what to think about when drawing.
This book is NOT a manual for how to draw in a hyper/photo realism manner - there are other books that do that. This is a book which teaches you how to look, how to see and how to record - using various "keys to drawing"
One of the especially helpful bits about the book is that it encourages the development of self-evaluation right from the start. This means that the things one needs to think about when drawing become internalised that much quicker. It really helps the budding artist to become much more self-reliant and less dependent on others for insight into how they are doing.
(PS My version is the 1990 edition - but I don't think it will have changed much. It was always an excellent book and always sold well over the years.)
I first read " Keys to Drawing" after I got back to doing art after a break of over 15 years. Bert Dodson's book is about learning how to see and it opened my eyes, stimulated my enthusiasm for drawing again and provided me with some really excellent guidelines about what to think about when drawing.
This book is NOT a manual for how to draw in a hyper/photo realism manner - there are other books that do that. This is a book which teaches you how to look, how to see and how to record - using various "keys to drawing"
One of the especially helpful bits about the book is that it encourages the development of self-evaluation right from the start. This means that the things one needs to think about when drawing become internalised that much quicker. It really helps the budding artist to become much more self-reliant and less dependent on others for insight into how they are doing.
(PS My version is the 1990 edition - but I don't think it will have changed much. It was always an excellent book and always sold well over the years.)
October 14, 2017
I am a retired teacher. I taught drawing in college and in high school. This is the best drawing book I have found. It was immensely helpful to me and to my students. It ranks up there with the great”Natural Way to Draw.�
October 9, 2023
Great stuff, definitely the most novice-friendly read I've come across so far, have already bookmarked many parts that are to be reread as an in-depth study and work through.
The title is off-putting AF as this isn't the Matrix where Bert simply downloads the skill into our brain and loosens us into the art world; especially as he himself agrees this is stuff one must develop through persistent work - to that end I found the chapters on how to control the Hand, Light modelling and on the Artist's Handwriting most helpful, Bert compares strokes of various Masters, with useful pointers on how to establish one's own methods in seeing, sketching, hatching and contouring.
A fallacy with most of these books is the writer presuming readers already have a strong grasp of art fundamentals - I don't and some notions have gone over my head (no one wants to teach me how to draw drapery folds, how sad) but there's a lot of helpful advice, the writing is unpretentious and I can safely say going through it has already helped. At least mentally.
Trying to remember who was the first to lie to my face that drawing is fun. I curse you.
The title is off-putting AF as this isn't the Matrix where Bert simply downloads the skill into our brain and loosens us into the art world; especially as he himself agrees this is stuff one must develop through persistent work - to that end I found the chapters on how to control the Hand, Light modelling and on the Artist's Handwriting most helpful, Bert compares strokes of various Masters, with useful pointers on how to establish one's own methods in seeing, sketching, hatching and contouring.
A fallacy with most of these books is the writer presuming readers already have a strong grasp of art fundamentals - I don't and some notions have gone over my head (no one wants to teach me how to draw drapery folds, how sad) but there's a lot of helpful advice, the writing is unpretentious and I can safely say going through it has already helped. At least mentally.
Trying to remember who was the first to lie to my face that drawing is fun. I curse you.
September 14, 2021
Despite many... controversies surrounding this book, I still believe it to be a very trusty and practical drawing manual for people that are at the stickman drawing level. It tells the reader how to get rid of fundamental beginner's mistakes while keeping it simple and sensical (unlike the infamous "Drawing on the right side of the brain"). Still, as a drawing teacher, I cannot ignore the potential risks this book could have in terms of the students' future improvement. The book doesn't really put enough pressure on importance of 3D forms in sketching and frankly, if you take everything it offers as is, you will probably end up with a very flat approach to drawing. Which is probably not even that harmful if you intend to be a hobbyist sketching artist, but if you dream about becoming a concept artist or a painter, this could bring you a lot of trouble and could mean months of un-learning the wrong ways. So please keep this in mind while proceeding with this guide. Again, I've found it very helpful and many of my students benefited from it greatly, but you should supplement this book with another drawing manual like Hampton's or Huston's books that will also teach you how to perceive your drawing subject as a fully three-dimensional form! Don't rely only on enclosed shapes and contours.
June 25, 2012
As far as I'm concerned this is the best book I know to advance drawing skills (although perhaps not for the complete beginner, try Betty Edwards for that). I have many art instruction books and have read many more. I have been drawing from early childhood and it is my favorite way to pass time, relax and lower stress. I have a sketchbook and a Pigma Micron pen 01 with me where ever I go so I'm never bored. There is always something in front of me to draw. I draw well, but this book helps me to draw even better. I do some of the exercises fairly often to keep in good drawing form. Mr. Dodson taught me to measure proportions correctly and easily when drawing a figure from life. He allowed me to trust myself in doing contour drawing so that I find it fun, use it often, and am pleased with the results. You won't be disappointed.
November 15, 2017
Very good resource for artists looking for tips to enhance their drawing. Would 100% read again.
March 8, 2017
Brilliant book, I recommend to every beginner artist out there. This book will teach you how to draw what you see, and give an introduction to concepts like light and shadow, composition, drawing from imagination, etc. There is a lot of wisdom in this book. Read through it carefully, do the exercises, return to the book, absorb all of it.
May 12, 2021
Great guide for reference when learning how to draw. Used this book in conjuction with a beginner drawing class which helped expand concepts with activities.
April 17, 2020
Simply a decent way to get started drawing, or to exercise your current drawing ability. This book takes a draw from life approach, so all the drawings in the book are just examples, this is different than most beginner drawing books today that have step by step type instructions. This book does teach some technique as well as gets you to built up naturally.
The only issue I see is that if you are just starting out it will be difficult at first without critique, as opposed to a step by step type book where you could compare your results to the instruction. In this book you will have to build up your drawing ability over time, if you understand the exercise but are not happy with the results you simply need to draw more, maybes forever, this book basically describes the way many artists sketch, and they sketch for a lifetime. So there exactly a goal in this book, it just teaches you the lifetime skill of drawing from observation.
The only issue I see is that if you are just starting out it will be difficult at first without critique, as opposed to a step by step type book where you could compare your results to the instruction. In this book you will have to build up your drawing ability over time, if you understand the exercise but are not happy with the results you simply need to draw more, maybes forever, this book basically describes the way many artists sketch, and they sketch for a lifetime. So there exactly a goal in this book, it just teaches you the lifetime skill of drawing from observation.
July 26, 2017
This is a very useful book not only for the beginning painters but also for those who are already confident in their abilities. If you have a desire to draw - start this right now because the practice is the key to success. In this book, the author gives 55 tips to help you draw as a painter in the shortest possible time. I also recently wrote an article for this , in which I gave 10 tips for amateurs for drawing. The main tips are, as I said above, the practice, the surroundings, the inspiration and even more important to set a deadline. And you will succeed!
February 15, 2013
This is an excellent book for artists looking to improve their skills at drawing. The variety of exercises in different categories is amazing. Any time I get stuck with a case of 'art block' this is the book I pick up. My favorite exercise for warming up is one where you draw your shoes. It always gets me in the right head space to draw. There are so many interesting concepts introduced in this book I feel like I never run out of new ideas to explore!
Currently reading
January 7, 20112011 is the learn of really improving my drawing. I've never had any real drawing classes or learned any technique. So I am starting with this book, which is so universally and highly recommended. I'm doing all of the exercises as well as reading. I am not through the first chapter and have already learned quite a bit. Great book thus far!
April 11, 2014
Artists tend to look at pictures rather than reading the text in educational materials. When used properly this is one of the best books written on the subject of drawing. The author explains in detail the techniques the reader must adopt in order to be successful.
December 3, 2023
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.
August 3, 2020
I read this as a high schooler and owe so much to it! I grew up in a small town without many art resources� no classes to speak of at my school. I ended up going on to get a bachelors in illustration/visual arts (graduated 4 years ago) but let me tell you: this book is just as valuable to me as any of what I learned in college was. I know it sounds excessive but I mean that! I’m a big proponent of studying on one’s own, which I understand isn’t for everyone. But I really, really stand behind this book! It has very straightforward guidance and gives the reader concrete steps they can take to improve. Follow the exercises, and I swear you’ll see a difference!
May 27, 2008
Straightforward, step by step lessons to help students who already have drawing skills and those who are scared to try. Strictly techniques and skill building, though. (Perfect for art teachers who do not feel comfortable teaching drawing. This book will break down the drawing process for both the students and the teacher.)
March 15, 2012
The best book on drawing that I have read so far. Changes the way you see things and leads you through lots of different lessons and techniques. I probably would have given it five stars, if it were not from 1985. But only the resource info is out of date, really. Drawing is still drawing and I have to say I like it that there isn't a chapter on drawing on the computer.
December 13, 2013
It is not for a beginner. It just teach you roughly about drawing basic.
Not step by step book. The exercises are very poor instruction.
It tell you to put the still life then draw. But how! How to start! Step 1 Step2
If you want to buy drawing basic book, I suggest How to See How to Draw by Claudia Nice.
Lee Hammond series book are the best to start for beginner.
Not step by step book. The exercises are very poor instruction.
It tell you to put the still life then draw. But how! How to start! Step 1 Step2
If you want to buy drawing basic book, I suggest How to See How to Draw by Claudia Nice.
Lee Hammond series book are the best to start for beginner.
April 7, 2018
This is the first book for anyone looking to learn drawing. It teaches you to see things in a different way. Since drawing is 75% seeing and 25% mechanical skill, this is naturally a very valuable skill to have. After reading this book I've seen unbelievable improvements in my ability. I would definitely recommend it.
December 15, 2021
Excellent book! Incredibly helpful with interesting projects. Whether a novice or experienced, the ideas and approaches in this book make for insightful practice. Even with a fine art degree, I found new ways of looking at things within this book.
December 19, 2019
I bought this book online based on others' recommendations. It didn't really meet my needs, but perhaps it will yours, so let me explain.
My goal is to draw in a way that communicates effectively the thing I'm trying to convey to the viewer--more practical than it is artistic self-expression. I'm not the least bit interested in portraiture, texture, or light. There was some useful information in the chapters The Drawing Process, Proportions: Taking the Measure of Things, and The Illusion of Depth. However, I'd say I need a beginners book that is one step before this one because his lessons assume you already have at least more drawing experience than the average person.
Another problem is that I'm interested in pen and ink drawing, as well as marker on whiteboard. Very basic stuff with hard edges. This book goes into pencil and charcoal as well, neither of which were very relevant in my situation.
However, the biggest drawback to this book is that most of the drawings aren't very good--except for the ones done by other artists that he's just borrowing. His own art, while not bad at times, is not impressive. If I could do it at an amateur level, I'd be impressed. But, at a professional level, this is quite disappointing.
I think a lot of the information in here can be gleaned from YouTube videos. If you have an opportunity to borrow this book, I'd suggest that over buying it.
My goal is to draw in a way that communicates effectively the thing I'm trying to convey to the viewer--more practical than it is artistic self-expression. I'm not the least bit interested in portraiture, texture, or light. There was some useful information in the chapters The Drawing Process, Proportions: Taking the Measure of Things, and The Illusion of Depth. However, I'd say I need a beginners book that is one step before this one because his lessons assume you already have at least more drawing experience than the average person.
Another problem is that I'm interested in pen and ink drawing, as well as marker on whiteboard. Very basic stuff with hard edges. This book goes into pencil and charcoal as well, neither of which were very relevant in my situation.
However, the biggest drawback to this book is that most of the drawings aren't very good--except for the ones done by other artists that he's just borrowing. His own art, while not bad at times, is not impressive. If I could do it at an amateur level, I'd be impressed. But, at a professional level, this is quite disappointing.
I think a lot of the information in here can be gleaned from YouTube videos. If you have an opportunity to borrow this book, I'd suggest that over buying it.
June 30, 2022
[••] A “drawing from life� textbook. Target skill level: Beginner(1/5).
This book contains basic “drawing from life� exercises that anyone can begin regardless of experience. It proceeds at a fair pace that is designed very well to spark enthusiasm into drawing.
The only reason it’s score is not higher is a personal hangup that I and many other beginners struggle with: if you’re anything like me, you have some basic experience drawing from life but when it comes to drawing from imagination, you can only etch out children’s doodles, even with a plate of photo references in one hand.
My suspicion is that this predicament describes many, many beginner illustrators of our modern age, and for these many this book will not offer any direct help � it is merely designed to get you in the habit of illustrating from life while teaching you basic technical and observational skills.
That is by no means a flaw of the book, but it does fundamentally hinder my ability to recommend it to beginners for whom there is a 50% chance they’re the same sort of beginner that I am.
This book contains basic “drawing from life� exercises that anyone can begin regardless of experience. It proceeds at a fair pace that is designed very well to spark enthusiasm into drawing.
The only reason it’s score is not higher is a personal hangup that I and many other beginners struggle with: if you’re anything like me, you have some basic experience drawing from life but when it comes to drawing from imagination, you can only etch out children’s doodles, even with a plate of photo references in one hand.
My suspicion is that this predicament describes many, many beginner illustrators of our modern age, and for these many this book will not offer any direct help � it is merely designed to get you in the habit of illustrating from life while teaching you basic technical and observational skills.
That is by no means a flaw of the book, but it does fundamentally hinder my ability to recommend it to beginners for whom there is a 50% chance they’re the same sort of beginner that I am.
March 28, 2023
I think Dodson did a better job at teaching the principles of drawing-what-you-see than Betty Edwards in her "Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain". It was while completing Dodson's exercises that I finally figured out the point behind Edward's "blind contour drawings" and that is how it is pretending to trace.
I went ahead and used his book with my art students this year and I appreciate that he was an estimated time frame for the projects and a series of self-reflection questions.
Do note that in most of the exercises, Dodson wants you to draw things from real life, which isn't always easy to do. I ended up being the model for several projects that required human subject matter.
I think my students are mixed in what they think of the book. Some think he is a bit inconsistent and they joke about his word-choice and messy drawings.
I supplemented things I thought lacking and gave them additional projects. I thought his ordering or content and choice of projects were kinda odd at times.
I went ahead and used his book with my art students this year and I appreciate that he was an estimated time frame for the projects and a series of self-reflection questions.
Do note that in most of the exercises, Dodson wants you to draw things from real life, which isn't always easy to do. I ended up being the model for several projects that required human subject matter.
I think my students are mixed in what they think of the book. Some think he is a bit inconsistent and they joke about his word-choice and messy drawings.
I supplemented things I thought lacking and gave them additional projects. I thought his ordering or content and choice of projects were kinda odd at times.
September 22, 2023
One of the key strengths of "Keys to Drawing" is its emphasis on the process of drawing rather than simply producing finished artworks. Dodson encourages readers to explore and experiment with different drawing techniques and materials. The book also includes numerous illustrations and examples to help illustrate the concepts discussed in the text.
Whether you are a beginner looking to start drawing or an experienced artist seeking to refine your skills, "Keys to Drawing" offers valuable insights and practical exercises to help you improve your drawing abilities. It is available in paperback and remains a popular choice among art students, teachers, and anyone interested in the art of drawing.
Whether you are a beginner looking to start drawing or an experienced artist seeking to refine your skills, "Keys to Drawing" offers valuable insights and practical exercises to help you improve your drawing abilities. It is available in paperback and remains a popular choice among art students, teachers, and anyone interested in the art of drawing.
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