Book Review: The Sketch Encyclopedia: Over 1,000 drawing projects

The Sketch Encyclopedia is a 432-page thick hardcover that's filled with drawing exercises for those who want get better at drawing. There are 900 subjects for you to draw. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. You're definitely going to get a lot of practice with this book.

This book is suitable for those with no prior knowledge of drawing. It starts with an introduction to the tools and materials you need, and jumps to the fundamental drawing concepts such as using basic shapes, perspective, light and shade, and finish off with adding textures. There's a lot of insight. It's not talking about the techniques but they also explain why certain techniques work the way they work so that you can really understand the rational.

The 900 subjects are split into these categories.

Nature
Creatures
Food and drink
Vehicles and transportation
Hobbies
People
Buildings and structures

Each subject is broken down into 4 steps. Using the basic shapes to create the subject, drawing the line art, adding light and shadow, adding textures. Basically, you just copy and draw the visual examples. Through practice, you'll form the habit of going through these steps for all other subjects you draw. The next time you see something you want to draw, you would be able to remember the steps subconsciously.

This is a terrific book for those who want to improve and draw better.

This book was borrowed from Basheer Graphic Books for review purposes. You can order the book from them. Check with Basheer on Facebook.

The Sketch Encyclopedia: Over 1,000 drawing projects is available at Amazon (US | CA | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES | JP | CN)

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