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Foundations of Drawing: A Practical Guide to Art History, Tools, Techniques, and Styles
From a leading art instructor at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, a complete survey of drawing as an art form covering its history, materials, and key techniques, alongside step-by-step demonstrations.
Foundations of Drawing is a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the history, aesthetics, methods, and materials of the drawing medium. Throughout, clearly defined demonstrations provide easy access to the practice of drawing as well as the history and development of core drawing techniques. Richly illustrated, the book contains reproductions of the finest master drawings from the fifteenth century to the present. Unlike other drawing instruction books that focus on step-by-step lessons exclusively, Foundations of Drawing provides readers with the context and background to help understand just why these materials and methods are so vital for successful drawing.
Foundations of Drawing is a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the history, aesthetics, methods, and materials of the drawing medium. Throughout, clearly defined demonstrations provide easy access to the practice of drawing as well as the history and development of core drawing techniques. Richly illustrated, the book contains reproductions of the finest master drawings from the fifteenth century to the present. Unlike other drawing instruction books that focus on step-by-step lessons exclusively, Foundations of Drawing provides readers with the context and background to help understand just why these materials and methods are so vital for successful drawing.
- GenresArtDrawingNonfiction
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 16, 2017
This book has five chapters; What is Drawing? Why Can't Draw a Straight Line? Essential History of Drawing, Essential Drawing Materials, Essential Drawing Skills, Essential Aesthetics in Drawing, Essential Drawing Demonstrations.
"The ideas thoughts, and concepts contained in this book are filtered through my own experience and that of the many teachers of drawing who have influenced my development as an artistand teacher."
"The ideas thoughts, and concepts contained in this book are filtered through my own experience and that of the many teachers of drawing who have influenced my development as an artistand teacher."
June 21, 2017
Being a graphic designer, I've taken several drawing classes and art classes in the past. However, thanks to some less than stellar teachers, I have a certain phobia when it comes to drawing. My brain wants me to draw, but when I place a pencil in my hand I seem to freeze up. I think, I don't understand what I need to do? Do I have the right pencil? Paper? Where do I start with a drawing?
That said, I have several drawing books, one of my more favorite ones is "The Drawing Lesson" by Mark Grilley. However, this particular book, hit a note and left me loving it.
This is not your typical drawing book, because it will not tell you step by step instructions on how to draw. In fact, if your purpose in buying this book is to physically draw on paper, don't expect that. This instead, is a perfect book for learning about the drawing process. Learning the basic history of drawing. It's just that, a foundation of drawing.
What I appreciated is the basic explanation of art over the years. They kept the sections contained, and didn't go overboard into explaining the various artists and methods of each century, and believe me, there are a lot!
But what I really liked, and made me wonder why drawing/art teachers don't focus on this more, is the section on explanations of the types of medium to draw with an on. How to hold the pencil, the types of paper, what graphite is and it's different mediums. I could go on and on. Essentially, this is an awesome book to supplement your actual drawing book instructions. A classroom should have this, before or in addition, to the drawing class. It makes so much sense. I love it and will keep it on my bookshelf for future reading and reference.
Just one word of note, there are alot of photos of nude men and women, so this isn't necessarily destined for a pre-teen or adolescent child, unless you want them looking primarily at the photos, rather than the content. :)
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
That said, I have several drawing books, one of my more favorite ones is "The Drawing Lesson" by Mark Grilley. However, this particular book, hit a note and left me loving it.
This is not your typical drawing book, because it will not tell you step by step instructions on how to draw. In fact, if your purpose in buying this book is to physically draw on paper, don't expect that. This instead, is a perfect book for learning about the drawing process. Learning the basic history of drawing. It's just that, a foundation of drawing.
What I appreciated is the basic explanation of art over the years. They kept the sections contained, and didn't go overboard into explaining the various artists and methods of each century, and believe me, there are a lot!
But what I really liked, and made me wonder why drawing/art teachers don't focus on this more, is the section on explanations of the types of medium to draw with an on. How to hold the pencil, the types of paper, what graphite is and it's different mediums. I could go on and on. Essentially, this is an awesome book to supplement your actual drawing book instructions. A classroom should have this, before or in addition, to the drawing class. It makes so much sense. I love it and will keep it on my bookshelf for future reading and reference.
Just one word of note, there are alot of photos of nude men and women, so this isn't necessarily destined for a pre-teen or adolescent child, unless you want them looking primarily at the photos, rather than the content. :)
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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August 9, 2017I received this book only a few days ago, but I have already had such a fantastic time going through it. What I most appreciated about this book was how it isn't just a straight-up 'how-to-draw' book, nor a complete history-only of drawing. Instead, this book combines the history of drawing with drawing techniques that teaches in a new, very effective manner. It was informative and thorough, but concise at the same time, spending just enough time on each particular subject or period of art. I would absolutely recommend this to any artist!
December 11, 2017
I am the son of an artist and artistically reclined. I'm always on the look out for resources which will inspire me to pick up a pencil and brush and actually create something. With that in mind, I delved into Al Gury's Foundations of Drawing: A Practical Guide to Art History, Tools, Techniques and Styles. Gury chairs the painting department at the Pennsylvania Academia of Fine Arts where he teaches drawing, and his works have been exhibited at the F.A.N. Gallery, in Philadelphia, and the National Academy of Design, in New York.
Foundations of Drawing is not a "how to" book, with step-by-step instructions or a flourish of happy trees. Instead, Gury has compiled a resource which discusses the essential elements to drawing: art history, art mediums, materials and tools, skills and techniques, aesthetics and various subject matters (e.g. still lifes, architecture, portraits and figure drawing).
As such, I found this to be a good
at-a-glance' resource for understanding the building blocks of drawing. It is like Elements of Style for artists, but with a lot more naked people. I knew a lot of the 'art history' portion of this book already, but the section on drawing materials was quite informative as a resource for understanding different drawing mediums & instruments (e.g. pen, pencil, charcoal, chalk, pastels, crayons, brush and paints, mix media). The section on techniques also has great information on how to achieve certain effects in various medium, and in composing drawings.
The book is full of illustrations, demonstrating a variety of styles and techniques (as shown from the cover). I would recommend this book to anyone interested in honing their craft as an artist and learning about various styles. Beginner artists may wish for a more step-by-step manual, but this would still be a good resource to have around. I give it four stars. - ★★★★
Notice of material connection: I received a copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review.
Foundations of Drawing is not a "how to" book, with step-by-step instructions or a flourish of happy trees. Instead, Gury has compiled a resource which discusses the essential elements to drawing: art history, art mediums, materials and tools, skills and techniques, aesthetics and various subject matters (e.g. still lifes, architecture, portraits and figure drawing).
As such, I found this to be a good
at-a-glance' resource for understanding the building blocks of drawing. It is like Elements of Style for artists, but with a lot more naked people. I knew a lot of the 'art history' portion of this book already, but the section on drawing materials was quite informative as a resource for understanding different drawing mediums & instruments (e.g. pen, pencil, charcoal, chalk, pastels, crayons, brush and paints, mix media). The section on techniques also has great information on how to achieve certain effects in various medium, and in composing drawings.
The book is full of illustrations, demonstrating a variety of styles and techniques (as shown from the cover). I would recommend this book to anyone interested in honing their craft as an artist and learning about various styles. Beginner artists may wish for a more step-by-step manual, but this would still be a good resource to have around. I give it four stars. - ★★★★
Notice of material connection: I received a copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2017
So, I thought this was going to be a fluff coffee table book when I chose it. But no, it is not. I’m so glad it’s not because it was actually a delight to read.
It talks about history and gives great examples and explains things–things I did not learn in AP art class when putting together my portfolio in high school. I suppose that if I had taken an art class other than Art History in college I would have been taught some of these things.
In the book you see where the history of drawing has influenced aspects of our culture.
Before this book, I don’t think I had ever heard of the Butade’s Daughter myth about the origins of drawing and sculpture. I also fully appreciate Gury’s choice of “Greco-Roman” over the “Graeco-Roman” I keep seeing (we don’t call people from Greece Graek, so why is it Graeco? Ugggh. I don’t understand).
A quote from the book: “The Classical Greeks of the fifth and fourth centuries celebrated the supremacy of line over color and expression, thinking that color and expression reflected Dionysian emotional chaos while line exhibited the intellectual control of Apollo.” Fascinating.
It goes on to tell you about the materials you can use — how charcoal is made. It gives you a better appreciation for what you are using. It now has a history and it’s not just this thing you picked up and used. You know its importance and where it came from. I had no idea.
Also of note: “Though colored pencils are less toxic, there is still a danger from the particles on the hands. Always make sure to wash your hands after using most drawing materials.” …WTF? I’ve never washed my hands after using colored pencils. WHAT.
And then it moves on to the more practical matters — how to get started. How to confirm what you already do is correct. It wasn’t before this book that I thought to be self-conscious of any process. But I might be now! haha
Read the rest of my review: https://blackandwhitepandaduh.wordpre...
It talks about history and gives great examples and explains things–things I did not learn in AP art class when putting together my portfolio in high school. I suppose that if I had taken an art class other than Art History in college I would have been taught some of these things.
In the book you see where the history of drawing has influenced aspects of our culture.
Before this book, I don’t think I had ever heard of the Butade’s Daughter myth about the origins of drawing and sculpture. I also fully appreciate Gury’s choice of “Greco-Roman” over the “Graeco-Roman” I keep seeing (we don’t call people from Greece Graek, so why is it Graeco? Ugggh. I don’t understand).
A quote from the book: “The Classical Greeks of the fifth and fourth centuries celebrated the supremacy of line over color and expression, thinking that color and expression reflected Dionysian emotional chaos while line exhibited the intellectual control of Apollo.” Fascinating.
It goes on to tell you about the materials you can use — how charcoal is made. It gives you a better appreciation for what you are using. It now has a history and it’s not just this thing you picked up and used. You know its importance and where it came from. I had no idea.
Also of note: “Though colored pencils are less toxic, there is still a danger from the particles on the hands. Always make sure to wash your hands after using most drawing materials.” …WTF? I’ve never washed my hands after using colored pencils. WHAT.
And then it moves on to the more practical matters — how to get started. How to confirm what you already do is correct. It wasn’t before this book that I thought to be self-conscious of any process. But I might be now! haha
Read the rest of my review: https://blackandwhitepandaduh.wordpre...
August 16, 2017
MY THOUGHTS
Drawing is a wonderful way to express how you see an object, a person, scenery or anything your eye sees. This book is a good feel to it since it gives you detailed information and sketches and at the same time let's you see things with your own eyes and then put it on paper. No two pieces of drawing will be exactly the same since everyone puts their own touch on the work. Mr. Gury gives some wonderful history and the eras of art that have emerged through time. He shows you the different choices there are out there in tools, mediums, and papers. He shows how to use different methods on shading according to different locations and times of the day. The book has some wonderful pictures in it to go with the history of drawing. I was extremely interested in the portrait drawing part of the book along with the different mediums you can use along with the correct papers for doing it. He gives you choices, He doesn't tell you that a certain one is the only right one to use. This book is for everyone, whether you are a beginner or one who has been drawing for a long time. The history alone is well worth the read. It would be perfect to put with your art books on your shelf as a reference book when you get stuck on a variety of issues in drawing. If you are just beginning this book gives such a variety of information along with examples of how to go about achieving your ended piece. I especially liked the step by step instructions on portrait drawing. SO if you have had a desire to draw beyond doodling, then expand on that doodling with help from this guide. This is the book for good instruction along with wonderful history of drawing and art.
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books and the author and voluntarily decided to review it.
Drawing is a wonderful way to express how you see an object, a person, scenery or anything your eye sees. This book is a good feel to it since it gives you detailed information and sketches and at the same time let's you see things with your own eyes and then put it on paper. No two pieces of drawing will be exactly the same since everyone puts their own touch on the work. Mr. Gury gives some wonderful history and the eras of art that have emerged through time. He shows you the different choices there are out there in tools, mediums, and papers. He shows how to use different methods on shading according to different locations and times of the day. The book has some wonderful pictures in it to go with the history of drawing. I was extremely interested in the portrait drawing part of the book along with the different mediums you can use along with the correct papers for doing it. He gives you choices, He doesn't tell you that a certain one is the only right one to use. This book is for everyone, whether you are a beginner or one who has been drawing for a long time. The history alone is well worth the read. It would be perfect to put with your art books on your shelf as a reference book when you get stuck on a variety of issues in drawing. If you are just beginning this book gives such a variety of information along with examples of how to go about achieving your ended piece. I especially liked the step by step instructions on portrait drawing. SO if you have had a desire to draw beyond doodling, then expand on that doodling with help from this guide. This is the book for good instruction along with wonderful history of drawing and art.
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books and the author and voluntarily decided to review it.
June 24, 2019
Piirtämään ei opi lukemalla, vaan tekemällä. Mutta tekemisen tueksi pitää tietää paljon asioita ja siihen tämä on aivan mainio opus. Ideaalimaailmassa olisi kurssi, jossa piirrettäisiin ja välillä käytäisiin tätä kirjaa läpi. Kirjassa on mainio kuvitus, joka näyttää, että piirtämällä voi saada aikaan vaikka mitä ja minkälaista. Niitä kannattaa tutkia. Tämän kirjan huolellisesti läpikäytyämme tiedämme tarpeelliset teoreettiset asiat piirtämisestä ja voimme jatkaa käytännön harjoituksia. Toki kirja ei ole erityisen paksu, ja kaikkea ei käsitellä hirveän yksityiskohtaisesti.
Jostain asioista voi aina motkottaa: osa kuvista on kovin pieniä, eikä niistä näe niitä asioita joihin kuvatekstissä käsketään kiinnittämään huomiota. Ja teksti ja kuvat eivät aina keskustele aina niin kiinteästi toistensa kanssa kuin olisin halunnut. Ja luolamaalauksista ja egyptiläisistä kuvista olisi voinut olla kunnon kuvat, kun niistä kuitenkin puhutaan. Ja paperilajeja myydään Suomessa ja Euroopassa grammaa neliömetri -muodossa, josta amerikkalainen kirja ei sano halaistua sanaa.
Muutamille asioille ei voi mitään: oikeasti erilaisia papereita pitäisi päästä hypistelemään ja joitakin termejä on hankala kääntää. Mutta ne eivät ole kirjan vika.
Jostain asioista voi aina motkottaa: osa kuvista on kovin pieniä, eikä niistä näe niitä asioita joihin kuvatekstissä käsketään kiinnittämään huomiota. Ja teksti ja kuvat eivät aina keskustele aina niin kiinteästi toistensa kanssa kuin olisin halunnut. Ja luolamaalauksista ja egyptiläisistä kuvista olisi voinut olla kunnon kuvat, kun niistä kuitenkin puhutaan. Ja paperilajeja myydään Suomessa ja Euroopassa grammaa neliömetri -muodossa, josta amerikkalainen kirja ei sano halaistua sanaa.
Muutamille asioille ei voi mitään: oikeasti erilaisia papereita pitäisi päästä hypistelemään ja joitakin termejä on hankala kääntää. Mutta ne eivät ole kirjan vika.
June 22, 2017
FOUNDATIONS OF DRAWING: A Practical Guide to Art History, Tools, Techniques, and Styles is entertaining as well as educational. It is full of art history that is beautifully illustrated with gorgeous pictures in color. I actually read the print version that was not listed here, and I loved it! The book is made of good solid materials and paper which makes the time with it even more enjoyable.
Gury fills this book with knowledge of Art History, the tools one may need to work with, and some background on different styles of drawing and how to achieve them. It's a book that both young and old can relate to and it will inspire many people to continue learning and growing in their artistic endeavors.
I received this book from Blogging for Books via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I chose this book for review as I love to look at art and I have a few family members and friends that are very artistic. It is a book that will be looked at over and over with new facts and new realizations noted at each new use.
Gury fills this book with knowledge of Art History, the tools one may need to work with, and some background on different styles of drawing and how to achieve them. It's a book that both young and old can relate to and it will inspire many people to continue learning and growing in their artistic endeavors.
I received this book from Blogging for Books via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I chose this book for review as I love to look at art and I have a few family members and friends that are very artistic. It is a book that will be looked at over and over with new facts and new realizations noted at each new use.
August 11, 2017
Artist I am not. That may be the understatement of the century. I cannot draw a straight line even with a ruler. Still, I very much appreciate art and I have quite a few friends who are artists so I thought I'd give this one a read through.
This book is perfect for those who aren't looking for a how to draw book. This book combines the history of drawing with drawing techniques. I especially appreciated the section on drawing materials. As someone who scrapbooks and colors in coloring books, it was information that I could use even if I never try to draw another sad little stick figure. I always appreciate books that have information that I can adapt to whatever it is that I'm doing.
So, if you're looking for a book that's jam packed with information, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book. As for me, I'm going to find an art lover to pass it on to because knowledge and art should be shared.
This book is perfect for those who aren't looking for a how to draw book. This book combines the history of drawing with drawing techniques. I especially appreciated the section on drawing materials. As someone who scrapbooks and colors in coloring books, it was information that I could use even if I never try to draw another sad little stick figure. I always appreciate books that have information that I can adapt to whatever it is that I'm doing.
So, if you're looking for a book that's jam packed with information, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book. As for me, I'm going to find an art lover to pass it on to because knowledge and art should be shared.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews