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The Urban Sketching Handbook: Understanding Perspective
A good sketch starts with good bones.Often challenging and overwhelming to sketchers, the fourth book in the Urban Sketching Handbook series uses drawings and simple steps to explain the concepts of perspective in practical and useful ways for on-site sketching. Most books are either too abstract or don't provide enough information that relates to what you actually do when you're out in the busy, wide world about to start a drawing. Where do you start? How do you edit what you see to flatten and shrink it onto your paper? How does perspective work?The Urban Sketching Understanding Perspective helps you learn to think like an architect, to draw buildings and spaces by reducing what you see to simple, basic shapes, then adding layers in simple steps, and finally finishing your sketch with detail, tone, and color--in accurate perspective. Full of helpful tips, architect and illustrator, Stephanie Bower even de-constructs sketches to show you how to create them! Once you understand perspective, it will change the way you see the world--you'll see perspective everywhere.Some of the key concepts explored in this volume Basic Terms- Basic Spatial Principles- Types of Perspective- Building a Sketch in Layers- Special Conditions
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
191 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 9, 2020
If you're mucking about and drawing buildings in the wild, this is the best perspective book I've seen for this type of subject matter. Most buildings are made up of boxes and planar surfaces with the odd round bit or dome thrown in for excitement, which makes for easy drawing, it used to be taught in junior high drafting courses. Each important aspect is nailed down by short bits of text with matching drawings. It covers one and two point perspective, horizon lines, view angles, along with other topics and has practical tips to use in the field.
It also has several step by step examples of creating a sketch from the ground up, they are clear enough that I think even a rank novice can make a decent start without additional instruction. It also touches a bit on domes, wide perspectives and some other more difficult subjects.
It wraps up nicely with a short gallery of examples and a list of drawing challenges, if you complete it, you'll be well on your way to mastering basic perspective. Even though I have several books on the subject, I'm tempted to buy a copy, its excellent.
For a more advanced book on perspective dealing with complex shapes like machines, cars, planes, etc., I recommend How to Draw: Drawing and Sketching Objects and Environments from Your Imagination.
It also has several step by step examples of creating a sketch from the ground up, they are clear enough that I think even a rank novice can make a decent start without additional instruction. It also touches a bit on domes, wide perspectives and some other more difficult subjects.
It wraps up nicely with a short gallery of examples and a list of drawing challenges, if you complete it, you'll be well on your way to mastering basic perspective. Even though I have several books on the subject, I'm tempted to buy a copy, its excellent.
For a more advanced book on perspective dealing with complex shapes like machines, cars, planes, etc., I recommend How to Draw: Drawing and Sketching Objects and Environments from Your Imagination.
June 21, 2016
Great little book, very inspiring.
March 3, 2020
AUTHOR
Stephenie Bower is the author of The Urban Sketching Handbook.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE
Anyone with an interest in learning the fashionable new trend in artistic expression known as Urban Sketching will find this text an invaluable addition to their knowledge base. Whilst the work is intended for artists looking to engage in urban sketching and painting, other artist could benefit from the many and varied tips, tricks and techniques. This book is great if you have been considering taking up urban sketching and didn’t quite know what to expect or how to start. This text would also be useful as a reference for any aspiring the artist from beginner to intermediate level.
SYONOPIS
Urban Sketching has grown in recent years and now has a strong global following. This type of art has seen increased participation and is a popular hobby for aspiring and accomplished artists worldwide. Amateurs and professional artists participate together in the enjoyment of the architecture of the built environment.
Bower’s manual is the answer to many uninitiated urban sketchers looking to get a foot hold on the tools, tips and techniques necessary to become competent; or just to have fun and make new friends whist painting or sketching.
The text is brief and concise at only 112 pages, but within these pages you will discover 101 tips to aid in improving your artwork. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations by a variety of artists including the authors own works. It is written in a style that is easily accessible to those who like to read a little or who wish to jump from section to section. Whichever method the reader chooses to peruse this book, it is still comprehendible. The book is comprehensive enough to be useful to intermediate artists and basic enough to inform even the most primary beginner.
Amongst the tips included are: the use of coloring; different painting methods, the variety and uses of brushes, how shading can enhance any work, how different line widths add interest to your work and the use of methods for perspective.
Bower’s book is inspiring and esthetically pleasing. A great book to have in your artist’s reference library.
CONCLUSION
If you were looking for an art theory book based on urban sketching and painting look no further. The text is full of utility, and this tiny book is jam packed with skills, techniques, and tools to get you started in the new and exciting world of urban sketching. Beautifully illustrated throughout and with helpful dialogue to assist the reader for Improving their creative skills. Bower’s work leaves the reader believing that they too, with time and application, can become as accomplished as those artists featured within the book.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My sincere thanks go to the Author, NetGalley, and the Publisher, for affording me the opportunity to review The Urban Sketching Handbook: 101 Sketching Tips.
Stephenie Bower is the author of The Urban Sketching Handbook.
WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE
Anyone with an interest in learning the fashionable new trend in artistic expression known as Urban Sketching will find this text an invaluable addition to their knowledge base. Whilst the work is intended for artists looking to engage in urban sketching and painting, other artist could benefit from the many and varied tips, tricks and techniques. This book is great if you have been considering taking up urban sketching and didn’t quite know what to expect or how to start. This text would also be useful as a reference for any aspiring the artist from beginner to intermediate level.
SYONOPIS
Urban Sketching has grown in recent years and now has a strong global following. This type of art has seen increased participation and is a popular hobby for aspiring and accomplished artists worldwide. Amateurs and professional artists participate together in the enjoyment of the architecture of the built environment.
Bower’s manual is the answer to many uninitiated urban sketchers looking to get a foot hold on the tools, tips and techniques necessary to become competent; or just to have fun and make new friends whist painting or sketching.
The text is brief and concise at only 112 pages, but within these pages you will discover 101 tips to aid in improving your artwork. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations by a variety of artists including the authors own works. It is written in a style that is easily accessible to those who like to read a little or who wish to jump from section to section. Whichever method the reader chooses to peruse this book, it is still comprehendible. The book is comprehensive enough to be useful to intermediate artists and basic enough to inform even the most primary beginner.
Amongst the tips included are: the use of coloring; different painting methods, the variety and uses of brushes, how shading can enhance any work, how different line widths add interest to your work and the use of methods for perspective.
Bower’s book is inspiring and esthetically pleasing. A great book to have in your artist’s reference library.
CONCLUSION
If you were looking for an art theory book based on urban sketching and painting look no further. The text is full of utility, and this tiny book is jam packed with skills, techniques, and tools to get you started in the new and exciting world of urban sketching. Beautifully illustrated throughout and with helpful dialogue to assist the reader for Improving their creative skills. Bower’s work leaves the reader believing that they too, with time and application, can become as accomplished as those artists featured within the book.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My sincere thanks go to the Author, NetGalley, and the Publisher, for affording me the opportunity to review The Urban Sketching Handbook: 101 Sketching Tips.
November 28, 2018
Well-written, informative book that explains perspective better and more completely than any I’ve read before. Lots of examples and straight forward techniques for figuring out, verifying, and using vertical and horizontal vanishing points in landscapes, cityscapes, and even still life sketches. I really learned a lot here.
October 26, 2019
This was the textbook for my sketching class. While sketching street scenes and perspectives are kicking my butt, this is a great little book (and series) to keep on hand. It does a great job of explaining the types of perspective and the 4/c samples provided are inspiring.
June 2, 2018
Inspiring and informative book! It also has lots of great sketches to study. And above all, it encouraged me to go out and start sketching.
January 29, 2017
3.5 stars
January 5, 2021
Inspiring and easy to understand!
September 28, 2024
Quite good for perspective terms.
November 16, 2024
Perpseptive handbook
One of requirement of reproducing reality on different media format. This book explain in details what to look for and how to apply it to the illustrations. Capturing the essence of reality and translating it into another format is a challenging endeavor. It requires a deep understanding of the intricacies of perception and representation. This book delves into the essential elements to consider when bridging the gap between the real and the reproduced. Through detailed explanations and practical examples, it guides you on how to effectively analyze and recreate the world around us in a different medium. Whether you are an artist, a designer, or simply curious about the nature of representation, this book offers valuable insights into the art of capturing reality.
One of requirement of reproducing reality on different media format. This book explain in details what to look for and how to apply it to the illustrations. Capturing the essence of reality and translating it into another format is a challenging endeavor. It requires a deep understanding of the intricacies of perception and representation. This book delves into the essential elements to consider when bridging the gap between the real and the reproduced. Through detailed explanations and practical examples, it guides you on how to effectively analyze and recreate the world around us in a different medium. Whether you are an artist, a designer, or simply curious about the nature of representation, this book offers valuable insights into the art of capturing reality.
December 15, 2025
Another great title by Stephanie Bower!
This is the second book I’ve read by Stephanie Bower, and my fourth or fifth in the Urban Sketching series, and as with all the others, this was packed full of practical information and wonderful image examples that both teach and inspire. Stephanie is so good at explaining essential drawing techniques in a way that’s easy to understand, she makes you want to pick up your pen and try them for yourself right away! I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about perspective, but I definitely gained some new ideas and methods from this great little concise manual!
This is the second book I’ve read by Stephanie Bower, and my fourth or fifth in the Urban Sketching series, and as with all the others, this was packed full of practical information and wonderful image examples that both teach and inspire. Stephanie is so good at explaining essential drawing techniques in a way that’s easy to understand, she makes you want to pick up your pen and try them for yourself right away! I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about perspective, but I definitely gained some new ideas and methods from this great little concise manual!
September 28, 2021
I can't stress enough how much of a godsend this handbook is to me, an illustrator without a clue on how to use perspective guides 😭😭😭 Bower has condensed the basics on perspective drawing in 112 pages, with each practical lesson accompanied by examples from urban sketchers around the globe 😍 This was a delight to read, and I'm already seeing myself referring back to this handbook to guide me with painting backgrounds 😄👍 Highly recommended for beginners! 👌✨
December 19, 2020
This year due to pandemic wasn’t particularly great for urban sketching but I collected lot of books to improve for the time we go out again. Stephanie is one of my favourite artist and this book turned out very helpful in learning many missing points in my own work. Whether you are a beginner or pro it’s equally helpful.
July 6, 2024
Stephanie Bower has the best non-academic teaching style from which to learn perspective in all its aspects. Urban sketching and accurate perspective drawings go hand-in-hand. Stephanie gives the reader more ways to approach perspective than I dreamed possible. From beginner to expert, everyone will learn something about perspective from Stephanie Bower.
April 14, 2018
Super helpful suggestions. As I have been teaching myself through books the last many years, this gives practical ways to approach urban sketching. I'm a little intimidated because of how talented everyone is but look forward to carrying this book with me as I go out and explore.
March 24, 2019
Clear instructions on a challenging subject; steps broken down clearly to get you started on using perspective in sketching. Some of the pics too small to easily see details of instructions. Overall, a great addition to an art library.
April 26, 2019
I participated in a Craftsy.com (now Bluprint.com) class with this instructor and learned a lot during that class. This book helps me review and practice with the the Challenges at the end of the book.
July 26, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this books, I've had this last year but I still refer to it from time to time. Sketches included here are also very inspiring and beautiful. This is at the top of my favorite art books.
November 24, 2019
Perspective must!
I love the extensive explanation given in easy to understand steps. This is the most helpful of the series if you plan to capture buildings and structures in plein air.
I love the extensive explanation given in easy to understand steps. This is the most helpful of the series if you plan to capture buildings and structures in plein air.
October 25, 2024
I have many of these volumes and they're all excellent. the pages are alive with nicely sketched illustrations and packed full of useful gems. they're small and portable and feel like sketchbooks themselves which I liked. highly recommended.
November 18, 2017
This book has loads of fantastic examples. I mean they are gorgeous!
However they are so excellent they seem unattainable, especially when they note how long each one took. Like the coffee shop example on page 10. It is a true masterpiece and it only took 2 hours. WOW!
If there were some brilliant new tips on how an average person could achieve anything close to that or even just similar results the book would be priceless. But there is really only one page showing how to hold a pencil up to measure a door, and blammo you see another superb drawing of some incredibly complex landscape.
It reminded me of this old Mad magazine cartoon on how to draw a caricature (that is Bob Hope at the end for those youngsters out there)
It is true there are a few pages with example of 1 and multi point perspectives, but applying that to the real world in front of you is dang hard. At least for me.
I guess if you are destined to be one of those outrageously good sketch artist like you find on YouTube, this book might be an inspiration. But for a mere mortal it is full of lovely pictures but doesn't help you figure out how to actually sketch some urbans.
However they are so excellent they seem unattainable, especially when they note how long each one took. Like the coffee shop example on page 10. It is a true masterpiece and it only took 2 hours. WOW!
If there were some brilliant new tips on how an average person could achieve anything close to that or even just similar results the book would be priceless. But there is really only one page showing how to hold a pencil up to measure a door, and blammo you see another superb drawing of some incredibly complex landscape.
It reminded me of this old Mad magazine cartoon on how to draw a caricature (that is Bob Hope at the end for those youngsters out there)
It is true there are a few pages with example of 1 and multi point perspectives, but applying that to the real world in front of you is dang hard. At least for me.
I guess if you are destined to be one of those outrageously good sketch artist like you find on YouTube, this book might be an inspiration. But for a mere mortal it is full of lovely pictures but doesn't help you figure out how to actually sketch some urbans.
July 4, 2018
Excellent reference source on perspective drawing. The writing is easy to follow and hopefully I’m able to execute the suggestions. Sketching anywhere is the plan
September 2, 2019
It teaches the basic rules of perspective through examples. You can also re-draw the pictures as you read the book. Clear and understandable.
January 13, 2020
Nice introduction to perspective. It also has some activities you can accomplish for practice. Quick read.
February 17, 2020
Excellent book for Perspective drawing. Wonderful examples and easy to follow.
December 21, 2020
Excelente libro
Me gustó la forma de explicar y con ejemplos para poder reforzar las explicaciones.
Super recomendable no solo para aprender sino para conocer artistas.
Me gustó la forma de explicar y con ejemplos para poder reforzar las explicaciones.
Super recomendable no solo para aprender sino para conocer artistas.
January 26, 2021
Not what I was looking for, it was a good place to start.
January 29, 2021
The only book you'll ever need to learn the basics of perspective and start urban sketching.. its brief and gives you the tips and tricks to get the perspective and composition right
March 6, 2024
Simply explained
The author explained the concepts using simple terms and instructions. The drawings were beautiful and intriguing. The lessons are a great way to start sketching.
The author explained the concepts using simple terms and instructions. The drawings were beautiful and intriguing. The lessons are a great way to start sketching.
April 13, 2024
On point and solid. A perfect companion to Dongo Kim’s perspective book (which touched on fish eye perspectives)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews