Learn to See, Learn to Draw

by Judith Albright

As an art teacher, I know that anyone who wants to draw can--it is simply a matter of interest and opportunity. So many parents I talk to did not have that opportunity as children. Even they did, too many were discouraged by well-meaning teachers, family or friends who convinced them they were not "talented." I do not want this to happen to yet another generation of children.

My intention in writing this book is to encourage children of all ages (and adults) to explore their natural drawing ability. Unlike other drawing books that provide instruction on how to draw a specific way or draw a specific thing, my book begins at the point when a pencil is placed on paper and the first mark is made. Students see immediate success through a series of progressive exercises that are fun and easily accomplished. Each lesson provides a verbal explanation of the concept, followed by visual illustrations and finally, a hands-on exercise. Because we must learn to "see" before we can draw well, the emphasis in the beginning of the workbook is on improving eye/hand coordination. Subsequent exercises progress through capturing movement and space, light and shadow, depth and distance, and adding color. The final section focuses on putting all the lessons together to create a pleasing composition.

236 pages, Spiral-bound

First published February 1, 2002