Drawing Essentials: A Guide to Drawing from Observation

by Deborah Rockman

Ideal for introductory studio art courses in drawing, Drawing A Guide to Drawing from Observation thoroughly covers the three drawing subcategories that are most important at the foundation level--basic drawing (non-subject specific), figure drawing, and perspective
drawing--explaining clearly and in depth the elements that are essential to depicting form and space on a two-dimensional surface.
Addressing and illustrating studio experiences that are not effectively dealt with in other drawing books, this unique text elucidates such fundamental (yet challenging) concepts and methods as the process of sighting; scaling techniques; meaningful and descriptive line variation; observation
and development of tonal structure; creation of interesting and instructive still lifes; the conceptual impact of still-life objects; the unique challenges of the human figure and portraiture; basic and advanced perspective systems; brainstorming and the generation of ideas; and the use of
photographs as reference. Throughout, award-winning artist, teacher, and author Deborah Rockman focuses on the cultivation of observational skills, increased sensitivity, critical thinking, technical refinement, and knowledge of materials.
Drawing Essentials further distinguishes itself from other texts on the market by including many high-quality student works drawn from Rockman's twenty-seven years of teaching experience, as well as carefully selected works from historical masters and numerous contemporary artists for whom
drawing is a primary studio practice. In addition, Rockman provides students with invaluable practical material, including coverage of various traditional and nontraditional drawing media and surfaces and information on alternative processes that can be combined with drawing. Drawing Essentials also
provides powerful examples of what more advanced students can accomplish with a strong foundation drawing background.
An exceptional, all-in-one, and affordable resource on drawing, figure drawing, and perspective, Drawing Essentials helps students to develop a thorough understanding of drawing fundamentals, which in turn will prepare them for more advanced experiences with drawing and the myriad
possibilities that it offers.

Genres: Art, Drawing

298 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2008

Reviews

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the exploration and explanation of materials. Rockman does a great job of not passing judgement on what kind of art materials such as pencils/pastels you use or how much you spend rather she just breaks down the budget and performance of the materials. I majored in art/design but left it when I started working in the real world! I have recently come back to it and it was good to see that even though I am not that impressed in the more expensive art materials-I do not always see where they add too much to my art or it makes it look that much different. It was great to know that i am not alone; I was pleasantly surprised to find that while inexpensive- a lot of my materials are considered high quality and what would be recommended by the author and fellow artists. The artwork from students in the book is unbelievably great and the new chapters on perspective along with the illustrations are very helpful.This is a great reference point textbook and I use it constantly this year as I keep drawing.

[Jeannette McCalla · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry. Starts out with a scary subject for a newby. Too intimidating

[Mills College Library]

741.2 R684 2012