Hello, loved ones! I’m back with another batch of mini reviews! Today’s theme is Non Fiction & Art! =D I’ve been on the mood to read guides and DIY books, so here are my reviews for the ones in the Art department!
In this post, you’ll find mini reviews for:
• Diane Cardaci, William F Powell, Nolon Stacey – Drawing: Basic Textures in Pencil
• Jane Maday – Draw and Paint Super Cute Animals
• Jerry Yarnell – Country Scenes in Acrylic
• Véronique Sabard, Vincent Geneslay & Roger Druet – An Introduction to Calligraphy
*~.Drawing: Basic Textures in Pencil.~*
From Diane Cardaci, William F Powell, Nolon Stacey
Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Nov. 25th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Sept. 04th, 2018
Get the background in drawing that you need to dive into creating textured works like a pro with Drawing: Basic Textures in Pencil.
From handling the pencil and mastering basic techniques to learning about value, form, and shading, Basic Textures in Pencil teaches beginning artists all of the elements needed to achieve realistic results in their drawings.
Helpful and intuitive step-by-step lessons then demonstrate how you can put your newfound skills to use by rendering everything from metal, glass, and wood textures to fur and feathers. Each concept is clearly explained in easy-to-comprehend language, making this book an accessible and approachable resource for beginning artist and art enthusiasts.
Designed for beginners, the How to Draw & Paint series offers an easy-to-follow guide that introduces artists to basic tools and materials and includes simple step-by-step lessons for a variety of projects suitable for the aspiring artist. Basic Textures in Pencil allows artists to widen the scope of their abilities, demonstrating basic pencil drawing techniques that allow beginners to re-create a variety of common textures and surfaces.
PROS
I’m on an art sprint today and this book caught up my attention for teaching black and white shadowing on nature draws. From flowers to puppies, this book guides us through every step to achieve the perfect texture!
CONS
Despite teaching some really useful tips for drawing, this isn’t a book for beginners in drawing at all! I tried doodling along while I read and it didn’t turn out very well. I need to practice, lol.
COVER ANALYSIS
Even with the cute puppy (that we learn how to draw inside), I think the cover could have been a bit more elaborated – it strikes me as a little boring.
RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers that would love to learn more about drawing animals and general painting techniques!
*~.Draw and Paint Super Cute Animals.~*
From Jane Maday
Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Nov. 25th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review
Release date: Oct. 17th, 2018
In her newest instructional book Jane Maday, queen of cuteness, teaches you how to draw cute animal friends with basic and timeless drawing techniques. After you’ve mastered pencil drawings from photo references, Jane will guide you through simple techniques for adding colored pencil, watercolor and pen and ink. 35 step-by-step demonstrations cover the gamut of the cute animal kingdom from cats and kittens, dogs and puppies, chipmunks, songbird and ducklings, and even flamingos and frogs!
PROS
I’d give my blood to have a physical copy of this book, truly. Besides being SUPER helpful with drawing techniques and actually explaining stuff instead of just rubbing on our faces that we can’t draw. While I read, I doodled some of the animals present on the lessons. I must say: my cat soundly resembles a cat and I wasn’t even trying hard. Bonus: we have AWESOME pictures to illustrate painting techniques and designs. This book is a work of pure art!
CONS
I think this book isn’t properly for people without any previous drawing knowledge. Even the smallest figures are filled with details, and this doesn’t match up with all the materials and technique classes from the first pages.
COVER ANALYSIS
There are puppies, kittens and bunnies on the cover. Must I say more?
RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers that would love to learn more about drawing animals and general painting techniques!
*~.Country Scenes in Acrylic.~*
From Jerry Yarnell
Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Nov. 26th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Jan 22nd, 2019
Best-selling author, instructor and PBS TV show host, Jerry Yarnell delivers his latest offering with dozens of all new lessons and 8 full step-by-step landscape painting projects. Features detailed materials lists and advice on how to set up a palette. Learn the terms and techniques necessary to achieve your desired effects. Get lessons on color mixing, composition, negative space, perspective, values and more. With his signature, easy-to-follow style, Jerry Yarnell provides the instruction needed to help you learn how to bring life and beauty to your acrylic landscape paintings. Tips on choosing supplies and setting up your painting studio. Techniques for painting the sky, rivers, meadows, flowers, cottages, barns and many other elements of country landscapes. Easy-to-follow step-by-step instruction walks you through 8 complete painting demonstrations.
PROS
This is a really useful book for people interested in acrylic painting that want to take canvas painting to the next level. Despite tips being mainly for acrylic painting on a canvas, several can be used for drawing in general. Also, we learn the best methods to keep our equipment in good shape for a longer time.
CONS
This is a very specific book and, if you are a beginner, it won’t help you to draw better on the canvas. The book also is very objective, so there are times that the author skips basic explanations between steps.
COVER ANALYSIS
I find this cover very simple and soothing somehow. It seems like those pretty books an decorator would put on a coffee table or something, so I’m love!
RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers that would love to learn more about acrylic painting and general drawing!
*~.An Introduction to Calligraphy.~*
From by Véronique Sabard, Vincent Geneslay & Roger Druet
Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Apr. 03rd, 2017
Format: ebook
Source: Edelweiss – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Jan. 28th, 2017
Clear instructions and 129 photos welcome you to the world of calligraphy. Starting with the pens, inks, and writing surfaces you’ll need, the book explains the basics, from filling the pen to holding the nib at the right angle. Practice exercises help you understand upstrokes, downstrokes, the optical center, and more. Then comes a chronological introduction to each of the 5 major styles of Western script, beginning with the Roman uncial script of around 600 BCE and covering the several forms that developed in the following centuries. For each style, the book explains its historical use and its characteristics, teaches the correct formation of each letter, and offers suggestions and tips. Then a practice exercise helps you master the style. Learn the all-capital uncial script, and create a beautiful wine list with it; try Gothic textura for a calendar, or chancery for a letterhead design. Finally, a gallery of 24 masterworks by experts offers even more inspiration.
PROS
This book doesn’t simply teach good techniques for a better calligraphy: it also explains where each popular style came from and the differences between styling for each type of writing. We also learn how different materials can produce different types of handwriting and which one is best for each style, so it’s wonderful!
CONS
I wish my hands didn’t tremble so much while trying these lessons? Haha!
COVER ANALYSIS
The cover feels really boring despite the pretty colors and lettering, which comes off as kind of disappointing for a calligraphy book…
RECOMMENDED FOR
People interested in upgrading their handwriting and calligraphy!
~*~
And we’re done! Phew, so many books and so little time!! Thank you soooo much for reading! Hope I could pick your interest for one or two of these babies =)
With love,
The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange 