Drawing: The Head: Learn the Classical Approach Step By Step (How to Draw and Paint)

good, useful, instructive

A good simple, easy to follow instruction book for a beginner like me. Just need time to sit and practise more.

This How to Draw book from the series of that name offers practical skills to capture the likeness and render lifelike features when drawing the head. It gives sample drawings featuring different poses, expressions and skin tones. It starts with an overview of materials then goes on to the basic shape of the head illustrating a face on and side view of the head with the placement of the facial features and the latter are also dealt with in detail too. Exercises to build skill include foreshortening, contour and planar drawings, additive and subtractive charcoal and understanding values, working in black and white on tonal paper and pastel portraits. Tips are included for conveying personality. Each exercise is presented with an overview, step by step instructions and excellent drawings showing the stages of building up a portrait. If you have been having difficulty with any of the above points, or are new to drawing heads, this should set you firmly on the right path. It is thorough, easy to use and I think it will enhance your drawing skills. This review first appeared on Karen Platt's book review website.

Great buy, the tips and methods in this book has really made me progress.