Sketching for the Absolute Beginner

I am barely an amateur painter (acrylic & watercolor), and much less than that when it comes to drawing skills. I've read many sketching and drawing books, some with good advice and theory, but NONE which made more sense to me, filled me with enthusiasm and hope and even a smattering of confidence, as this book. It is easy to follow from beginning to end (I just finished the whole thing in one session, and am immediately going to do it again, soaking in the teachings and working on the exercises). The concept of Shapes, Edges, Tones (SET), and the use of lost and found edges rather than outlines just seems to make perfect sense to me. I do very few reviews (books, products or services), but this book is orders of magnitude better than anything I've ever read on this subject, which is very difficult for me. For the very first time I feel like I have a road map to follow, and total confidence that I will have improved my skills by walking down that road. Thank you, sincerely, Peter Cronin, your approach to teaching is absolutely excellent. Robin

Step by step guide to learning, very helpful

Not as easy to follow. The pictures of steps was not as clear to follow either.

Excellent teaching guide for adults. It’s not dumbed down or a childish guide to sketching as many of these books are.

A great review of different techniques. I’m looking forward to picking up my pencils and get back into sketching.

For anyone who wants to improve their sketches for painting or preliminary studies, this is a great addition to your library. Cronin uses his S.E.T. (Shape/Edge/Tone) method to analyze every scene. I substitute Value for his Tone but that is just my preference—either way, the approach is a good habit. He also does a quick outline sketch of the top of the background and works to the midground and foreground from there. Many other books cover these methods as well, but Cronin’s examples and written explanations are clear and direct.

This is a great book for beginners. I can’t wait to use the techniques I’ve learned on my own sketches.

This is a fantastic book to read and look through. As a matter of fact, it’s hard to put down. There is some gray wisdom sprinkled in the book too. I just don’t think it’s anywhere near the level for beginners. There’s a lot of art wisdom in here and tips but the how to part is not simplified enough to actually become a proficient artist. He tends to write in a way that’s a bit over your head. I just thought it was a little misleading. But honestly, I can look through this book forever. The art is beautiful. He really is a great sketch artist. But not quite educational, practical enough for my needs. I wish he would explain in more detail how he drew some pieces in language that is more accessible. Explaining your art is tough to do. He does a good job of it but not enough for a reader to say, oh now I get it.

This is an excellent book for beginners

Very bad book. Below quality sketches. One should not buy this and waste money

Found this a very well put together and accessible guide to getting started with sketching. Covers all the basics in a clear simple way to follow and build up skills. Cannot get away from the overall message that it comes down to lots and lots of old fashioned practice!

الكتاب جميل جدا ورق فخم جدا جدا وطباعه عاليه نسخه اصليه و كالعاده حاجات مميزه من المكتبه الاكاديميه الواحد مش بيندم علي اي مبلغ يندفع في حاجه قيمه بالشكل دا شكرا ليكم ونتطلع لمزيد من العروض والكتب الرائعه دي

I like the sample pix and tips to follow along. I really like the progress / stages from start to a finished drawing.