The Artist’s Guide to Sketching: The Classic Book about Making Art on Location

Few books bridge the gap between artistic inspiration and practical technique as effectively as The Artist’s Guide to Sketching by James Gurney and Thomas Kinkade. First published in 1982, this masterfully written and beautifully illustrated guide remains one of the most insightful resources for artists looking to refine their observational and sketching skills.Gurney and Kinkade—both legendary in their respective fields—bring a unique synergy to this book. Before achieving individual fame (Gurney for Dinotopia and Kinkade for his luminous landscapes), the two artists embarked on an unforgettable journey, traveling across America to sketch everything from bustling cityscapes to quiet rural scenes. Their firsthand experiences form the foundation of this book, making it not just a guide, but an engaging travelogue of artistic discovery.A Masterclass in Observation and TechniqueAt its core, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching emphasizes the importance of keen observation, spontaneity, and discipline. The book is structured in a way that caters to both beginners and seasoned artists, covering essential topics such as:• Choosing the Right Tools: The authors break down the pros and cons of different sketching materials, from pencils and pens to watercolor washes, offering guidance on selecting the right medium for various subjects.• Understanding Composition: Gurney and Kinkade delve into the principles of composition, teaching artists how to frame their sketches effectively by controlling elements such as balance, perspective, and contrast.• Sketching from Life: One of the book’s most valuable sections, this chapter explores techniques for capturing movement, depth, and emotion in real-time—whether sketching a crowded street, a tranquil landscape, or an intimate portrait.• The Role of Light and Shadow: Both authors are masters of light, and their insights into how lighting affects form, atmosphere, and storytelling elevate this book beyond a simple technique manual.A Timeless Resource for Every ArtistWhat sets The Artist’s Guide to Sketching apart is its emphasis on sketching as a way of life rather than just a technical skill. The book is filled with personal anecdotes, travel sketches, and insightful reflections on the artistic process. Gurney and Kinkade encourage artists to embrace imperfection, experiment fearlessly, and, most importantly, enjoy the process of seeing the world through an artist’s eyes.Despite being out of print for many years, this book remains a must-have for artists, illustrators, and anyone passionate about capturing the beauty of everyday life. The illustrations alone—fluid, expressive, and brimming with character—are worth studying in their own right.For those who can find a copy, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching is not just an instructional manual—it’s an invitation to embark on an artistic journey, one sketch at a time. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, this book will inspire you to pick up a sketchbook, step outside, and start drawing.A classic in the world of sketching and observational art, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching is a timeless and indispensable book that belongs in every artist’s library.

The media could not be loaded. An excellent book by two masters of sketching. A very nice, hefty, paperback book on the art of sketching nearly entirely in sepia. That alone drew me to this book. I love it. The images are beautiful. An entertaining, comprehensive collection of tips, tricks, personal stories and shared experiences of these two well known artists. The images draw you in. They are vast and show the skills of these two. From quick sketches to completed works of art. They advise on how to deal with the elements when sketching on the move or in the elements with weather, crowds, nosy people and more. What materials work for them and may work well for you. How to be accurate when is is necessary. How to capture movement and mood. The importance of being creative. Learning about nature and portraying people. Sketching those things that don’t move or change. Make them interesting and finally how to incorporate sketching into your daily life. It’s a wonderful book. It deserves a spot in your library and would make a fantastic gift for the “sketcher or want to be sketcher” in your life. Just get it you won’t regret it.

The style of writing in this book is easy and pleasant to read. Although I have been drawing and sketching for a long time, I was still able to pick up some nice hints and tricks. Especially for me, it was about your attitude toward sketching and taking risks. I usually don't read art books cover to cover, as I usually try to extract just what I need at the time. I start at the front and working on going through the entire book. Each time I think I will stop, I'm surprised by something one of these two very renowned artist has to say. Needless to say, I'm hooked. I hope, you too, will find their journey and story interesting.

Great rezd, informative and fun

Gurney and Kinkade are a pair of talented and very successful artists who have had a profound effect on the way that I view the world and the skill of drawing. This book is a treasure trove of techniques and inspiration. It is so well written that even my husband, the engineer, enjoyed hearing it read aloud on road trips. Thank you James for republishing this masterclass in plain air sketching!

Got this after hearing an art lecture. The book is good and has some great examples that demonstrate setting a theme (and other points). But I had hoped for a bit more detail on actual technique. That said, I'd still recommend this for those getting into (or back into) sketching.

Oh, this is so much fun to read! Lots of information, lots of pictures, and the author actually knows how to write as well as draw. Lively text with plenty of anecdotes from an interesting life. I'm learning so much as well. I'll have to read more than once to get all the information, though. Denser than it looks like at first glance. I'm enjoying this VERY much.

Love this book so far. Learning a lot about about the pitfalls of plein air painting, as well as the benefits. One of the best parts of this book as both Gurney and Kincade show what can be done with a minimal set of tools - and a lot of practice.