Modern Drawing: A contemporary exploration of drawing and illustration (Modern)

by Chelsea Ward

Modern Drawing shows artists, illustrators, art students, and art hobbyists how to use basic drawing principles and techniques to create fresh, expressive pieces of art.

This isn’t a dry instruction manual; it’s a contemporary guide filled with instruction, encouragement, and tips. You’ll enjoy a dynamic, easy-to-follow exploration of drawing mediums and tools as you work through creative exercises and projects. Aspiring pencil artists and illustrators will also learn how to “see” a subject and render a personal yet modern interpretation of their observations on paper.

From expressive architecture and landscapes to nature motifs, animals, and people, Modern Drawing provides a fresh, contemporary, and enjoyable approach to learning how to draw.

The Modern Series of books offers a fun, contemporary approach to working with traditional art media, demonstrating that with the right type of instruction, encouragement, and tips, drawing and painting success can be achieved by any artist or creative type.
 
Also in the Modern Series:Modern Colored Pencil, Modern Acrylic, and Modern Watercolor.

• ISBN13: 9781633224926
• Publish Date: 7 June 2018 (first published 5 June 2018)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 14 February 2023
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Walter Foster Publishing
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 128
• Language: English

Reviews

[Eve1972]

I love drawing it has been one of my favorite pastimes since I was a child. I find it super relaxing and enjoyable. So when I saw this book up for grabs on NetGalley, I just knew I had to request it. The book is divided into the following chapters...

-- INTRODUCTION (Supplies, Drawing Basics. Mark-Making & Line Work, Keeping a Sketchbook, and Drawing on the Go).
-- ADDING COLOR (Color Tools, Color Techniques).
-- STILL LIFE & EVERYDAY (Drawing The Everyday).
-- ARCHITECTURE & SCENERY (The Basics, Drawing Architecture, Drawing Landscapes, Architectural Portrait).
-- PEOPLE & FIGURES (Figure Studies, Sketching & Adding Color).
-- PLANTS AND FOLIAGE (Getting Started, Drawing Flowers, Drawing Succulents, Drawing Potted Plants).
-- ANIMALS (Shapes & Gesture Drawing, Drawing Chickens, Drawing Cats, Drawing Dogs).

The book is chocked full of visually pleasing graphics, and the chapters are well laid out and easy to follow. There are also plenty of hints and tips to keep any artist (beginner or more advanced) interested. My favorite chapter was the one dedicated to ARCHITECTURE & SCENERY since drawing buildings and monuments is one of my favorite things to do. A close second is the PLANTS AND FOLIAGE chapter. Who doesn't like drawing beautiful flowers and plants? So really I don't have too much more to say about this one. If you love to draw then, this is a fun little book that you should take a peek at. If you know someone that loves to draw, then this would make a great present.

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Modern Drawing in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Modern Drawing is a great art book for both beginners and novices hoping to get some great and helpful advice on drawing. In many ways it was very similar to the drawing class I had in college, covering many of the basics and other essentials most intro classes would cover. Though I do feel compelled to point out that the author has quite a bit more humor than any of my instructors ever did (which is saying something).
Chelsea Ward covers a lot of ground on quite a variety of subjects, it’s actually quite impressive. Her introduction includes suggested supplies, the bare bones basics of drawing, how to maintain a sketchbook, and even tips on how to complete a drawing challenge (which are quite fun, for the record). She also covers the basics of color theory, drawing architecture and landscapes, people, plants, and animals. There are only a couple pages per specific subject type, but it’s enough to give one a great head start and isn’t overwhelming in the slightest (something that I find can happen with more technical guides).
Some parts of the lessons here stood out to me more than others; I was impressed by the inclusion of tips for completing a drawing challenge. That’s something I’ve never seen in a drawing guide before, and I found the idea oddly sweet. I also adored the succulent drawing section, and they’re a passion of mine. And finally I couldn’t help but notice that the section on architecture was the same size as the section on chickens. Please tell me I’m not the only one that found this adorably hilarious?
This was a great guide on the whole. Perfect for beginners or anybody hoping to get a refresher on all of the basics. The fun and light tone of the tutorials helps keep it engaging, which is greatly appreciated. I hope Chelsea Ward comes out with more guides, especially more advanced drawing ones. I would love to see that.

For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks