Reviewed by annieb123 on
Just Draw! Faces in 15 Minutes is a drawing guide with tutorials by Susie Hodge. Due out 1st Oct 2021 from Arcturus, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately; it makes it so easy to find information with the search function.
This is a clearly written and accessible guide to portraiture specially written for adult learners. The author has a wonderfully patient and encouraging voice. I've struggled with self confidence in drawing and this book inspired me to try (again) to put marks on paper and learn to improve my skills.
The chapters are arranged with simpler skill building exercises at the front, followed by more complex studies which refine and expand earlier lessons. Introductory tools and materials are discussed very briefly. The suggested materials are commonly available and can be found inexpensively at art stationers and big box stores. The author provides a number of short chapters on getting lines and markings onto the drawing surface. There are a number of good warming up exercises and I like that she encourages readers to doodle and experiment.
The specific tutorial studies include a broad range of ages, ethnicities, and poses. The tutorials are arranged as process drawings, step-by-step, with each subsequent drawing showing the refining lines and additions as well as clear explanatory captions under each step.
Four stars. This is a simple book, but full of good advice for beginning artists. It would be a good choice for library or classroom acquisition, maker's groups, and home use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 16 August, 2021: Finished reading
- 16 August, 2021: Reviewed