Foundations of Drawing: A Practical Guide to Art History, Tools, Techniques, and Styles

In terms of what I wanted, this drawing tutorial book is the best I've found. I first found it in a local library and I didn't want to give it back. The e-book version is as good as, and a little more being an update, as the printed version. I read it on Windows, Android and iPad. The print clarity and graphics are better than I had expected.

A must have for any artists library

Al Gury is the head of the painting department at the Phila. Academy of Fine Arts. Such a fine artist. Took many workshops from him. This book would make a great tool for art teachers.

"Foundations of Drawing" is an art book about the history, tools, materials, and techniques of drawing. I wish I had this book when I started learning how to draw. My original art instructor and many art books assumed that I already understood what various drawing terms meant or what mediums best worked with what paper. This book is cheap considering it'll save you money by explaining what supplies you really needed for what you want to do. The book started off with a brief history of drawing, which looked at the various periods to see what styles dominated or changes took place. The author then described the various drawing tools and materials, including how to best use them and what papers or brushes work best with which mediums. This was so helpful and explained why I've felt frustrated at times. He also explained the advantages and disadvantages of the various mediums. He included watercolor and other paints when used in a "drawing" style. He then covered a wide variety of drawing skills, like how to hold drawing tools; use grids; blend; erase; use line, shape, and hatching; create light and shade, and more. He clearly explained the various terms and how to do the skill. There were illustrations either showing a finished work that used a technique or demonstrating how to do it. A lot of the drawings were of nudes or figures, though he did describe the steps to take to compose and draw still life, interiors and architecture, as well as portraits and figures. I expect to regularly consult this book until I settle down to a favored medium and style. I'd highly recommend this as a reference book for students and self-taught individuals who are serious about learning to draw. Don't expect a lot of step-by-step drawing projects but rather the basics of how to draw well that you can apply to any project. I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

Some people are gifted artists and are effortlessly able to create artistic masterpieces. For the rest of us, Foundations of Drawing gives not only a history of art, but useful information on the tools and techniques necessary to bring out your creative genius. Lavishly illustrated with many examples, the author begins with the encouraging reassurance that "anyone can learn to draw." The book then traces the history of drawing, from its supposedly romantic beginnings when young woman traced the outline of her war-bound boyfriend, to the more likely origins of cave paintings from over 700,000 years ago. The author notes how Picasso and other artists were influenced by these early cave drawings and made "conscious decisions to adopt alternative methods of drawing." That's always been my explanation, too . . . After tracing the development of drawing through the centuries and various artistic movements, there is a discussion of the various materials that can be used for creating your masterpiece. In addition to giving a description of each type of material, the author also offers advice on how to use each one. The majority of the book is devoted to Essential Drawing Skills and Demonstrations, including techniques such as blending, texture and working with light and shade. Step-by-step instructions show how to begin and progress through such projects as drawing still lifes, animals and the human figure. After your work is done, there is information on using fixatives and storing your work. Whether you've always wanted to learn to draw, or are merely interested in art and art history, this book offers a great deal of in-depth information on the subject. Even if you don't plan to start drawing yourself, seeing how artists go about their work is fascinating. Disclaimer: I received a copy of Foundations of Drawing from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review

Maestro Gury's chapter on Essential Drawing Materials alone is worth the price of the book and the worth of his other writings is incalculable...buy this book NOW.

Foundations of Drawing by Al Gury This book preserves the tradition and methods of drawing at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts - Patricia Traub

The title is somewhat misleading - the book is mostly about life drawing. There are lots of books on that, so I don't need another one! I am returning this copy.

ルネッサンス時代からの作品、近代のクールベ、ドガ、スーラ、カサット コルビッツ、現代美術の人物を解体して、再構築した抽象作品 画材、ツール、非常に完成度の高い作品群、抽象作品から、現代 アートまで多彩な構成で掲載されている。個人的に惹かれるのは 首から、足先までのパステル、チャコール、水彩、オイル、鉛筆など 植物、風景、色んなジャンルの作品がある。グリッドを使用した 静物画、計測棒を使用した石膏像の制作、人物の完成度の高いデッサン集 抽象性の強い作品から空気の層を感じさせる室内風景の女性像 生徒の静物画創作の為のセッティングの方法、厳格な人物作品がメインで 構成されている、他にも動物の作品もある。 全体を通じて言えるのは、数学的で構築性を感じさせる作品集だと言える。 全部で２１５ページだがそれ以上の作品が掲載されていて見るに楽しい 作品集ともいえる。

A essential book for the painters and artist

This book was a real find for me. It was like an art foundation course but without the college fees. It gives you enough information to inspire you to take your own research further. I read this easily from cover to cover and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would like to have seen a list of recommended books for further reading, but that is my only down point. Can’t recommend this enough for those starting out on their art/art history journey.

Unfortunately I had to wait a while for this book to arrive as the Post Office seem to have mislaid it somewhere along the line but it did arrive eventually, I'm glad to say. The book itself was very well packed and suffered no ill for being in the hands of the Post Office for so long. I have not had time to study it in depth yet but like what I have seen of it on quickly browsing through when it eventually came into my hands.

A plethora of knowledge and a very good reference asset for all aspiring artists.