Beginning Drawing Atelier: An Instructional Sketchbook

This is the first book I've purchased from Juliette Aristides, but it will not be the last. Her writing is thoughtful and introspective, while remaining technically concise and instructive. She speaks to the heart of what is happening here: we are learning to slow down, to seek beauty, to wonder, to see the world anew. She is a master of her craft and a wonderful teacher. The exquisite artwork included for study illuminate the concepts being taught, and curated quotes from other authors and artists create a harmonious framework of both literary and visual poetry that affirm the goodness and beauty of this work. The layout of the book is beautiful in its sequence and content, moving deftly from each chapter while building upon new skills acquired and practiced. The quality of the book in its images, binding and paper type make the experience of reading and working in it that much more delightful. That it is a guided workbook is another one of its strengths. Faced with a blank sketchbook page and a desire to use my time well, I have often felt disorganized in my approach. The instructions of the book give me the structure I need to work wisely in my limited time, and challenge me as well. If you have been curious about learning classical drawing, this is a wonderful introduction. If you have been intimidated, or doubt your capacity, be encouraged by this paragraph found in the Opening: "You may have thought that only some people can draw well and others cannot, that some people are talented and you you not. This is simply not true. If you can write a letter, you can learn to draw. ... The ability to draw lives in you as much as in any artist; in fact, it is your right. The journey of learning to draw contains some risk. There may be a feeling of clumsiness or foolishness as you start, and you may get a little lost, but there is a great reward at the end. Drawing is a slow art: it takes time."

Wonderful and in-depth instruction from Juliette Aristides! One of my favorite artists from Seattle Washington!

I love this format that gives you excellent instruction and the space to draw in the same book. Rather than having to carry a sketch pad or book, you draw on the high quality pages of this book. Juliette provides ghosted images of famous works, gives exercises on learning to see shapes, and to create volume. The reason I love this book is because I can read Juliette’s teaching and immediately put it into action on the same or adjoining page where she provides steps to create the drawing. This is a high level and user friendly instructional book based on the atelier approach, created with high quality heavy paper, and can be appreciated by those seeking good instruction and those wanting to have a fun book with interesting drawing exercises to keep up their skills.

Great book. Gentle language. Clear instructions. Starts with writing the alphabet and progresses all the way to drawing portraits.

This is a gem of a drawing instruction book. Her approach is more of a master teaching an apprentice rather than a "how to". Both methods have their place but a master: apprentice approach fills a long overlooked void that many art students would benefit from. The book is formatted like a large hardbound journal , including an elastic closure to keep it closed when it is in your tote bag. Each "lesson" builds on the previous one and uses classical paintings and drawings as reference material. Some of the lessons have a blank page or a half page to be used in practising the skill for that lesson. Conclusion - Completing this entire book will put a solid foundation under any person that desires to improve thier skills or is starting from scratch. You can learn to draw whether you label yourself an artist or not. It is a learned skill. The practice of drawing is that of problem solving and is also a form meditation. Try it and be amazed at your accomplishment. Give this as a gift or use it yourself. Take it with you everywhere and let it replace your web surfing time. I am gaining skills and magic by following her lessons here even though I have been drawing many years. Why not try a new approach ? A fun and rewarding challenge. Oh and lucky tip: Amazon description offers a ton of good info from this book. Hope santa claus will bring me another of her books . Cheers. Smiley

Ever look at your art work and wonder, " What's WRONG with this picture?" Nice people will say something like, "Oh it's lovely, you just have a case of Artist Blindness. You think everything you do is terrible." I usually couldn't find an answer for the first question, and was never able to respond to the second comment. Until now! Juliette Aristides' workbook, "Beginning Drawing Atelier," starts at the beginning. Drawing a line. Lines have weight (seriously, I was using a ruler before) she shows you how they breathe and move and create movement. The lessons are not complex, yet I found myself using tracing paper so as to avoid marking in the book in order to redo many of the lessons over. Sometimes I wondered, 'Had I missed something more subtle?' Other times I just enjoyed repeating a lesson, or copying the particular piece of presenting artwork. With chapter one completed, I draw lines in any direction, straight ones no less. Curves and semi-circle, no problem! My newly developed ability to SEE how the placement and interaction of line has the power to either focus or divert a viewer's attention, has help me answer my initial question. What was wrong with my picture/s? Well I'm off to start chapter two!

With suggestions and some step-by-step instructions, this book is one that can help you make progress in attainable steps toward more realistic renderings with shadings and with proportional awareness. A relaxing way to practice your drawing.

Great book for learning to sketch.

fondamentale per chiunque voglia imparare l'arte del disegno

Juliete Aristides é uma das minhas prediletas escritoras técnicas para desenho. nessa obra tema uma coisa exageradamente intrigante que é : O LIVRO TEM APENAS 23CM X 20CM, ( É BEM PEQUENO ) E MESMO ASSIM consegue ser de confortável leitura e o conteúdo técnico é primoroso e essencial, tem uma capa bem robusta e dura , as folhas são de ótima qualidade e o livro tem um elástico fixador para deixar fechado. Ponto negativo ?, algumas pouquíssimas impressões de métodos estão um pouco mal feitas , mas nada comprometedor .... vale a compra total ........

Excellent drawing workbook with interesting exercises.

I bought this book without really knowing what to expect from it. I learned how to draw during my studies but I wasn't very good at it, I was too shy so I just completely shut off and never touched a pencil again in 15 years. Just recently I felt the urge to "learn" how to draw again but this time, to do it at my own pace with an intimate and simple approach. This book was just what I needed, it gave me confidence again in my skills and showed me that drawing is a bit like riding a bicycle, once you've learned you never forget how to ride, you just need to keep in motion not to loose your balance. The secret is practice ! I love the way this book is written, it almost feels like the writer is having a conversation with you. I definitely recommend this book for those how are just too shy to give a go at drawing.

この画家の姉妹版で内容が、重複している個所もあるが 植物・風景・人物と、完成された作品から、プロセスに至る 作業が掲載されている。始めに、全体の大体の形を直線で取り それから、細かい作業に移って行くのだが、ヴァリューの重要性は シッカリと書かれている。黒から白に至る段階を習得する事で 絵に深み・質感・存在感を描く事が出来る。 頭部の描き方でも、骨格の説明の図版（様々なアングルの顔の向き） が掲載されている。最後は、男女の肖像・半身像が描くプロセスがあるが 理解し易い内容と成っている。末尾に山の中の木々、道・水溜りが 非常に克明に、リアリティを持って描かれている。 何のない変哲の場面でも、常にアンテナを張り 絵に出来そうな場所を 探す事も重要だろう。