Usborne Art Ideas Big Book of Things to Draw

This book is a fantastic resource for budding artists and creative minds: the Usborne Art Ideas Big Book of Things to Draw. Now, if you're familiar with Usborne's drawing books, you might be thinking of their comprehensive "Complete Book of Drawing." And while that's a fantastic resource in its own right, this one takes a slightly different, and in my opinion, wonderfully playful approach.

Think of this book as more akin to Usborne's brilliant "How to" collection. Instead of focusing solely on foundational drawing skills, this book presents you with exciting artistic proposals. It's all about exploring different drawing and painting techniques to achieve a specific kind of artwork.

You see, it doesn't just say "draw a tree." Instead, it might suggest creating a textured tree using collage techniques, or perhaps painting a vibrant sunset using a wash and resist method. It’s all about getting your hands busy and experimenting with different ways to bring an idea to life. This artisanal approach to art-making is where this book truly shines. It encourages you to think beyond just the lines and consider the materials and techniques as part of the creative process.

Now, as you delve deeper into the book, you will find sections that dedicate more time to fundamental skills like drawing the human figure and understanding perspective. These are certainly valuable additions and provide a more traditional grounding in drawing principles.

But honestly, the magic of this book lies in its initial chapters, in its invitation to play and experiment. It’s about the joy of creating something unique and handcrafted, using a variety of techniques that add depth and interest to your artwork. It’s less about achieving perfect realism right away and more about the journey of artistic exploration.

So, if you're looking for a drawing book that sparks your imagination, encourages experimentation with different art techniques, and has a wonderfully hands-on feel, the Usborne Art Ideas Big Book of Things to Draw is definitely worth checking out. It's a fantastic way to learn by doing and to discover the beauty of creating art in an artisanal way.