Book Review: How to Draw Cool Stuff by Catherine V. Holmes

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge,from Library Tales Publishing, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it

This is the first book in the How to Draw Cool Stuff Book Series (Book 2 is Shading, Textures and Optical Illusions and Book 3 is Holidays, Seasons and Events).

Synopsis:

How to Draw Cool Stuff shows simple step-by-step illustrations that make it easy for anyone to draw cool stuff with precision and confidence. These pages will guide you through the basic principles of illustration by concentrating on easy-to-learn shapes that build into complex drawings.

With the step-by-step guidelines provided, anything can become easy to draw. This book contains a series of fun, hands-on exercises that will help you see line, shape, space and other elements in everyday objects and turn them into detailed works of art in just a few simple steps.

The exercises in this book will help train your brain so you can visualize ordinary objects in a different manner, allowing you to see through the eyes of an artist. From photorealistic faces to holiday themes and tattoo drawings,How to Draw Cool Stuff makes drawing easier than you would think and more fun than you ever imagined! Now is the time to learn how to draw the subjects and scenes you've always dreamt of drawing. 

How to Draw Cool Stuff is suitable for artists of any age benefiting everyone from teachers and students to self-learners and hobbyists. How to Draw Cool Stuff will help you realize your artistic potential and expose you to the pure joy of drawing!

Review:

If you're old enough, you'll remember the old Academy of Art ads that were in comic books, Sunday newspaper and more, and you had to draw the animal/person to see if you qualified to be a student?

This book instantly reminded me of those- the simple line drawings and easy to draw objects:

But the book is so much more than that! It really is a beginners drawing course in every step of the way. At the beginning of Summer Miss Grace asked me to teacher her to draw.Once I found out this book was on the way, I opted to wait until it arrived.I am so glad I did!

As you can see the basics of drawing are covered very well! There is SO much that is taught here, that I learned in not 1, but 2 basic art classes. Little things like perspective and foreshortening really make the difference in getting the correct shape and look when drawing! Check out some examples of projects from the book I did:

I have NEVER been able to draw hands well before, but the technique taught in the book makes it SO SO SO easy! In fact, all the people drawing exercise really help you learn how to draw the body starting with shapes, and how much easier is is to use equal perspectives to make a final figure!

Miss Grace loved my bunny and roses! I actually like the way Catherine teaches to draw roses better than the way I learned- much more effective for shading. And she does teach that as well, another great learning technique.

Even Miss Grace was able to easily follow along with the book and learn! She didn't too to bad for her first attempt, and she went with a couple of harder pictures, like the butterfly and tower cake! 

In fact, I would say the book, with a set of pencils, a good eraser and drawing pad, would make an excellent 'I'm Bored' package for the pre-teen/teen this Summer, to give them something new to work on and learn! Perspective for example can be based on angles and math equations. Kids can learn more than they think, from what just seems like a fun activity!

We HIGHLY recommend this book, and we'll be picking up books 2 and 3 as well for Miss Grace to learn from too! I think it will be great for her to learn the different techniques and then to make unique birthday and Christmas cards, as well as gift items for family and friends!

About the Author:

Catherine V. Holmes is an art/ELA teacher and visual artist from historical Plymouth, Massachusetts. She studied at Boston University and at Bridgewater State College where she earned her BFA and MA in ED. She is currently working towards her second Master’s from the University of Scranton. 

Catherine Holmes specializes in portraits, architecture and illustrations. Her art is inspired by her feelings, ideas, and experiences, whether they are found in nature, the media or in man-made structures. Catherine is also heavily influenced by the interests and suggestions of her students. "To see success through their eyes inspires me to be a better teacher and creator of art."