Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner, Revised: 15th Anniversary Edition Paperback – July 3, 2018

I haven't done any of the lessons yet but flipped through it because I want to get through a few more things in my Keys For Drawing book first. The lessons seem to be very good for beginners with no drawing experience starting with basic and easy and progressing to more challenging as you go along. There's everything from still life to portraits to landscapeing. I was surprised at the thickness of the book and the binding seems very sturdy. It also covers different media and how to use them. Honestly, I couldn't find anything I disliked about the book.

I unreservedly recommend Claire Watson Garcia'’s “15th Anniversary“ revision of her seminal book for beginning (and advancing) drawing students.For “new” beginners - this edition offers the superb organization and lucid explanations that characterize Claire’s first edition. Her exercises, tips and sample drawings continue to reflect her deep understanding of the ambitions (and frustrations) of new artists. Her students’ comments which accompany their drawings helpfully reinforce Claire’s lessons. They inspired me to think, “I can do it, too."For those who already know Claire’s first book, this extensively revised version is well worth its bargain price. She has included new chapters on “Adding Dimension to Contour Drawing” and “Drawing the Face - Three-Quarter View”. Her edits and additions provide greater flow, logic and clarity. And her revised graphics and layout are cleaner, more spacious and even better correlated with her text.In short, I believe this is a great book for beginners, and can carry them further than her first edition. Aspiring artists should be grateful that Claire has given us the benefit of her last 15 years of teaching.Kitty S.

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library and loved it so purchased this copy. It is a very good tool for learning to draw. Sadly, Amazon crammed it into my mailbox which damaged the cover. It is permanently creased and does not lay flat. I hesitate to return or exchange because they threaten to not refund entirely at their discretion.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I have wanted to draw since I was a little girl but my classes in school did not set me up for success and I was convinced that I didn't have the talent needed in order to draw. Now at 34 after starting to use this book I find myself able to draw and I could not be happier. The practices seem unconventional at first read but they really have helped me to be able to draw what I see realistically. I was definitely an absolute and utter beginner when I started, I could barely draw a stick figure. Now when I see my drawings actually looking realistic and true to life I feel like some kind of magic is happening. I really do believe now that anyone can learn to draw, it's just a matter of finding the right learning technique and this book fit the bill for me. The quotes from her students were very helpful and encouraging, this is a low pressure book allowing for "mistakes" and really making your drawings your own. Thank you Claire Watson Garcia for helping me realize my dream.

I always recommend this for people, like me, who want to learn to draw but never received any art training, or even really tried previously.It's very accessible, but also fun.

betty edwards would be a better book for a beginner.

this was a gift for my mom who has two artistic daughters and at 66yrs old decided she wanted to learn how to draw too. when i looked it over to make sure it was a good place to start but would also grow with her. this book is full of exercises that teach the lessons of my own college art courses but with methods that are unique. i felt inspired by the book and may by myself a copy. when mom got it, she loved it. she said now i feel ready to buy a "full size sketch book and maybe i can learn to draw something i'm not embarrassed to show anybody." i'm so excited for her. this book is great.

Years ago I had this instructor and I knew nothing of drawing! Claire Garcia brought me to great heights in no time!! I read some reviews talking about the beginning drawing a wire and then drawing upside down, but there is a point to all this!! If you’re patient and do the exercises you will succeed! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I bought this book and find it’s very similar to her class at the Silvermine guild in New Canaan Connecticut. Best to all drawers 🤗