ART BOOKS

In The Urban Sketching Handbook: Panoramas and Vertical Vistas, urban sketcher and art educator Mario Linhares gives a guided tour on how to explore and capture cityscapes, landscapes, and more in drawings from unique points of view.

In this thorough yet accessible book, you’ll learn how to:

Improve your drawing skills and selectively translate what you see for maximum impact

Fearlessly use your sketchbook as a laboratory for experimenting with various points of view and perspectives

Consider the many options for visual approaches with work contributed by a wide variety of experienced sketchers

Featuring eight special gatefold pages that showcase outsized images, The Urban Sketching Handbook: Panoramas and Vertical Vistas will show you how to heighten the visual drama of every subject.

The Urban Sketching Handbook series offers location artists expert instruction on creative techniques, on-location tips and advice, and an abundance of visual inspiration. These handy references come in a compact, easy-to-carry format—perfect to toss in your backpack or artist’s tote.

Discover a unique approach to creating art on location: start with a loose, colorful watercolor sketch, let that layer dry, then add details in ink. The result? Sketches that are more vibrant, dynamic, and fun!

Designer, urban sketcher, and author of The Urban Sketching Handbook: Sketch Now, Think Later, Mike Daikubara is your guide to this exciting method in The Urban Sketching Handbook: Color First, Ink Later:

Start with a detailed overview of the process, from optional light pencil sketch to finishing touches

Follow along several step-by-step demonstrations that apply the approach to a range of subjects, from still life to figures to architecture

Get inspired by an extensive gallery of on-location sketches

You’ll learn how to let watercolor do the hard work of urban sketching and enjoy the spontaneous effects and delightful surprises you’ll see in your artwork.

The Urban Sketching Handbooks series offers location artists expert instruction on creative techniques, on-location tips and advice, and an abundance of visual inspiration. These handy references come in a compact, easy-to-carry format—perfect to toss in your backpack or artist’s tote.

Explore new ways to capture nature in your on-location drawings and paintings through insightful tips and inspiring artwork from 40+ artists from around the world.

In The Urban Sketching Handbook Spotlight on Nature, Gail L. Wong and Virginia Hein share their secrets for getting beyond basic greenery. Presenting a variety of approaches, including detailed examples, quick tips, and “workshop” ideas for practicing the concepts, this book reviews important fundamentals for composition and color and inspires unique treatments and points of view.

There is a story to be told about nature wherever we are. Pack this handbook with your art supplies as you set out to tell your own stories of nature, and discover:

Different ways you can use nature to compose your story and your sketch, whether nature is the main character, the setting, or a frame for your composition.

A variety of approaches to representing the incredible variety of forms, surfaces, and textures we find in nature, including finding shape, proportion, and structure and creating depth.

Tips for finding the character of a place with advice on painting water movement, atmosphere and weather, and quality of light.

Places to find nature in a city, from a venerable landmark tree to a humble dandelion growing in a sidewalk crack.

An exploration of various methods of expressive interpretation, including sketching in monochrome, playing with color palettes, and simplifying shapes.

A gallery of inspirational examples of art showing a variety of different artistic styles and a list of 24 artistic challenges to develop your own style and skills.

Geared toward intermediate and experienced artists, but a great inspirational reference for beginners, The Urban Sketching Handbook Spotlight on Nature shows you the many ways you can bring nature to life on the page.

The Urban Sketching Handbook series offers artists expert instruction on creative techniques, on-location tips and advice, and an abundance of visual inspiration. These handy references come in a compact, easy-to-carry format—perfect to toss in your backpack or artist’s tote.

A good sketch starts with good bones.

The fourth book in the Urban Sketching Handbook series uses drawings and simple steps to explain the often challenging and overwhelming concepts of perspective in practical and useful ways for on-site sketching. Most books are either too abstract or don't provide enough information that relates to what you actually do when you're out in the busy, wide world about to start a drawing. Where do you start? How do you edit what you see to flatten and shrink it onto your paper? How does perspective work?

The Urban Sketching Handbook: Understanding Perspective helps you learn to think like an architect, to draw buildings and spaces by reducing what you see to simple, basic shapes, then adding layers in simple steps, and finally finishing your sketch with detail, tone, and color--in accurate perspective. Full of helpful tips, architect and illustrator, Stephanie Bower even de-constructs sketches to show you how to create them! Once you understand perspective, it will change the way you see the world--you'll see perspective everywhere.

Some of the key concepts explored in this volume are:

Basic Terms

Basic Spatial Principles

Types of Perspective

Building a Sketch in Layers

Special Conditions

Master the challenges of drawing on location with this collection of insider know-how and expert tips and techniques.

Illustrator, architect, and international workshop instructor and Urban Sketcher Stephanie Bower has collected 101 of her best insider drawing tips, hacks, and techniques and shares them in this fully illustrated, portable book. Learn shortcuts to getting your perspective right, determining your composition, and balancing your light and shadow.

This book collects many basic drawing techniques into one handy volume:

How to draw a great line

Using ellipses to draw arches

How towers are like wedding cakes

The importance of your eye level line in sketching

and 97 things more!

The book also features beautiful example illustrations from Urban Sketchers around the globe! Whether you are new to sketching or are an experienced artist, this book is chock-full of useful, practical, and clever tips to take your drawing to the next level.

The Urban Sketching Handbook series offers location artists expert instruction on creative techniques, on-location tips and advice, and an abundance of visual inspiration. These handy references come in a compact, easy-to-carry format—perfect to toss in your backpack or artist’s tote.

In The Urban Sketching Handbook: Drawing Expressive People, urban sketcher and workshop instructor Róisín Curé shows how to make your figures more than just anonymous bystanders by sharing the basics of drawing people on the go as well as how to successfully render poses, faces, and expressions.

Following an essential section on proportion, you’ll find tips, tricks, and examples for surmounting the intimidating prospect of capturing ever-shifting subjects, plus techniques for portraying poses accurately and distilling details that convey personality and emotion, whether individually, in small groups, or in crowds.

Bring figures and people to life on the page and tell an authentic visual story with The Urban Sketching Handbook: Drawing Expressive People.

The Urban Sketching Handbook series offers location artists expert instruction on creative techniques, on-location tips and advice, and an abundance of visual inspiration. These handy references come in a compact, easy-to-carry format—perfect to toss in your backpack or artist’s tote.

A beautifully illustrated introduction to the study of human anatomy by best-selling artist and author, Giovanni Civardi. An approachable and informative guide to studying and drawing the human form by best-selling master artist Giovanni Civardi.

This invaluable addition to Civardi's highly regarded collection of instructional art books illustrates and describes the importance of understanding the inner workings of the human body, to the theory of composing accurate life drawings with pencil and paper.

Begin by discovering the journey artists have taken through the centuries to accurately delineate the human figure. Learn and understand how our bones and muscles play their roles in our shapes, gestures and movement. Every essential aspect of anatomy is supported by photographs and diagrams, along with beautifully drawn examples by the artist.

This comprehensive manual offers the perfect introduction and reference guide to drawing the human form, whether you are an experienced artist or a practised student studying the art of life drawing.

Dive into figure painting with this fresh take on capturing the human form in watercolour.

Painter Leo Crane and art model Roy Joseph Butler explore how to interpret the gestures and movements of the figure through the language of paint. Through a range of exercises, they show how to work with the fluidity and immediacy of watercolour to create lively paintings that are bursting with character and narrative possibility.

With experience in both fine art and animation, they share tips on bringing life to the figure, and encourage you to discover a liberating and enjoyable approach to paint. Packed with techniques, exercises and step-by-step demonstrations, the book covers:

The Figure: Observing the human figure and working with life models.

Watercolour: Materials, tools, techniques and colour theory.

Speed: Capturing movement and painting at speed, with two-minute studies.

Gesture: Poses, sequences and conveying expression.

Story: Creating mood, context, composition and narrative.

Beyond the Figure: Bringing human energy and movement to still life, animals and landscapes.

From the models: Life model case studies.

Paintings by Leo feature throughout to demonstrate the working process through to finished product. With a focus on the dynamic exchange between artist and subject, speed, gesture and story, this book will appeal to artists looking anew at life painting and who are eager to capture the essence of character in movement.

With Drawing Birds, learn to render a variety of beautiful, realistic birds in graphite pencil.

Artists of all skill levels and bird enthusiasts alike will find creative inspiration and valuable drawing instruction in Drawing: Birds. This comprehensive, 10.25 × 13.75-inch book book opens with an introduction to essential drawing tools, including graphite pencils, erasers, paper, and other materials. Then learn a variety of basic drawing techniques, such as shading, stippling, hatching, crosshatching, and others. Discover helpful tips for creating a good composition, understanding and seeing value, transferring photo references, and taking artistic liberties. After learning the drawing basics, jump into the easy step-by-step projects to draw specific birds, including a barred owl, a great blue heron, a ruby-throated hummingbird, a gray parrot, a pileated woodpecker, and black-capped chickadees.

In this book, professional artist and nature enthusiast Maury Aaseng offers simple, comprehensive instruction for drawing a range of lovely birds, as well as information for achieving accurate proportions, capturing motion, and building up form. Aaseng also shows you how to create realistic textures, such as feathers, nests, tree bark, and water. With his easy step-by-step projects that start with basic shapes and progress to detailed final drawings, you can draw many birds, from the common to the exotic. Easy-to-follow instruction and art tips throughout make Drawing: Birds a complete guide for creating realistic and detailed drawings of these feathered friends. For the aspiring avian artist, this book is a must-have art-instruction reference.

Designed for beginners, the How to Draw & Paint series offers easy-to-follow guides that introduce artists to basic tools and materials and include simple step-by-step lessons for a variety of projects suitable for the aspiring artist. Drawing: Birds allows artists to develop drawing skills by demonstrating how to start with basic shapes and use pencil and shading techniques to create varied textures, values, and details for a realistic, completed drawing.

The New Color Mixing Companion is a modern guide to mixing colour and creating exciting palettes, with hands-on projects that incorporate inventive techniques.

Uncover new ideas and easy methods of working with colour from artist and popular Instagrammer Josie Lewis, who offers fun lessons that will help you understand colour in new ways, opening fresh avenues for your own artwork.

This comprehensive guide begins with an introduction to colour that includes the colour wheel, basic colour terminology, and essential supplies. Starter projects help you get comfortable with colour while learning how to work with watercolour, acrylic paint, and collage. Next-level projects take your skills even further, with more innovative techniques.

The book also includes easy-to-use templates with modern geometric layouts that you can use to create your own stunning colour patterns. You’ll also discover how to:

Make gorgeous rainbow effects using a variety of materials and methods.

Work and play with scraps, shapes and swatches in an array of hues that will help build your colour confidence.

Create beautiful texture in watercolor and acrylic paint using simple supplies and techniques.

Mix colors to produce shades ranging from calming neutrals to blazing brights.

Use color effectively to take your imagination to new heights.

Open yourself to incredible creative possibilities with The New Color Mixing Companion!

If you love the Kawaii style but don't know where to start, this is the book for you! 10 Step Drawing: Kawaii will help you turn simple shapes into cute drawings in this popular style in just ten easy steps. Create over 50 different characters from a cuddly penguin and a magical unicorn to a cheeky bubble tea and a cute cupcake, by following the step-by-step instructions.

Learning to draw has never been so simple!

Discover the essence of modern oil painting through a dynamic blend of innovation and passion, rooted in tradition and expertise. Unlock the secrets of oil painting alongside Adebanji Alade, the esteemed President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.

This comprehensive guide serves as a beacon for hobby artists seeking to refine their craft by learning from a master artist and gaining inspiration from his practical demonstrations. Adebanji's goal is to demystify oil painting for all, making this book equally valuable for novices and seasoned artists alike.

Starting with the fundamentals of transferring images and preparing oil paints, this manual delves into various working methods, covering essential concepts such as value, edges, and colour. Through concise exercises and expert techniques, readers are guided from basic sketching and drawing to Adebanji's unique approaches to oil painting.

Explore Adebanji's insightful methods for capturing a diverse range of subjects, from intimate portraits to bustling cityscapes. Delve into the nuances of light, weather, character, and atmosphere as illuminated by this contagiously enthusiastic artist. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, this book is your key to unleashing your artistic potential in the world of oil painting.

Animals hold a timeless allure for artists, yet many find it challenging to capture their essence authentically. Enter Jo Allsopp's vibrant and accessible guide, where her genuine love for wildlife shines through. With a loose, lively style, Jo's art embodies the spirit of each creature, inspiring readers to emulate her dynamic approach.

Featuring a diverse array of animals from red squirrels to majestic lions, this book serves as a wellspring of inspiration for beginners, hobbyists, and seasoned artists alike. Dive into Jo's world, where motivation meets practicality through short exercises and insightful drawing techniques.

Discover Jo's signature wet-into-wet watercolour technique, enriched with vibrant hues and captivating textures achieved through innovative methods like wax resist and spatter effects. Explore an eclectic mix of media, including ink, pens, bleach, and acrylic inks, as Jo demystifies their usage and effects.

With step-by-step projects and personalized guidance, unleash your creativity and infuse your artwork with the same spirit and energy that animates Jo's captivating paintings.

Calling all art enthusiasts! Dive into the world of Pop Art with this beginner-friendly guide. Pop Art is known for its bold colors, iconic imagery, and instant recognizability. But the best part? It's surprisingly easy to create yourself!

This comprehensive book by Thomas Böhler equips you with everything you need to get started. Learn about the essential materials, tools, and techniques used in Pop Art. Plus, get inspired by a collection of dazzling artworks, featuring homages to legends like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, alongside fresh, contemporary pieces.

More than just a decorative hobby, this book will inspire you to create your own unique works of pop art.

A fantastic art style that is very achievable for beginners

Packed full of inspirational pop art pieces

Includes advice on everything from choosing your materials to using photo or a real life reference and adding colouring and design effects

Bring the beauty of birds to life with Beautiful Birds colouring book! From the vibrant hues of blue jays to the charming details of finches, this book offers a stunning collection of birds to colour. Whether you're a passionate birdwatcher or simply enjoy the calming melodies of birdsong, this colouring book provides a delightful escape for all. Explore a variety of feathered friends, including songbirds, majestic seabirds, graceful water birds, and awe-inspiring birds of prey.

More than 120 lovely designs

Intricate meditative patterns on the back of each page

Beautiful line-drawn art

Unlock the Wild in You with Watercolour! Wild Watercolour goes beyond the basics, guiding you to paint stunning wildlife and their natural habitats. Discover the joy and freedom of watercolour painting as you reconnect with the beauty of nature, both inside and out. Each project is a step-by-step journey, introducing a new watercolour technique to bring your artistic vision to life.

Learn the basics with guided exercises showing you how to depict your favourite animals in watercolour, including:

Dry brush on wet effect – red pandas

Wet brush on wet effect – beetles

Glazing – ladybirds

Blooms – hare silhouettes

Pulling technique – frogs

Watercolour and ink – koi fish

Sing masking tape – snake

Using different textures – turtles

Expressive features – flamingos

Using space – dolphins

Different brush strokes – chameleons

Painting patterns – butterflies

The beloved Japanese kawaii art style showcases irresistibly cute illustrated characters and inanimate objects. Dive into the charm of kawaii with the Kawaii Cuties colouring book, where you can unwind and mindfully colour delightful cats, dogs, wild animals, food items, and more.

Over 120 adorable colouring pages

Intricate meditative patterns on the back of each page

A variety of animals and characters