5.0 out of 5 stars Could not be happier that I found this book

R.H. · 14 February 2021

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I've been wanting to learn to draw for a while. It's been on my list of things to do in my spare time for a while, but I never got round to it. I was initially looking for actually classes that had a teacher as I felt this would be the best way to develop quickly. I never got round to doing that.When the pandemic hit, I found myself spending a lot more time indoors and my wish to learn to draw came back. I initially browsed for recommendations on the net and watched some YouTube videos, but realised I lacked a lot of fundamental ability, so I felt the deep and steady approach of learning to draw via a book would be the best route.I eventually ended up on this book, which I believe it was on a list of 'must-read' books for budding artists, and I duly started reading it. I was pleased that it starts from zero and assumes little in your drawing ability, and it takes you to something much more accomplished. It's a good mix of theory and practical; the theory is backed up by rigorous research with university professors, the practical from the author's years of experience as an artist and in teaching art. It's quite interesting to read even if you're not interested in learning to draw; there it a lot of knowledge shared about left vs. right brain thinking which is something I was vaguely aware of before but this book helped crystalise that knowledge.This is an age where we are always 'on' consuming content in all forms. The knowledge contained in this book is an antidote to the modern day ailment of being unable to switch off.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful for beginners

M.A.J. · 10 March 2024

I often struggled to understand the drawing process from a cognitive perspective, which for me represented a sort of barrier for me being able to draw. Betty does a fantastic job of taking a step back and showing you how to approach drawing in a way which feels meditative, natural and almost necessary in today's short attention span orientated world.I am only half way through but have already found the book to be incredibly helpful to me and has already had a significant impact on my ability to draw, couldn't recommend it enough.

4.0 out of 5 stars Techniques for Improving Your Creativity

P.O. · 22 December 2015

The book provides the principles that can be applied to achieve outstanding works not only for those who draw but also for everyone whose job demands creativity. The results you achieve as you apply the principles contained in the bookRight Thinking Right Actions: The book that helps you realise that you are smarter than you think can be amazing. This applies to both children and adults.

5.0 out of 5 stars Epic book

M. · 12 June 2025

Brilliant book

5.0 out of 5 stars New section on creative problem solving exactly what I've been looking for.

Y. · 28 October 2018

When I was in high school this book took me from being unable to draw anything at all to creating a portfolio for a tough audition for an art school. I passed the audition and went to art school but switched later from art to engineering. I've never forgotten how to draw and how to slow down and see. I know this book also trained me to be better software developer but I've never been able to explain why; the new section on applying these techniques beyond drawing explains it for me, and make the steps to general problem solving and creativity in other domains explicit. I went for the hardcover version because this is the one book I'd take with me to a desert island.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good purchase!

N.E.O. · 27 July 2024

Very good for helping with learning more drawing techniques, etc.

5.0 out of 5 stars A good read to develop personal skills and understanding!

E. · 19 June 2024

Just at the start of my journey in painting and drawing. I LOVE IT:))My tutor Becky recommended this book to the class. I am very grateful she did, it gives an understanding how the brain works and how much we do automatically without really seeing!

3.0 out of 5 stars So disappointing - wish I hadn't bothered

T.M. · 2 March 2022

Where to startI will, try and start and end with some positives.The book has a fantastic section on portraits and drawing of the human head. The detail - and the structured approach to drawing a head - or a self portrait is impressive and very worthwhile.Sadly so much is included in this book and so much is left out. A huge amount of padding and waffle about psychology, brain anatomy and perception that goes on and on. In fact it is about page 200 before it starts to teach you anything. The author says this is important - it is a little bit important but boy is it wordy and unnecessary. Crushingly boring.There is a detailed section on perspective - it makes a complex subject even more complex and baffling so I gave up and I went off to another book to learn more on this topic.Huge topics are missing - nothing on Landscape drawing - nothing on seascapes - nothing on animals - nothing on the human body - nothing on trees - nothing on weather - nothing on skyscapes - nothing on drawing water................so much not included.It claims to be the classic drawing book....but how can it be when it only teaches about portrait drawing?Do not buy this book if you want to learn how to draw - I have no clue what its objective is. Frankly it bored me and I feel I have wasted my money.I was going to give it 4 stars but as I wrote this review it reminded me of how disappointing the book was if you want to learn. It will go on the bookshelf but I wont be bothering to refer to it again.I will try and end on a positive. Sections on portraits are good- good section on negative shapes, hatching and lines are OK(ish)

Good book for starting to draw

S. · 15 May 2023

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Outdated and pseudo-scientific ramblings, very little about actual drawing

A. · 10 August 2024

I don't get the good reviews. This book's style and heavy use of pseudo-scientific, wrong and outdated arguments about the brain reminds me of those courses that miraculously want to teach you perfect pitch.It takes around a 100 pages of making the same point in different phrasings before the author starts teaching you something, and again, the instructions remain interspersed with quotes about how their workshop is great and more pseudo-science about how you should truly perceive.Waste of time and money.

Life changing book, buy it read it and learn how to see the world with fresh eyes

D.M.P. · 5 July 2022

I crawled slowly through this book at a snails pace. It took me a couple of years to complete the exercises. Nevertheless, the improvement to my drawing has been unbelievable.Every one can draw, the problem usually is that we've unlearned how to see what is truly there.I thoroughly recommend this book, worth every cent.Grab your pencils 🙂

Fundamental para qualquer artista

D. · 13 January 2023

Este é um livro fundamental para quem não só aprender a desenhar, mas como a mente funciona, quando se agarra num lapis

Desejo cancelamento do pedido

L.d. · 9 December 2020

Desejo cancelamento do pedido D01-4834533-3648224, pois houve engano meu no formato do produto, não quero o Kindle.