Book Review: The Natural Way to Draw by Kimon Nicolaides

Truely a work of Art(In teaching, that is!)

This book takes a distinctly different approach to the study of art. there is no talk of copying a model or picture, or even talk of 'construction' or things such as perspective, and so on. But it takes a truely traditional approach in which the student is given the tools to study the subject in a perfectly natural and intiutive manner. makes you wonder why even have other ways of study.

The focus is on gesture, contour, mass, modeling. It is preferable to have a live model, or the figure as the subject, though it can be anything.

This book (or manual, or workbook, or textbook or Bible) really works. Its like taking a regular intensive training program in drawing.
First, let me tell about 'Other' books:Lots (Tons & Tons) of books are there in this subject. Problem is, they all have lots of drawings made by the author. Sometimes it is intimidating to take the first(important) steps because these drawings are so carefully made you just want to do the same. At the best, you learn to *Copy* an artist's art! :(Result ... you learn NOTHING.

In this book, you hardly see a 'perfect' drawing. All(almost) are scribblings..Natural scribblings. they are the work in progress of a learner. There are no drawings in this book to copy or reproduce !! Only methods and techniques & more importantly EXCERCISES !! This book does not give you Fish, instead it teaches you how to Fish! You will be able to draw anything & everything...Confidently !

If you are going to buy only one book in your life time, let this be the book. You probably don't need another!

For me, it has given a new lease of life to the artist in me. I can confidently say that I have begun learning art now!...

Note: I got hold of the book a long time back. Been practicing the lessons in the book on and off, as I find time. One thing that amazed me was when I look at the drawings that I drew before this book and my recent drawings. I cannot believe it. There was never in all my years did I have such a sharp improvement and *confidence* in drawing. Though there is still a long way to go, it is now very fulfilling to know I am on the right track .

This is an extract from my review at Amazon.com, You can find more of my reviews here.