The Best Drawing Books for Beginners

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Which are the best drawing books for absolute beginners? Looking for great drawing books to add to your collection so that you can have guides to keep coming back to?
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Embarking on the journey to develop your drawing skills can be both exciting and daunting. 

Add to this the never-ending amount of resources we have available to us now-a-days, from videos, to blog posts, to full online courses, and it's easy to get overwhelmed. 

So overwhelmed that we freeze and don't do anything at all, or keep jumping from video to video trying to find answers, just to end up wasting a ton of precious time.

Time you could be using for effective practice that can actually help you build a solid foundation and accelerate your learning curve. 

Books are invaluable guides that offer structured lessons, practical tips and exercises. 

By investing in the right books, you can transform your drawing abilities, gaining confidence and proficiency much faster.
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Here are my favorite 6 books that I would recommend to any beginner. 

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The 5 Best Books for Beginner Artists Wanting to Develop Their Drawing Skills

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Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: The Definitive, 4th Edition by Betty Edwards *Click to see prices on Amazon.

The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Work *Click to see prices on Amazon.

​1. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook by Betty Edwards

Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is a classic that has helped countless beginners develop their drawing skills. This book focuses on developing the potential of the right side of the brain, which is often underutilized in our day-to-day lives.

Edwards provides exercises that train readers to see the world differently, breaking down complex objects into simple shapes and lines. Readers will learn to shift their perception, which is crucial for accurate drawing.

The book covers fundamental techniques, including contour drawing, perspective, and shading.
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A companion to the original Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, Betty Edwards' The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook provides additional exercises for beginners. This workbook reinforces the concepts introduced in the first book, helping readers develop their skills further through even more hands-on practice.

The exercises are designed to improve observational skills, enhance creativity, and build confidence in drawing. Various subjects are covered, from still life to portraits, ensuring that readers gain a well-rounded understanding of drawing techniques.
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Keys to Drawing Paperback by Bert Dodson *Click to see prices on Amazon.

2. Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson

Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson is also very helpful resource for beginners looking to develop their drawing abilities. 

The book is filled with practical exercises and tips that guide readers through the drawing process step-by-step. Essential topics such as proportions, light and shadow, and texture are covered.

It focuses on developing observational skills, helping artists train their eyes to see like an artist.

Dodson's clear instructions make this a perfect starting point for beginners.

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How to Draw What You See by Rudy De Reyna. *Click to see prices on Amazon.

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3. How to Draw What You See by Rudy De Reyna

Rudy De Reyna's How to Draw What You See is a straightforward guide that helps beginners understand and master the basics of drawing.

The book teaches readers to break down complex subjects into simple geometric shapes, which simplifies the drawing process.

De Reyna covers a wide range of topics, including perspective, proportion, and shading, providing a solid foundation for aspiring artists. The book includes illustrations and step-by-step demonstrations, which makes it easy for the reader to follow along. 

By the end of the book, you'll have a strong grasp of the fundamental skills needed to draw accurately.

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Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner, 15th Anniversary Edition by Claire Watson Garcia. *Click to see prices on Amazon.

4. Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner by Claire Watson Garcia

Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner by Claire Watson Garcia is designed specifically for those who have never drawn before. The book is filled with simple exercises and projects that build foundational skills step-by-step.

Garcia’s friendly and encouraging tone makes learning accessible and enjoyable. Readers will learn about line, shape, value, and perspective, all while creating fun and engaging drawings.

The book emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and patience, and ensures that beginners will build confidence as they flow through the lessons provided.

​This book is perfect for those who are starting from scratch and want to develop a solid drawing foundation.
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The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study by Kimon Nicolaïdes. *Click to see prices on Amazon.

5. The Natural Way to Draw by Kimon Nicolaïdes

The Natural Way to Draw by Kimon Nicolaïdes is a timeless resource that offers a well-rounded approach to learning how to draw.

Nicolaïdes' method focuses on the natural movements and instincts of the artist, encouraging students to draw from life and experience rather than relying solely on "technical" rules.

The book includes a series of exercises designed to develop hand-eye coordination and observational skills.

​Readers will explore gesture drawing, contour drawing, and weight drawing, among other techniques.

​Nicolaïdes' emphasis on the physical act of drawing helps beginners connect with their work on a deeper level, fostering a more intuitive and fluid approach to art creation.

I hope this post was helpful and I wish you tons of enjoyment moving forward in your art journey!

Thanks for reading. 


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