The Artist's Complete Book of Drawing Projects Step-by-Step

By Barrington Barber

When it comes to drawing there is no substitute for practice, and with this collection of 100 drawing projects you'll never be short of inspiration.

From capturing the play of light in a sparkling water glass to composing a family portrait, there is a wide range of subject matter to develop your skills. Each drawing is broken down into five easy steps, so you can see exactly how tone is applied at every stage.

Whether you are budding artist or a professional wishing to hone their skills, Barrington Barber's accessible teaching style makes this a must-have manual for those looking to improve their drawing using a relaxed but effective method.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcturus Publishing
• Release date: Feb 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781788881326

Barrington Barber

Born 1934, Barrington was educated at Hampton Grammar School and later Twickenham Art Schoo for which he received a National Diploma of Design. He then practised as an illustrator (Saxon Artist) and Graphic Designer, was Art Director at Ogilvie & Mather and S.H. Bensons, and was a lecturer in Graphic Design at Ealing Art School. Other credits include freelance work, designer, illustrator, animator and painter at Augustine Studios. He was awarded a one man exhibition in 2000 at St. Oswald Studios, and also exhibited in Putney in 2003 and Cork Street in 2004. He was Head of Art at St James's Independent Schools. He now paints, draws, writes about art, and enjoys sports, walking, philosophy and meditation.

Book preview

TWO PEARS

1

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Varieties of fruit are good subjects with which to start your drawing practice as they are easily obtainable and the forms are relatively simple. First draw a general outline of the pears, without being too definite. Note that the shapes are not identical as the angle of view is different.

2

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Then firm up the shape of the pears, making the outline more precise. Erase any stray marks from your initial sketch. Put in an indication of where the light and shade fall.

3

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Now put in the main area of tone, or shading. This should be uniform in tone, the very lightest that you can make. Leave only the very brightest areas of light unmarked.

4

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At this stage put in the darkest areas of tone, not forgetting the cast shadows on the surface that the pears are on.

5

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Finally, build up the intermediate tones that allow the darks and lights to gently fade into each other. Where there is a sharp outline, strengthen your pencil mark.

A JUG

1

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Loosely draw the main rounded shape, putting in a central line to help you balance the sides. Concentrate on getting the ellipse at the top and bottom right – this is the hardest bit.

2

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The next step is to define more accurately the main outline shape of the jug. Put in the handle, trying to get this outline as accurate and simple as possible. Make sure all the proportions are correct.

3

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Refine the final outline, taking your time to convey the rounded, sturdy shape. Correct any line that is not true before you begin putting in the tone.

4

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Put in the same tone all over the jug, except where there are highlights. This jug is seen against the light, so most of it is in shadow and the cast shadow is towards the viewer.

5

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Build up the shading by increasing the darker areas such as the interior and making sure the reflections are in the correct tones, from very light to very dark. To draw your version of this jug you can follow my sketches or use a jug of your own. Try to make it look as