Keys to Drawing

by Bert Dodson
Keys to Drawing cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Art, Design, and Photography
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Waterstones
Paperback • £26.00
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Technical
  • ID: 9898
  • Added: 2026-01-04
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781440308673
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1990-08-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson is a comprehensive guide that demystifies the art of drawing. Dodson presents a unique system of 55 'keys' that can be applied to any subject, making it accessible for anyone who can hold a pencil. The book is packed with practical exercises designed to help you master fundamental techniques such as restoring focus, mapping, and intensifying your drawings. It also teaches you how to convey illusions of light, depth, and texture, and how to stimulate your imagination through 'creative play'. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this book offers a clear and structured approach to drawing like an artist. /n/n The book is not just about learning to draw; it's about understanding the underlying principles that make art come to life. Dodson's methods are designed to free your hand action while teaching you control, ensuring that your drawings are both expressive and precise. With dozens of practice exercises, you'll gradually build confidence and skill, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in improving their drawing abilities. The book's practical and engaging approach makes it a standout guide in the world of art instruction.

Reviews
Chris Wilson Studio · Chris Wilson · 2025-05-01
practical 4.75

The book is loved for its focus on seeing rather than drawing correctly, with 55 keys that provide valuable insights. It is praised for its practical and encouraging approach.

Chris Wilson loves how this book focuses more on how to see than how to draw correctly. They find the 55 keys shared by Bert Dodson to be incredibly valuable, providing practical advice and insights that can help artists improve their skills. The book is praised for its encouraging and practical approach, making it a great resource for anyone looking to enhance their drawing abilities. The exercises and guidelines are seen as particularly useful, helping artists to develop a deeper understanding of the drawing process.

Quick quotes

    What I love about this book is that it focuses more on how to see than how to draw “correctly.”

    There are 55 “keys” Bert Dodson shares, each one offering valuable insights.

    It's a practical and encouraging approach that makes it a great resource for any artist.

Watercolour Fanatic · 2016-05-25
excellent 4.50

This book is highly recommended for its loose line approach, which many find appealing. It is praised for its ability to inspire and encourage artists.

The reviewer can't say enough good things about this book and pushes it on anyone who will listen. They love the loose line approach which has a lot of appeal and makes the book stand out. The book is praised for its ability to inspire and encourage artists, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced artists alike. The exercises and guidelines provided are excellent, helping to stimulate enthusiasm for drawing and providing clear, useful advice.

Quick quotes

    This is a very good book.

    I push it on people as much as possible.

    It does favor a very loose line approach which has a lot of appeal.

Ann McMillan Art · 2015-10-26
great 4.00

This book is described as getting to the heart of the drawing problem, and is noted for being readable and uncluttered. It is praised for its clear and straightforward approach.

The reviewer appreciates how this book gets to the heart of the drawing problem, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills. They note that the book is readable and uncluttered, which makes it easy to follow and understand. The clear and straightforward approach is particularly praised, as it allows artists to focus on the essential aspects of drawing without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. The book is seen as a great tool for both learning and practicing drawing techniques.

Quick quotes

    This is the book that gets to the heart of the drawing problem.

    It is readable and uncluttered.

    Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson is a great tool for both learning and practicing drawing techniques.

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