The Natural Way to Draw

The Natural Way to Draw cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Art, Design, and Photography
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  • ID: 9905
  • Added: 2026-01-04
  • Updated: 2026-01-04
  • ISBN: 9780395530078
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 1941-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Natural Way to Draw offers a unique approach to art education, focusing on exercises that help students develop their own creative voice rather than copying others. This method emphasizes the natural processes of drawing and encourages a deeper understanding of one's artistic abilities. /n/n Author Kimon Nicolaides provides a series of structured exercises designed to build confidence and skill, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to explore their artistic potential. The book's emphasis on individual expression and personal growth sets it apart from traditional art instruction manuals.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2022-01-13
brilliant 4.00

The blind contour drawing method is surprisingly helpful, making this the best drawing book the reviewer has read. It teaches one to see rather than just to draw.

If you're looking for a book that will truly transform your drawing skills, this is it. The blind contour drawing method is a standout feature, forcing you to slow down and really observe what you're drawing. It's not about getting it right the first time; it's about the process of seeing. The book is extensively illustrated, which is a huge plus. It's not just a theory book; it's a practical guide that you can use every day. The exercises are designed to build on each other, so you're constantly improving and learning. It's a bit dense, but that's because it's packed with valuable information.

Quick quotes

    This is the best book on drawing that I own or have read.

    The blind contour drawing method was surprisingly helpful.

    It teaches one to see rather than just to draw.

Learning to Draw, Learning to See · 2011-01-16
excellent 4.50

The book is a classic guide to drawing people, offering step-by-step exercises that are both challenging and rewarding. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their drawing skills.

This book is a classic for a reason. It's a comprehensive guide to drawing people, with a focus on understanding the underlying structures. The exercises are designed to be challenging, but that's what makes them so rewarding. You're not just copying what you see; you're learning to understand it. The book is extensively illustrated, which is a huge help. It's not just a theory book; it's a practical guide that you can use every day. The exercises are designed to build on each other, so you're constantly improving and learning. It's a bit old-school, but that's part of its charm. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their drawing skills.

Quick quotes

    It is a record of my progress as I follow the exercises in The Natural Way to Draw by Kimon Nicolaides.

    The book is extensively illustrated, which is a huge help.

    The exercises are designed to be challenging, but that's what makes them so rewarding.

Overflowing Palette · 2010-06-25
intriguing 4.00

The book offers a unique approach to drawing that focuses on the process rather than the outcome. The exercises are challenging but rewarding, providing a fresh perspective on seeing and drawing.

This book stands out because it doesn't just teach you how to draw; it teaches you how to see. The exercises are designed to help you understand the underlying structures of what you're drawing, which is a game-changer. At first, the exercises might seem a bit abstract, but once you get into them, you start to see the world differently. It's not just about drawing what you see, but about understanding the relationships between shapes and forms. The book is a bit old-school, but that's part of its charm. It's a classic for a reason, and it's definitely worth the time and effort.

Quick quotes

    The book offers a unique approach to drawing that focuses on the process rather than the outcome.

    The exercises are challenging but rewarding, providing a fresh perspective on seeing and drawing.

    It's not just about drawing what you see, but about understanding the relationships between shapes and forms.

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