Nov 09Most of this first appeared as Giovanni Civardi's Complete Guide to Drawing, but this smaller format edition also includes the volume on The Nude.It's a sound introduction to drawing in pencil and the smaller page size makes it more manageable, but also means that you have to strain slightly to read the text, which has also been reduced. The style is best described as "classic", meaning that it's all well done, but perhaps slightly dated. If you don't mind that, and it's the technique that's more important to you, then this is a book it's hard to better. If your eyesight's not 100%, however, best buy a pair of stronger reading glasses as well. * Artbookreview.net * Dec 09For those wishing to learn to draw or improve their skills this book is an essential read. Previously published material has been used along with new information in the compilation of this fabulous instructional volume. Packed full of beautiful illustrations, we begin with the very basics of drawing techniques, from description of use and simple mark making with pencil or graphite onto using carbon sticks and ink, each accompanied by many varied depictions where he tells us what media was used for each, and very importantly, what technique was used. All these details help the reader to understand the process of selecting media and technique to render the drawing they want to achieve. The section on portraits covers small details like hands, eyes and placement of features, all necessary to achieve a lifelike rendition through to full figures, both clothed and naked. The book is full of details such as anatomy of figures, and how to find the correct proportions to the fall of fabric on clothed figures, again in great detail and easy to follow. Scenery is covered in the same in depth way, from linear and aerial perspective, light and shade, tonal work and use of source material. All sections come with the same incredibly detailed illustration showing use of media and methods. If you want just one book to learn or improve your drawing skills, and draw well then this is the book for you. Its packed full of all the essentials you need to learn to create realistic 3d images in a 2d media. * JeannieZelos.com * Jan 2010Drawing, A Complete Guide by Giovanni Civardi is a comprehensive exploration of hand drawing techniques and tools. While this book is focused on these techniques from a pure artistic point of view, the skills that are covered have real relevance and value for modern Graphic Designers. Technology changes everything and Graphic Design is no different. It doesn't seem so long ago that Graphic Design was a much more hands on discipline, with ideas mocked up on layout pads and then worked up through various refining stages, until the final design, along with a specification sheet overlay, was supplied for typesetting with the final artwork being produced through cut and pasting. Now it is possible for anyone with basic skills to produce understandable concepts using a PC and desktop printer, but there is real value for Graphic Designers to develop their drawing skills. Such skills can help Designers to quickly and clearly develop ideas wherever they are and can also allow them to produce hand drawn graphics for inclusion in finished designs. * Suite101.com * Mar 14This a collection of smaller books which each delve into an element of drawing and cover the key parts using pictorial examples throughout. It is well laid out and can be easily accessed by both learners and tutors. As a concept art tutor I found the tutorials and information thorough and a great use of excellent examples. Having asked learners the response was positive and a definite request to access more. The anatomy sections covering the musculature of hands, feet and head were especially informative and helpful. I will be asking my subject librarian to purchase. * Marian Carr, Bradford College *
