Drawing and sketching (Ron Ranson's painting school)

Drawing & Sketching forms part of a new and exciting series of practical painting books that demonstrate an entirely fresh approach to learning, enabling the reader and student to get started immediately, no matter what their level of experience. Containing clear and easy to follow step-by-step instructions, the test is written by the highly-regarded artist, John Palmer and introduced by Ron Ranson, Series Editor and internationally acclaimed artist and teacher. John Palmer bases his teaching on his own work, explaining how to capture a range of subjects in drawings and quick sketches using a wide variety of media. Drawing & Sketching introduces the student to the whole range of drawing materials available today, including pencil, charcoal, chalk, pen and wash, and colour media such as colour pencils, pastels, watercolour and gouache, and the techniques associated with each. Use of tone is clearly described, along with the basics of composition, and the selective use of colour in drawing. The book then goes on to explain how different techniques can be used to expolore and portray subjects such as figures, portraits, animals, flowers, landscapes sea scenes, buildings, street scenes and industrial architecture. The variety of approaches that can be taken to each subject is emphasized throughout and each technique is accompanied by practice exercises to encourage the student to experiment with their materials. Drawing & Sketching gives beginners the information they need to get started in this most spontaneous and satisfying of art forms, and will give more experienced artists ideas for developing their work and taking it in new directions. Contains over 140 illustrations created by John Palmer.