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Keys to Drawing, Bert Dodson

Anyone who can hold a pencil can learn to draw with some degree of proficiency, Bert Dodson.

In this book he shares a complete drawing system that you can use for any subject or type of drawing-even if you doubt your ability to draw.

It's based on fifty-five "keys to drawing," which are introduced at a comfortable pace.

The keys are interspersed with dozens of practice exercises that help you learn by doing.

تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیست و سوم ماه جولای سال 2012میلادی

عن

Keys to Drawing, Bert Dodson

Anyone who can hold a pencil can learn to draw with some degree of proficiency, Bert Dodson.

In this book he shares a complete drawing system that you can use for any subject or type of drawing-even if you doubt your ability to draw.

It's based on fifty-five "keys to drawing," which are introduced at a comfortable pace.

The keys are interspersed with dozens of practice exercises that help you learn by doing.

تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیست و سوم ماه جولای سال 2012میلادی

عنوان: کلیدهای طراحی؛ نویسنده: برت دادسون؛ برگردان: عربعلی شروه؛ تهران، فرهنگسرای یساولی، چاپ نخست 1373، در 222ص؛ چاپ دوم 1375، چاپ سوم 1377، چاپ پنجم 1380، شابک 9643061531؛ چاپ هشتم 1385، چاپ نهم 1387؛ در 222ص مصور، اندازه: 21در29س.م.، فروست سری کتابهای آموزش عملی طراحی نقاشی مجموعه شماره 25؛ چاپ دهم 1388؛ چاپ دوازدهم 1392؛ موضوع: ترسیم و طراحی، راهنمای آموزشی - سده 20م

موضوع اصلی این کتاب، ترسیم و طراحی است؛ هر بخش از کتاب «کلیدهای طراحی»، برنامه هایی طرح‌ریزی شده‌ هستند، که خوانشگر را با کلیدهای مهم مورد بحث آشنا می‌کند؛ بخش مرور، و برنامه خود ارزیابی، در پایان هر قسمتی گنجانده شده اند؛ برنامه‌ ها موشکافی شده، و مشکلاتی که باید در هر زمان مقرر حل شوند، تعیین شده‌ اند؛ دید، و زوایای غیر معمول اشیاء، کمپوزیسیون‌های شلوغ، و اغراق در واقعیت نیز، مورد توجه قرار گرفته‌ اند؛ هدف کتاب، ایجاد طراحی‌های زیبا نیست، بلکه شناسایی راه‌های جدید دیدن، و واکنش است؛ نمونه‌ هایی که در این کتاب آمده، انواع و اقسام طراحی‌ها همانند «طراحی تند از حالت»، «اسکیس‌های کوچک»، «اسکیس‌های دفترچه‌ ای» و «طراحی‌های کمپوزیسیونی کامل» را شامل میشوند

تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 08/02/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی

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May 12, 2007 papasteve rated it really liked it

I'm not sure if Dodson meant this to be more than just a drawing book. But the subtitle of the book is "Rediscover the Art of Seeing." And that's what it's about. It's not just about learning how to draw--and it is one of the best books I've found for that. But it's more. It's about being an observant person, who looks at people and things--really looks. It's about not missing detail that makes a person and a picture come to life. I found this not only an excellent book about drawing, but great I'm not sure if Dodson meant this to be more than just a drawing book. But the subtitle of the book is "Rediscover the Art of Seeing." And that's what it's about. It's not just about learning how to draw--and it is one of the best books I've found for that. But it's more. It's about being an observant person, who looks at people and things--really looks. It's about not missing detail that makes a person and a picture come to life. I found this not only an excellent book about drawing, but great instruction about writing and the art of noticing. ...more

Nov 26, 2009 Parka rated it it was amazing

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

Here's a pretty good book for anyone who's thinking of picking up drawing. Bert Dodson has written it in a crisp straightforward manner. The are 55 keys of drawing, introduced at a very comfortable pace. Alongside are 48 easy-to-follow lessons.

The examples are all sketches from Bert Dodson, his students and selected pieces old art masters. They are all pretty sketchy but this book isn't about techniques on realistic drawings. It's also not about specific tech

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

This book is really about the approach to drawing, which aims at helping students tackle any subjects confidently.

The principles are very similar to The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. I prefer this book as the lessons are shorter but effective, and the book can be picked up at anytime after reading for some inspiration.

This book is recommended to beginner artists.

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Some books on drawing seem to want to scare away the riff raff, approaching art as something to fear or grovel before (I'm not worthy!). This one is a refreshing find, after making a slow slog through an exorbitant amount of art how-tos books that had begun to bleed into one another. Many books seemed to assume the reader would be in art school (or had already attended), and more than one recommended among other nonsensical advice, that one should hire models regularly to study human posing. Adv
Some books on drawing seem to want to scare away the riff raff, approaching art as something to fear or grovel before (I'm not worthy!). This one is a refreshing find, after making a slow slog through an exorbitant amount of art how-tos books that had begun to bleed into one another. Many books seemed to assume the reader would be in art school (or had already attended), and more than one recommended among other nonsensical advice, that one should hire models regularly to study human posing. Advice like that serves to throw most beginning artists into immediate despair and frustration, and eventually to alcohol or Rocky Road ice cream.

I love Bert Dodson's approach to art. He lends his passion and artist's eyes, encouraging you to truly see and feel what is there and draw from your own unique perspective. I found myself connecting more thoroughly with whatever I was drawing; I felt (and still feel) I understood that thing, person, or idea in a totally new way.

The beauty of Keys to Drawing is that while it inspires and empowers, it instructs in a simple-to-follow and useful way. You WILL be drawing with this book, right away, and it won't be a huge, scary deal. The exercises don't require much beyond a pencil, possibly an eraser, and a drawing surface. Many are surprisingly easy, while managing to also be imaginative and often strangely mind-altering.

It's not a perfect book, and maybe I oughtn't review a book I didn't get to finish, but if I walked away and never got to look through it again, what I took away from Keys to Drawing was invaluable; it furthered my confidence by improving my drawing skills and perspective. I give it an unrepentant five-stars.

I'd especially recommend this for beginners and possibly intermediate artists, or people who may have drawn in the past and would like to start again but struggle with knowing where the hell to begin.

Anyone can learn to draw or learn to draw better, and there are much worse places to start than with Bert Dodson.

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Apr 14, 2012 Zoya rated it it was amazing

This is the first and so far the only art instruction book that I finished reading, did most of the exercises from, will happily re-read and recommend it to anyone starting to draw. I would re-read it now, except I lent my copy to my sister and I suspect that if I buy another one I would "loan" it to a friend, who is earning to improve her drawing skills.

While Betty Edwards' "Drawing on the right side of the brain" could be slightly easier to understand for the complete novice, I enjoyed Bert D

While Betty Edwards' "Drawing on the right side of the brain" could be slightly easier to understand for the complete novice, I enjoyed Bert Dodson writing and drawing style much more. This book helped me to improve my drawing and to understand there the gaps in my knowledge and skill set are.

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Jun 24, 2008 Makingamark rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: beginners and improvers

I've been strongly recommending this book to people wanting to learn to draw - or to improve their drawing - for years.

I first read " Keys to Drawing" after I got back to doing art after a break of over 15 years. Bert Dodson's book is about learning how to see and it opened my eyes, stimulated my enthusiasm for drawing again and provided me with some really excellent guidelines about what to think about when drawing.

This book is NOT a manual for how to draw in a hyper/photo realism manner - ther

I've been strongly recommending this book to people wanting to learn to draw - or to improve their drawing - for years.

This book is NOT a manual for how to draw in a hyper/photo realism manner - there are other books that do that. This is a book which teaches you how to look, how to see and how to record - using various "keys to drawing"

One of the especially helpful bits about the book is that it encourages the development of self-evaluation right from the start. This means that the things one needs to think about when drawing become internalised that much quicker. It really helps the budding artist to become much more self-reliant and less dependent on others for insight into how they are doing.

(PS My version is the 1990 edition - but I don't think it will have changed much. It was always an excellent book and always sold well over the years.)

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I am a retired teacher. I taught drawing in college and in high school. This is the best drawing book I have found. It was immensely helpful to me and to my students. It ranks up there with the great"Natural Way to Draw."

Nov 14, 2017 Kishan rated it it was amazing

Very good resource for artists looking for tips to enhance their drawing. Would 100% read again.

Mar 07, 2020 Trafalux rated it really liked it

Despite many... controversies surrounding this book, I still believe it to be a very trusty and practical drawing manual for people that are at the stickman drawing level. It tells the reader how to get rid of fundamental beginner's mistakes while keeping it simple and sensical (unlike the infamous "Drawing on the right side of the brain"). Still, as a drawing teacher, I cannot ignore the potential risks this book could have in terms of the students' future improvement. The book doesn't really p Despite many... controversies surrounding this book, I still believe it to be a very trusty and practical drawing manual for people that are at the stickman drawing level. It tells the reader how to get rid of fundamental beginner's mistakes while keeping it simple and sensical (unlike the infamous "Drawing on the right side of the brain"). Still, as a drawing teacher, I cannot ignore the potential risks this book could have in terms of the students' future improvement. The book doesn't really put enough pressure on importance of 3D forms in sketching and frankly, if you take everything it offers as is, you will probably end up with a very flat approach to drawing. Which is probably not even that harmful if you intend to be a hobbyist sketching artist, but if you dream about becoming a concept artist or a painter, this could bring you a lot of trouble and could mean months of un-learning the wrong ways. So please keep this in mind while proceeding with this guide. Again, I've found it very helpful and many of my students benefited from it greatly, but you should supplement this book with another drawing manual like Hampton's or Huston's books that will also teach you how to perceive your drawing subject as a fully three-dimensional form! Don't rely only on enclosed shapes and contours. ...more

Jun 24, 2012 Georganne rated it it was amazing

As far as I'm concerned this is the best book I know to advance drawing skills (although perhaps not for the complete beginner, try Betty Edwards for that). I have many art instruction books and have read many more. I have been drawing from early childhood and it is my favorite way to pass time, relax and lower stress. I have a sketchbook and a Pigma Micron pen 01 with me where ever I go so I'm never bored. There is always something in front of me to draw. I draw well, but this book helps me to As far as I'm concerned this is the best book I know to advance drawing skills (although perhaps not for the complete beginner, try Betty Edwards for that). I have many art instruction books and have read many more. I have been drawing from early childhood and it is my favorite way to pass time, relax and lower stress. I have a sketchbook and a Pigma Micron pen 01 with me where ever I go so I'm never bored. There is always something in front of me to draw. I draw well, but this book helps me to draw even better. I do some of the exercises fairly often to keep in good drawing form. Mr. Dodson taught me to measure proportions correctly and easily when drawing a figure from life. He allowed me to trust myself in doing contour drawing so that I find it fun, use it often, and am pleased with the results. You won't be disappointed. ...more

Mar 08, 2017 L rated it it was amazing

Brilliant book, I recommend to every beginner artist out there. This book will teach you how to draw what you see, and give an introduction to concepts like light and shadow, composition, drawing from imagination, etc. There is a lot of wisdom in this book. Read through it carefully, do the exercises, return to the book, absorb all of it.

Great guide for reference when learning how to draw. Used this book in conjuction with a beginner drawing class which helped expand concepts with activities.

Simply a decent way to get started drawing, or to exercise your current drawing ability. This book takes a draw from life approach, so all the drawings in the book are just examples, this is different than most beginner drawing books today that have step by step type instructions. This book does teach some technique as well as gets you to built up naturally.
The only issue I see is that if you are just starting out it will be difficult at first without critique, as opposed to a step by step type Simply a decent way to get started drawing, or to exercise your current drawing ability. This book takes a draw from life approach, so all the drawings in the book are just examples, this is different than most beginner drawing books today that have step by step type instructions. This book does teach some technique as well as gets you to built up naturally.
The only issue I see is that if you are just starting out it will be difficult at first without critique, as opposed to a step by step type book where you could compare your results to the instruction. In this book you will have to build up your drawing ability over time, if you understand the exercise but are not happy with the results you simply need to draw more, maybes forever, this book basically describes the way many artists sketch, and they sketch for a lifetime. So there exactly a goal in this book, it just teaches you the lifetime skill of drawing from observation. ...more

This is a very useful book not only for the beginning painters but also for those who are already confident in their abilities. If you have a desire to draw - start this right now because the practice is the key to success. In this book, the author gives 55 tips to help you draw as a painter in the shortest possible time. I also recently wrote an article for this website, in which I gave 10 tips for amateurs for drawing. The main tips are, as I said above, the practice, the surroundings, the ins This is a very useful book not only for the beginning painters but also for those who are already confident in their abilities. If you have a desire to draw - start this right now because the practice is the key to success. In this book, the author gives 55 tips to help you draw as a painter in the shortest possible time. I also recently wrote an article for this website, in which I gave 10 tips for amateurs for drawing. The main tips are, as I said above, the practice, the surroundings, the inspiration and even more important to set a deadline. And you will succeed! ...more

This is an excellent book for artists looking to improve their skills at drawing. The variety of exercises in different categories is amazing. Any time I get stuck with a case of 'art block' this is the book I pick up. My favorite exercise for warming up is one where you draw your shoes. It always gets me in the right head space to draw. There are so many interesting concepts introduced in this book I feel like I never run out of new ideas to explore! This is an excellent book for artists looking to improve their skills at drawing. The variety of exercises in different categories is amazing. Any time I get stuck with a case of 'art block' this is the book I pick up. My favorite exercise for warming up is one where you draw your shoes. It always gets me in the right head space to draw. There are so many interesting concepts introduced in this book I feel like I never run out of new ideas to explore! ...more

2011 is the learn of really improving my drawing. I've never had any real drawing classes or learned any technique. So I am starting with this book, which is so universally and highly recommended. I'm doing all of the exercises as well as reading. I am not through the first chapter and have already learned quite a bit. Great book thus far! 2011 is the learn of really improving my drawing. I've never had any real drawing classes or learned any technique. So I am starting with this book, which is so universally and highly recommended. I'm doing all of the exercises as well as reading. I am not through the first chapter and have already learned quite a bit. Great book thus far! ...more

Apr 11, 2014 Michelle rated it it was amazing

Artists tend to look at pictures rather than reading the text in educational materials. When used properly this is one of the best books written on the subject of drawing. The author explains in detail the techniques the reader must adopt in order to be successful.

Aug 02, 2020 Kate Nikles rated it it was amazing

I read this as a high schooler and owe so much to it! I grew up in a small town without many art resources— no classes to speak of at my school. I ended up going on to get a bachelors in illustration/visual arts (graduated 4 years ago) but let me tell you: this book is just as valuable to me as any of what I learned in college was. I know it sounds excessive but I mean that! I'm a big proponent of studying on one's own, which I understand isn't for everyone. But I really, really stand behind thi I read this as a high schooler and owe so much to it! I grew up in a small town without many art resources— no classes to speak of at my school. I ended up going on to get a bachelors in illustration/visual arts (graduated 4 years ago) but let me tell you: this book is just as valuable to me as any of what I learned in college was. I know it sounds excessive but I mean that! I'm a big proponent of studying on one's own, which I understand isn't for everyone. But I really, really stand behind this book! It has very straightforward guidance and gives the reader concrete steps they can take to improve. Follow the exercises, and I swear you'll see a difference! ...more

May 29, 2020 Cheapestessay rated it it was amazing

Straightforward, step by step lessons to help students who already have drawing skills and those who are scared to try. Strictly techniques and skill building, though. (Perfect for art teachers who do not feel comfortable teaching drawing. This book will break down the drawing process for both the students and the teacher.)

The best book on drawing that I have read so far. Changes the way you see things and leads you through lots of different lessons and techniques. I probably would have given it five stars, if it were not from 1985. But only the resource info is out of date, really. Drawing is still drawing and I have to say I like it that there isn't a chapter on drawing on the computer. The best book on drawing that I have read so far. Changes the way you see things and leads you through lots of different lessons and techniques. I probably would have given it five stars, if it were not from 1985. But only the resource info is out of date, really. Drawing is still drawing and I have to say I like it that there isn't a chapter on drawing on the computer. ...more

Oct 15, 2013 Jane rated it did not like it

It is not for a beginner. It just teach you roughly about drawing basic.
Not step by step book. The exercises are very poor instruction.
It tell you to put the still life then draw. But how! How to start! Step 1 Step2

If you want to buy drawing basic book, I suggest How to See How to Draw by Claudia Nice.
Lee Hammond series book are the best to start for beginner.

Apr 06, 2018 Dillon Heinen rated it it was amazing

This is the first book for anyone looking to learn drawing. It teaches you to see things in a different way. Since drawing is 75% seeing and 25% mechanical skill, this is naturally a very valuable skill to have. After reading this book I've seen unbelievable improvements in my ability. I would definitely recommend it. This is the first book for anyone looking to learn drawing. It teaches you to see things in a different way. Since drawing is 75% seeing and 25% mechanical skill, this is naturally a very valuable skill to have. After reading this book I've seen unbelievable improvements in my ability. I would definitely recommend it. ...more

Dec 18, 2019 SlowRain rated it it was ok

I bought this book online based on others' recommendations. It didn't really meet my needs, but perhaps it will yours, so let me explain.

My goal is to draw in a way that communicates effectively the thing I'm trying to convey to the viewer--more practical than it is artistic self-expression. I'm not the least bit interested in portraiture, texture, or light. There was some useful information in the chapters The Drawing Process, Proportions: Taking the Measure of Things, and The Illusion of Depth. However, I'd say I need a beginners book that is one step before this one because his lessons assume you already have at least more drawing experience than the average person.

Another problem is that I'm interested in pen and ink drawing, as well as marker on whiteboard. Very basic stuff with hard edges. This book goes into pencil and charcoal as well, neither of which were very relevant in my situation.

However, the biggest drawback to this book is that most of the drawings aren't very good--except for the ones done by other artists that he's just borrowing. His own art, while not bad at times, is not impressive. If I could do it at an amateur level, I'd be impressed. But, at a professional level, this is quite disappointing.

I think a lot of the information in here can be gleaned from YouTube videos. If you have an opportunity to borrow this book, I'd suggest that over buying it.

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Feb 10, 2021 Essay Prince rated it it was amazing

It is hard to find such many pointers in the field of Drawing. I actually started becoming a keen follower of such writings when I realized my son has the gift. Before, all I did was concentrate on Designing Free Online Writing Tools for students and thought that was enough. Now it makes me more attentive to ways he can improve his talent and maybe be helpful to him in the future.
Easy to say, the book is outstanding with the over 50 pointers to help not just anyone but those interested in learni It is hard to find such many pointers in the field of Drawing. I actually started becoming a keen follower of such writings when I realized my son has the gift. Before, all I did was concentrate on Designing Free Online Writing Tools for students and thought that was enough. Now it makes me more attentive to ways he can improve his talent and maybe be helpful to him in the future.
Easy to say, the book is outstanding with the over 50 pointers to help not just anyone but those interested in learning, yeah, true keys to Drawing are here for those looking. ...more

Apr 09, 2019 Brayden Cook rated it it was amazing

I'm completely impressed with the tricks the author provided for enlightening a painting in the fastest way. Not only for the newbies, but this book is a treasure for the hardcore painters as well. I recently published my essay on the renowned painter Claude Monet who will always remain in our heart for his excellent imagination power and painting skills. No matter how much time you've spent to pursue your passion, practice is the only key to success. I'm completely impressed with the tricks the author provided for enlightening a painting in the fastest way. Not only for the newbies, but this book is a treasure for the hardcore painters as well. I recently published my essay on the renowned painter Claude Monet who will always remain in our heart for his excellent imagination power and painting skills. No matter how much time you've spent to pursue your passion, practice is the only key to success. ...more

Feb 18, 2021 Aggrey Wandia rated it it was amazing

This is an amazing book to read. Bert Dodson explained hos drawing system vividly. Anyone can relate to the content and examples given. The book motivated me to draw - I believe I can, and will become an expert in drawing. Great Content for drawing and book review learners.

Regards
Aggrey
Content Writer and SEO expert at https://edifid.com/

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Great read!

The first book I've read about drawing and probably the most intuitive I've been in a book. Learned a lot and reintroduced me to drawing and how to view things in an artist's perspective. I love this book so much!

Oct 06, 2020 Haytham Ali rated it it was amazing

I liked the book very much

None of us need ever fear that we don't have an active imagination, because imagination is mostly a willingness to entertain a strange idea now and then.

el7lwa

I liked the book very much

None of us need ever fear that we don't have an active imagination, because imagination is mostly a willingness to entertain a strange idea now and then.

el7lwa

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Bert Dodson is a painter, teacher, author and illustrator. He has illustrated over 80 books for children . He is the author of Keys To Drawing ( North Light Books, 1985), Keys to Drawing with Imagination, (2006) and NUKE A Book of Cartoons, vols. I and II.( McFarland and Co., 1986 and 1988).He co-authored, with noted biologist, Mahlon Hoagland, The Way Life Works ( Times Books, 1995), and Intimate Bert Dodson is a painter, teacher, author and illustrator. He has illustrated over 80 books for children . He is the author of Keys To Drawing ( North Light Books, 1985), Keys to Drawing with Imagination, (2006) and NUKE A Book of Cartoons, vols. I and II.( McFarland and Co., 1986 and 1988).He co-authored, with noted biologist, Mahlon Hoagland, The Way Life Works ( Times Books, 1995), and Intimate Strangers; The Story of Unseen Life on Earth (ASM Press, 1999, Needam, et all). He was animation designer for the four part PBS television series, Intimate Strangers (1998). He illustrated over 30 opera stories for children, a series commissioned by The New York Metropolitan Opera.His work appears in Vermont Life, Northern Woodlands, and Dartmouth Medicine. He regularly exhibits his watercolors and drawings. He has drawn and painted over 200 portraits. He lives in West Fairlee, Vermont, and works in his studio in Bradford, Vermont. ...more

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As dedicated readers already know, some of the best and most innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of...

"I believe that most of us, students and artists alike, ought to concern ourselves less with what we think is the right way to draw and more with letting our feelings flow through our hand. In this way, we stretch our dynamic nature. Our larger goal should be to draw in a way that expresses our vision." — 8 likes

"Art actually happens somewhere in the space between clarity and ambiguity, concept and intuition, thought and feeling." — 7 likes

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