How to Draw: Step-by-Step Drawings! (Dover How to Draw)
Dover How to Draw Series
on Goodreads (58)
What’s inside...
This guide by Barbara Soloff Levy provides step-by-step instructions for drawing various subjects, including animals, people, and objects, designed for beginners. It covers basic pencil techniques to detailed illustrations and includes a special section for children aged 5 to 10, teaching them to draw different faces using basic shapes with easy directions, practice pages, and colorable illustrations. Additionally, the guide offers easy-to-follow diagrams that help in sketching human faces by combining simple shapes, allowing users to create realistic portraits of people of various ages and hairstyles.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite drawing to create from this book, and why did you enjoy it?
How did following the step-by-step instructions help you in understanding the drawing process?
Can you think of your own drawing project using the techniques you learned from this book?
How do you feel when you successfully complete a drawing from this book?
Which drawing was the most challenging, and what did you learn from attempting it?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, show genuine interest in your child’s drawings and praise their efforts, focusing on specific aspects they did well.
Encourage your child to explain their drawing process as detailed in the book, which reinforces their understanding and retention of the techniques.
Use the book’s drawings as a fun activity to do together, setting aside regular drawing times to build a routine and enhance bonding.
Discuss the emotions associated with creating art, such as frustration when something is difficult or excitement when mastering a new skill, helping your child to manage emotions constructively.
Ask your child to teach you how to draw something from the book, reversing roles to boost their confidence and affirming their capabilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: This book teaches children how to draw various objects and scenes step-by-step, encouraging them to express their thoughts and ideas visually.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize these drawing skills to communicate their feelings and ideas more effectively, enhancing their creative expression in school projects and personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: By following detailed drawing instructions, children learn to pay close attention to the nuances of shapes and lines, fostering a meticulous approach to tasks.
Real-World Application: This skill can be applied to academic disciplines such as writing, where careful attention to grammar and structure is crucial, or in tasks requiring precision like model building or crafting.
Example Lesson: Patience and Persistence
Explanation: Drawing can be challenging, especially for beginners. This book encourages children to take their time and practice regularly, teaching them patience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistent effort can lead to improvement and success, a valuable lesson for any learning or challenging activity they might encounter.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: Each drawing task comes with specific steps to follow, which teaches children the importance of understanding and adhering to instructions.
Real-World Application: This can help children in academic settings where they need to follow processes or guidelines, and also in everyday tasks such as cooking or assembling toys.
Example Lesson: Confidence Building
Explanation: As children successfully complete each drawing, they gain confidence in their abilities, promoting a positive self-image.
Real-World Application: This boost in self-esteem can encourage children to take on new challenges and participate more actively in various aspects of life, from school to social situations.