The Elements of Drawing Paperback

This book is a 150 years old, but is still as fresh today as when it first appeared. I have attended quite a few drawing classes, worked from the antique, tried different methods and in the end I came down to the conclusion that John Ruskin's method is the best there is.Ruskin was a polymath and a true Renaissance man. His knowledge of art and art history was vast and, it inevitably found its way into this book. His method is based on the method of the old masters, especially Leonardo da Vinci, Titian and of course the great JMW Turner, but funnily enough it exerted a strong influence on Monet and Seurat.Ruskin used to give drawing lessons by correspondence, hence his Elements of Drawing come in the form of three letters to beginners, each letter devoted to a different subject. The first one contains a series of highly original drawing exercises, while the second and the third are devoted to drawing from nature, colour and composition.The Elements of Drawing was a success in Ruskin's days, but later in his life he changed his mind about his method, because the book did not place enough emphasis on accuracy of measurement and proportion. To correct this omission, Ruskin wrote some years later the 'revised' Elements of Drawing, so to speak, which was a different book entitled "The Laws of Fesole". Amongst others, the Laws of Fesole contained rigorous exercises to train the eye of the pupil in accurate measurement.Therefore, use the Elements of Drawing in tandem with the Laws of Fesole (especially the first exercises of the latter). These two books, together with Ruskin's Teaching Collection at Oxford (now available online courtesy of the Ashmolean museum under the heading "The Elements of Drawing"), are the best and most complete drawing and painting method available to us today. His method will teach you drawing, painting, art history, and most important of all to see and appreciate nature and art.His exercises, language and way of thinking may appear odd and a bit strange to a modern reader. Indeed, when I first started working with this book, I found some of the exercises funny and perhaps meaningless. Yet, when I overcame my initial prejudice and worked with the book, I realised that each exercise was designed with a specific end in mind and together they formed a complete system. With the proper work and devotion, they will yield very good results.Enjoy!

the illustrations in this illustrated version in many instances are not the correct ones. they bear no relation to what Ruskin is describing. I wanted to by the paperback version but if has the same faults I want nothing to do with it. For anyone interested in making art this is an important book. but not in this edition.

This is a wonderful classic, sometimes hilariously Victorian but full of good drawing advice. The problem is that this is a very peculiar reproduction in which most of the drawing examples have been left out. Occasionally they do appear but the reproduction value is terrible. So you get text only, while the text was supposed to be well illustrated.

Even though this book was written many years ago, it is the best introduction to drawing I have found. Ruskin promises that if you do the exercises and work only an hour a day, within six months you will be able to draw competently. I believe him.

one of the better books i've purchased. well worth the cost

No content here.

A monumental book that every artist and architect should have. Not the easiest book for me to read, since it was written in the 1800's by an Englishman.

Though the prose is dated and the lack of illustrations is disappointing, the overall approach is excellent. The author's understanding that developing the ability to "see" is paramount for the beginning artist is nicely conveyed in the text, and the emphasis on daily practice should be taken to heart. Not bad for a free download!

Pedantic and tedious, but does contain sound advice on drawing which is now almost a lost art.

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