How to Draw: Dogs: in simple steps

Nov 09

Another one from the popular How to Draw range, this time Susie shows us in a series of simple steps how to create a selection of different breeds in a variety of lively poses. She uses a simple method of geometric shapes joined together by lines to show us how easy it is to draw these, in a step by step format from the initial couple of circles to the finished portrait. The beauty of this book is that like all the How to Draw series it's so simple to follow each step. The first step is drawn in an ochre colour and subsequent steps in a purple, with the last step changing back to ochre. Its incredibly easy for even a very beginner to create great drawings following Susie's simple instructions. If you've ever wanted to draw dogs but been put off by the problems of keeping proportions in perspective, this book is the one you want, it demystifies all those problems and shows you just how simple drawing dogs is by following a few key instructions.

Nov 09

They say that a dog is man's best friend, and they remain hugely popular pets as well as working animals. Here is a book that shows you how to draw these lively and diverse creatures so you can sketch pictures for your friends and family of their cherished pets. As with the other titles in the How To Draw series words are kept to a minimum, and confined to a brief introduction and list of the breeds depicted. Each page is given over to a dog, taking you from simple shapes through to adding details, culminating in a finished pencil sketch and a watercolor painting. Each new detail of the staged project is drawn in pink pencil, with the parts from the earlier steps in blue for extra clarity, a truly good idea in my opinion. The breeds range from several of the perennially popular terriers, through to other well-loved breeds such as the Alsatian, rottweiler, great dane, Labrador, retriever, collie and more. There is a variety of poses too, from standing to eager attention to lying on the ground, mostly looking up out of the picture right at you, another nice touch. There are bigger books on this sort of thing, but for a simple, direct approach and a stocking filler price (GBP4.99/$9.95) this is ideal.

Susie Hodge has a passion for art education and has been teaching practical art and art history to children and adults for over 11 years. She has written and illustrated many books including Art Attack How to Draw, Drawing... is Fun! and many titles in the Art in History series. She also works for the Royal Academy, the Tate and the V&A museum to produce booklets for visitors, teachers and students. She lives in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.