Rating: 
Summary: Does Exactly What it Says
Review: Ok..the previous reviewer just doesn't get what this book is about. Even professional artists often use projectors, photos, slides, etc for serious drawings and paintings. The point is not that you are copying from a photograph. The real treasure of this book is that it teaches and encourages ANYONE that they can draw well and create works of art they can be proud of. Any book that helps someone realize a dream or goal like that is a book I like whether it's copying from a photo or not.People, especially portraits, are often perceived as being very difficult to learn but Ms. Hammond shows how using a simple medium such as colored pencil and her lessons in seeing, placement, value, edges, etc can result in very beautiful portraits worthy of framing and hanging on any wall. The first chapter demonstrates several students first attempts at a portrait and then a few weeks later their second attempted portrait of the same person. The difference between these two attempts is stunning. These people went from childlike drawings to amazing professional results. Just ordinary people. People who thought they couldn't draw - but after learning from this book the work was pro quality. THAT is what really makes this book worth 5 stars. The fact that it uses photographs to teach portraiture is incidental.
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