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Rating: 
Summary: the Title is misleading...
Review: "complete drawing course" by some entity calling itself "The Diagram Group" fails to be a "complete drawing course". The title suggests something encyclopedic, which this is not, at only 255 short pages (the book is 8 1/2" tall x 11 1/2" wide). As other reviewers observe, the book lessons prescribe a series of drawing tasks and assignments, which gives it something of a "machine-like" quality of instruction, and the printing is all in high-contrast black on white which gives the book a cold feel. Also, I'm a bit uncomfortable with "how-to" drawing books which suggest, as first projects, drawing obsure and apparently irrelevant inanimate objects (3- hole paper punches from some office desk, coffee pots, scissors, door keys, paper chinese food cartons, household steam irons etc., etc.,...) as though the person moved to draw such mundane objects was psychologically irrelevant.
The last 50 pages or so cover portraiture, though these drawing lessons don't look like much fun; however, there are some interesting illustrations of facial expressions, though not worthy of the term, "complete", and moreso, because this self-termed "complete" drawing course has nothing at all on Human Figure drawing, not a single page or illustration of human figure, nude or clothed, or the canon of proportion, I do not see how it can suggest itself as "complete". Furthermore, no illustration in this "complete" drawing course shows anything "moving". It's portraits are still life. It's trees and landscapes are still lifes. Regarding animation, would you expect a "complete" drawing course to include some animals? Well, don't look in this text for them, cause they ain't! So long story made short, it is NOT a "complete" drawing course, though it's got the usual instruction in landscape, persepective, lighting & shading, artists materials, etc.
There is perhaps a singular saving grace in this text, and that is if it is purchased for the sheer volume and variety of its graphics. For example, on 2 facing pages, it shows 9 different ways of illustrating a Tree, and 5 different ways of illustrating tree bark/trunks. In fact, the pages on drawing plants and branches may be the book's saving grace. I'm happy to have it in my home library as a reference text, since it isn't too expensive. (but the graphics just might be worth $11 bucks).
Rating:
Summary: the Title is misleading...
Review: "complete drawing course" by some entity calling itself "The Diagram Group" fails to be a "complete drawing course". The title suggests something encyclopedic, which this is not, at only 255 short pages (the book is 8 1/2" tall x 11 1/2" wide). As other reviewers observe, the book lessons prescribe a series of drawing tasks and assignments, which gives it something of a "machine-like" quality of instruction, and the printing is all in high-contrast black on white which gives the book a cold feel. Also, I'm a bit uncomfortable with "how-to" drawing books which suggest, as first projects, drawing obsure and apparently irrelevant inanimate objects (3- hole paper punches from some office desk, coffee pots, scissors, door keys, paper chinese food cartons, household steam irons etc., etc.,...) as though the person moved to draw such mundane objects was psychologically irrelevant.
The last 50 pages or so cover portraiture, though these drawing lessons don't look like much fun; however, there are some interesting illustrations of facial expressions, though not worthy of the term, "complete", and moreso, because this self-termed "complete" drawing course has nothing at all on Human Figure drawing, not a single page or illustration of human figure, nude or clothed, or the canon of proportion, I do not see how it can suggest itself as "complete". Furthermore, no illustration in this "complete" drawing course shows anything "moving". It's portraits are still life. It's trees and landscapes are still lifes. Regarding animation, would you expect a "complete" drawing course to include some animals? Well, don't look in this text for them, cause they ain't! So long story made short, it is NOT a "complete" drawing course, though it's got the usual instruction in landscape, persepective, lighting & shading, artists materials, etc.
There is perhaps a singular saving grace in this text, and that is if it is purchased for the sheer volume and variety of its graphics. For example, on 2 facing pages, it shows 9 different ways of illustrating a Tree, and 5 different ways of illustrating tree bark/trunks. In fact, the pages on drawing plants and branches may be the book's saving grace. I'm happy to have it in my home library as a reference text, since it isn't too expensive. (but the graphics just might be worth $11 bucks).
Rating:
Summary: the Title is misleading...
Review: "complete drawing course" by some entity calling itself "The Diagram Group" fails to be a "complete drawing course". The title suggests something encyclopedic, which this is not, at only 255 short pages (the book is 8 1/2" tall x 11 1/2" wide). As other reviewers observe, the book lessons prescribe a series of drawing tasks and assignments, which gives it something of a "machine-like" quality of instruction, and the printing is all in high-contrast black on white which gives the book a cold feel. Also, I'm a bit uncomfortable with "how-to" drawing books which suggest, as first projects, drawing obsure and apparently irrelevant inanimate objects (3- hole paper punches from some office desk, coffee pots, scissors, door keys, paper chinese food cartons, household steam irons etc., etc.,...) as though the person moved to draw such mundane objects was psychologically irrelevant.
The last 50 pages or so cover portraiture, though these drawing lessons don't look like much fun; however, there are some interesting illustrations of facial expressions, though not worthy of the term, "complete", and moreso, because this self-termed "complete" drawing course has nothing at all on Human Figure drawing, not a single page or illustration of human figure, nude or clothed, or the canon of proportion, I do not see how it can suggest itself as "complete". Furthermore, no illustration in this "complete" drawing course shows anything "moving". It's portraits are still life. It's trees and landscapes are still lifes. Regarding animation, would you expect a "complete" drawing course to include some animals? Well, don't look in this text for them, cause they ain't! So long story made short, it is NOT a "complete" drawing course, though it's got the usual instruction in landscape, persepective, lighting & shading, artists materials, etc.
There is perhaps a singular saving grace in this text, and that is if it is purchased for the sheer volume and variety of its graphics. For example, on 2 facing pages, it shows 9 different ways of illustrating a Tree, and 5 different ways of illustrating tree bark/trunks. In fact, the pages on drawing plants and branches may be the book's saving grace. I'm happy to have it in my home library as a reference text, since it isn't too expensive. (but the graphics just might be worth $11 bucks).
Rating: 
Summary: More for novice artists than beginners...
Review: a thorough drawing course which covers everything from objects, planet and trees, places, and people. While the book is well detailed it lacks some instruction in the basics. I wouldn't suggest a complete beginner pick this one up but a novice artist with a firm grasp on the basics will find this book usefull.
Rating: 
Summary: not good if reading by yourself
Review: I agree with other reviewers that this book looks like a course material. For all the tasks descibed, which is basically what this book is, there is little explanation about how to do it, how to do it better, or what is the reason to do it. One thing is for sure: the more you put in, the better you draw, but this book doesn't help much if you read it by itself and by yourself. I do suspect it is designed for some course led by instructor.
Rating:
Summary: Lots of exercises but little guidance
Review: This book contains lots of great exercises but has very few indicators about how well you are doing in the exercises.
Rating: 
Summary: Comprehensive, hands-on guide
Review: This book is just as it states - a drawing course. When I am reading this and working with it, I feel as though I have a thoughtful instructor giving me an assignment at the beginning of art class. This feeling gives a sense of security and belonging to something. There are many diverse tasks listed to enhance drawing skills. As I complete each one I find myself saying I ought to do that again to improve. There are assignments which I would never have considered on my own. As such the book forces me out of my comfort level, and I am grateful for that. In addition, the book offers inspiration for projects. This book could be used as a curriculum guide for art projects for a high school drawing course. I plan to be using it for many years as I improve my drawing skills. It's task oriented, hands-on approach is demonstrated by the quote in the foreword: "Like a language course, the success of your efforts depends upon HOW MUCH YOU PUT IN. YOU DO THE WORK."
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, hands-on guide
Review: This book is just as it states - a drawing course. When I am reading this and working with it, I feel as though I have a thoughtful instructor giving me an assignment at the beginning of art class. This feeling gives a sense of security and belonging to something. There are many diverse tasks listed to enhance drawing skills. As I complete each one I find myself saying I ought to do that again to improve. There are assignments which I would never have considered on my own. As such the book forces me out of my comfort level, and I am grateful for that. In addition, the book offers inspiration for projects. This book could be used as a curriculum guide for art projects for a high school drawing course. I plan to be using it for many years as I improve my drawing skills. It's task oriented, hands-on approach is demonstrated by the quote in the foreword: "Like a language course, the success of your efforts depends upon HOW MUCH YOU PUT IN. YOU DO THE WORK."
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