Book Review - 20 Ways

For my post today, I’d like to share a couple of really good books I bought recently.

20 ways to draw

20 ways to draw a tree (and 44 other nifty things from nature - 96 pages) by Eloise Renouf, and 20 ways to draw a tulip (and 44 other fabulous flowers - 96 pages) by Lisa Congdon.

20 Ways to draw a Tulip

They are books for artists designed to either teach you to draw, or if you have some experience, to develop your ideas.  

They both start with a brief introduction and then a ‘how to use this book’. The instructions tell you that each page has been purposely left with blank space, these books are designed for drawing in!

Draw 20 shells

There are a few helpful pointers for beginners, with tips for learning how to see the subjects you want to draw, but after that, you’re on your own. 

Draw 20 feathers

Each double page spread has a subject. In the trees and other things book, there are leaves, eggs, logs, seeds and other natural objects.

Draw 20 seed heads

And in the Tulips and other things book, each page is a different type of flower. 

Draw 20 Lavender plants

Draw 20You can see where I’ve made a start sketching some of my own tree ideas in the gaps on this page. 

Draw 20 trees

Both books are beautifully illustrated by the authors, all in bold simple styles, and are a great springboard to get you looking and thinking differently about your designs. 

And I like the idea of encouraging you to consider the same subject in multiple ways. It really gets your brain working and thinking about how each drawing could be used for making your own stamps, or carving directly in to clay.

Draw 20 poppies

I would recommend both of these books whether you’re looking for something simple to help you start drawing, need something to help develop your ideas, or are looking for a kick start during a dry spell. And if trees and flowers aren’t your thing, there are also 20 ways to draw a dress, cat, moustache, bike and more. You will never be stuck for an idea again!