📖 Overview
How to Draw is an instructional art book focused on teaching perspective drawing fundamentals and industrial design visualization techniques. The book provides step-by-step lessons that progress from basic geometric forms to complex mechanical objects and environments.
Author Scott Robertson draws from his experience as an art instructor and concept designer to break down professional drawing methods into digestible exercises. The book includes QR codes linking to video demonstrations that complement the written instruction and illustrations.
Technical topics covered include 1-point through 5-point perspective, ellipses, casting shadows, reflections, and creating dramatic camera angles. The lessons emphasize developing spatial reasoning and understanding form rather than simply copying reference material.
The book represents a structured approach to acquiring professional-level drawing skills, positioning technical fundamentals as the gateway to creative expression. Its methods reflect both classical drawing instruction and contemporary digital art workflows.
👀 Reviews
Readers consider this an advanced technical drawing book that requires significant practice and dedication. Many note it's not for beginners despite the basic-sounding title.
Likes:
- Clear, systematic approach to perspective
- High-quality example illustrations
- Detailed explanations of complex concepts
- Digital drawing tutorials included
- Companion videos complement the lessons
Dislikes:
- Too advanced for drawing novices
- Requires strong foundational skills
- Dense technical information can overwhelm
- Limited coverage of organic shapes
- Some find exercises repetitive
One reader noted: "This is more like 'How to Draw Like an Industrial Designer' rather than a general drawing guide."
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.5/5 (1,200+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,800+ ratings)
ArtStation: 4.8/5 (300+ ratings)
Most negative reviews focus on the difficulty level, with readers suggesting "Perspective Made Easy" by Ernest Norling as a better starting point for beginners.
📚 Similar books
Sketching: The Basics by Koos Eissen and Roselien Steur.
This guide builds fundamental sketching techniques through linear perspective, construction drawing, and product visualization methods.
Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling. The book presents perspective drawing concepts through mechanical principles and step-by-step demonstrations.
Figure Drawing: Design and Invention by Michael Hampton. The text breaks down human anatomy into geometric forms for construction-based figure drawing.
Creative Perspective for Artists and Illustrators by Ernest W. Watson. This manual focuses on freehand perspective techniques for creating dimensional drawings without mechanical tools.
Drawing Dimension: A Comprehensive Guide to 3D Drawing by David Chelsea. The book teaches methods for creating three-dimensional drawings through perspective systems and spatial visualization.
Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling. The book presents perspective drawing concepts through mechanical principles and step-by-step demonstrations.
Figure Drawing: Design and Invention by Michael Hampton. The text breaks down human anatomy into geometric forms for construction-based figure drawing.
Creative Perspective for Artists and Illustrators by Ernest W. Watson. This manual focuses on freehand perspective techniques for creating dimensional drawings without mechanical tools.
Drawing Dimension: A Comprehensive Guide to 3D Drawing by David Chelsea. The book teaches methods for creating three-dimensional drawings through perspective systems and spatial visualization.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎨 Scott Robertson taught concept design at Art Center College of Design for 17 years before writing this comprehensive guide to perspective drawing.
📚 The book features QR codes that link to over 10 hours of companion video content, demonstrating the techniques in real-time.
✏️ Robertson developed many of the book's methods while working as a designer for companies like Hot Wheels, Disney, and Mattel.
🔍 The techniques taught in the book are used by professional concept artists in major film studios, including those who worked on "Star Wars" and "Avatar."
🎓 Despite its technical depth, the book was specifically structured to be accessible to both complete beginners and experienced artists looking to refine their skills.