Mark Kistler condenses decades of art experience into 30 lessons to help you learn how to draw.
Author: Mark Kistler
Released: January 2011
Genre: Art Education
Pages: 256
Review
When it comes to learning art there are certain aspects of the journey that are more pleasurable than others.
This is the same with any skill. An aspiring basketball player would like nothing more than to be able to effortlessly throw three-pointers one after the other. However, this is a skill that takes practice. In addition, the player needs to learn the many aspects of the game and improve their skills in those areas or risk never growing as a player.
The same is true for art. Learning foundational techniques of drawing may not be the most thrilling aspect of the pursuit, but it is a vital one. Understanding perspective may not thrill you (or me), but it's important if we wish to become and grow as an artist.
This book is the peas and carrots at the buffet, which is our art journey. The peas and carrots are not the most appealing, but they're good for us and we must eat them.
Structure
There are 30 chapters in the book. Each chapter is an individual bite-size lesson with its own drawing exercise.
The beginning of the book starts with lessons on shapes, such as the sphere and cube. You'll increasingly learn shading, perspective, and gain the ability to draw more complex figures.
Additional Comments
Admittedly it took me longer than 30 days to complete the book. The lessons are small and one a day can be easily completed. However, life happens, and it took me months. This is a reflection of myself, not the book.
I'm genuinely proud of the progress I made by following the instructions the author, Mark Kistler, provides. You can view my drawings from the lessons below. And if you're on Instagram and pick up the book, please tag me. I'd love to see your creations, too!
About the Author
Mark Kistler taught millions of children how to draw on his Public Television Series The Secret City in the 1980s and The Imagination Station in the 1990s. Mark has written many popular drawing books. And,, currently still teaches children and adults. You can check out his online learning offerings on his website.
In addition, he is active on YouTube with a number of drawing videos available for free.
Here is my completed drawing from the above video.
I wouldn't have been as successful at this drawing exercise before reading the book. But it was relatively easy with the knowledge I gained from You Can Draw in 30 Days.
Content Warnings
None
Check out my list of art supplies here.
During the months I spent finishing this book, I also completed Donelli DiMaria's free course Figure Drawing From Life Using The Reilly Technique and I highly recommend it.
Verdict
Score: 9.5/10
This book is a great start for anyone wanting to learn how to draw. It will clearly teach you the basics to begin your personal art journey.
Yes, get it! Pick it up at your library, local bookstore, or favorite online retailer.
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