Can drawing mdash; sound; honest representation of the world as the eye sees it; not tricks with the pencil or a few "effects" mdash; be learned from a book? One of the most gifted draftsmen; who is also one of the greatest art critics and theorists of all time; answers that question with a decided "Yes." He is John Ruskin; the author of this book; a classic in art education as well as a highly effective text for the student and amateur today.The work is in three parts; cast in the form of letters to a student; successively covering "First Practice;" "Sketching from Nature;" and "Colour and Composition." Starting with the bare fundamentals (what kind of drawing pen to buy; shading a square evenly); and using the extremely practical method of exercises which the student performs from the very first; Ruskin instructs; advises; guides; counsels; and anticipates problems with sensitivity. The exercises become more difficult; developing greater and greater skills until Ruskin feels his reader is ready for watercolors and finally composition; which he treats in detail as to the laws of principality; repetition; continuity; curvature; radiation; contrast; interchange; consistency; and harmony. All along the way; Ruskin explains; in plain; clear language; the artistic and craftsmanlike reasons behind his practical advice mdash; underlying which; of course; is Ruskins brilliant philosophy of honest; naturally observed art which has so much affected our aesthetic. Three full-page plates and 48 woodcuts and diagrams (the latter from drawings by the author) show the student what the text describes. An appendix devotes many pages to the art works which may be studied with profit.
#1017583 in eBooks 2012-09-19 2012-09-19File Name: B00A73AP8M
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Mathieu is excellent as a piece of writing and as an introduction ...By BobbopThe Listening Book by W.A. Mathieu is excellent as a piece of writing and as an introduction to his magnum opus; Harmonic Experience. His writing style is conversational without being annoying. He has a well-developed knack of anticipating where your thoughts will go and of being there waiting for you when you get there. Mathieu is a teacher at his core; and The Listening Book is well worth the read.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. inspirationalBy Kris BifulcoThis is a favorite book of mine; and one that I frequently by copies of for other people. Mathieu offers meditations and exercises on the act of listening to transform it into the art of listening. Its great for musicians and non-musicians alike. It will stretch your perception of the world in the best way.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Changes how you hearBy anne bannisterLoved this book. Short essays that really make you think about what you hear. Great exercises for becoming comfortable finding your own music.