Freehand Sketching

As an architect I have been keeping a sketchbook for over 30 years, but I felt my techniques had become a little stale and I set out to find a book that would push me to try new techniques. This book perfectly fit the bill. It has specific hands-on exercises that lead you step by step into the techniques he is trying to develop. The exercises are well developed and the techniques he teaches can be accomplished by almost anyone with a little practice. This book is not about ten different ways to sketch with pencil, pen, watercolor, etc. The focus is completely on how to sketch effectively with a pen on paper, and this focus gives the book a strong point of view and makes it an effective teaching tool.

This book gets down to the essence of live, line drawing. The author is extremely helpful in getting the reader past his fears by giving encouraging words and giving great examples. One can easily progress with his advice, and change one's attitude from being hesitant to celebratory. A great place to start if you want to get past initial personally-imposed restrictions. This book, above all things, teaches courage--courage to draw and courage to express.

THE BEST!! So HELPFULLL!

Upon reading the first few pages I was able to sketch a freehand image of my own hand - something I had never attempted in the past, and it was actually recognizable since I followed his suggestions for observation.

I love his book. I love the drawings. I started on page one and I think I am at page 68. Big difference between the first one and this last one that I have done. I'm not all the way thru the book but I am getting close! Really have enjoyed it and learned a bunch.

This is one of the few books I wish a had when I was just starting my art training. Paul Laseau does an excellent job getting the reader immediately focused on which skills need to be mastered at any given step and explains how to get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible. All you need is a pen and a few sheets of paper. This book delivers, as long as the student does the work and no time or energy is ever wasted. This is one very impressive little book.

This book was recommended to me by a Grad student who was my T.A. the previous semester. I wasn't able to purchase it until the next semester, but the timing is perfect. The exercises fit perfectly the needs I have at the moment to improve my sketching techniques. It's not very big, or long, but the price is right and I've learned a lot not only in technique, but how I see the world around me.

Decent but limited learning device

This is a deceptively simple but monumental book on how to set out to sketch. Practical advice about how to sketch is seeded with some of the most intelligent and perceptive writing about the nature of drawing. Set out in the format of a Carnet de Voyage, a traveler's sketchbook, it is filled with wonderful sketches and exercises. The writing about drawing is as wise and compelling as are the sketches. As one returning to freehand sketching, I found this book a gem of concise advice on the 'how' and a highly articulate discussion of the 'why' of freehand sketching. Pack this book along with your pad and pencil and go sketching.

This book is fabulous. As a newish and learning urban sketcher there are so many fabulous tips. The many line drawing examples throughout really appeal to my visual learning style.

E' molto semplice da capire ed è un buon metodo. Carini gli esempi da copiare e gli esercizi. Una guida utile. Mi piace

Excellent guide for any starting sketcher or keen drawer. The author encourages everyone to take a pencil and get started! Highly recommended!

If you are interested in sketching, lack confidence or are unsure where to start, then consider buying this book. It offers sound basic advice that is not over-whelming, delivered in a helpful/constructive way, does not get you to complete pointless exercises, and does not tell you to buy a myriad of art materials from specific suppliers. The author is a trained architect (whom I have found are much better at explaining/demonstrating sketching techniques than many artists). We all like different styles and approaches so it may not be for you. However, if you find it useful you should also consider its companion book: Watercolour Sketching An Introduction. In short both of these books provide everything you need to know about 'getting started in sketching'.