by Mark Kistler
Da Capo Lifelong Books, $19.00, 238 pages
Here’s the situation: you have always dreamed of drawing. But there is a problem — you don’t know how to draw. Don’t give up! You Can Draw in 30 Days is the solution to that problem. All you need is this book, a few pencils and 20 minutes a day for 30 days.
Author Mark Kistler is very encouraging. For the last 30 years Mark has taught people how to draw all over the world. You may have even seen his show on public television. You’ll begin your lessons with shapes. Lesson 1 is the sphere. Lesson 2 is overlapping spheres. You’ll continue with cubes, advanced level cubes, flowers, cylinders, houses, waves, flags and more. Each daily lesson takes you step by step through the process. Kistler’s writing is conversational and easy to follow. He gives specific ways to identify your light source and draw the shadow that is cast. Later lessons refer back to the basics. The end of each section includes a Bonus Challenge. Put the skills you just learned to the test using a “real-world” object. Kistler ends lessons by sharing drawings made by other beginners. Get your pencils sharpened and get ready to draw!
Reviewed by Elizabeth Franklin