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Review: Step-by-Step Drawing Book

If you are searching for a resource that empowers young students to feel like true illustrators, Step-by-Step Drawing is an absolute gem. The book’s title is a literal promise; each two-page spread meticulously breaks down different subjects into manageable, basic shapes. This simplicity is vital for budding artists; complicated tutorials can quickly lead to frustration if a child’s work doesn't mirror the example. By starting with the foundational geometry of an object, this book ensures that even a five-year-old can achieve a "win" every time they pick up a pencil.

The curriculum begins with very basic forms and gradually introduces "design variations," showing students how to add texture, patterns, and extra details to elevate their work. Our daughter, who lives and breathes all things art, has found this immensely rewarding. One of the best functional aspects of the workbook is the generous amount of white space on each page. It encourages repetition, allowing the student to practice a specific subject multiple times until they’ve perfected their technique.

I particularly love how the book groups related subjects together to encourage "scene building." For example, after learning to draw a castle, the student is taught to draw a princess and a dragon. This allows them to move beyond isolated sketches and begin creating elaborate, narrative masterpieces. When these components are combined with the various design styles the book teaches, the possibilities for creative expression are nearly endless.


The crowning achievement of this workbook is the final section, which features partially completed "starter scenes." These pages prompt the student to add specific elements to finish the story, acting as a bridge between guided instruction and pure creative freedom. It is a fantastic way to teach composition—helping a child understand how different items interact within a larger "masterpiece." In our house, we frequently paint once or twice a week, and I’ve watched our daughter seamlessly transfer the drawing skills she learned here onto her canvases.


I highly recommend this workbook for any primary art class. It is fun, simple, and deeply engaging, providing the perfect blend of structure and imagination. It’s a resource we’ll be using for a long time to come!

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  1. Gina @ OaxacabornJuly 1, 2021 at 7:13 PM

    Thanks for showing some of the inside spreads -- so fun to peek inside!

    ReplyDelete

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