The steps in the demonstrations and the subjects are ideal for me. The demonstrations tend to be four steps: 1) outline, 2) detailed outline, 3) light shading to plan where all shading will be and internal lines, and 4) full detail to all lines and full shading. Subject matter is separated into sections for still life, buildings, transport, landscapes, animals, and people. The subjects also aren't the typical bowl or fruit and nude people, but include Native American gourds, a lighthouse, a wheel barrow, a hawk on a gloved arm, and a close up of a Victorian woman. The results are detailed enough to have made me work for my success, but still basic enough to feel like I was just sketching.

Easily the best graphite drawing book available at my library. ( )

Drawings are excellent. This particular copy, being a paperback (2004 reprint), is a reduction in size compared to the 1991 hardcover edition. But the worst aspect is the tone of the print: overly dark, compared to the original.