could someone recommend some books or links with good general guidelines for design and composition, e.g., good ways to divide up the rectangle, how to enhance the illusion of depth, things to avoid, etc.?
thanks again – Kevin
The book which I have used which has helped me a lot is the following. Drawing Scenery:Landscapes and Seascapes by Jack Hamm. this book will give you everything you want and much more. I have been through a lot of books, and this small book is the very best that I have seen to date. I thought it was out of print, but jaundel tells me it is still available from Amazon. If you do get it, please let me and others know what you think of it. I am sure you will be pleased.
DeeVee,
Joe.
thanks for the book recommendation
Thanks for the recommendation, Joe. I’ve just ordered a copy from Amazon UK (£7), plus a copy of his book on Head and Figure Drawing (£6) - mind you that will have to be exceptional if it’s going to do me any good! Both received top recommendations from previous purchasers.
I notice they also had his book on animal drawing still in print too.
I only have two. The book I mentioned and the one on still life’s You will not be disappointed, guys. I have had them since the late seventies, and I dug them up when I began with ZBrush. Please let me know what you think!
Hi, Joe - I’m replying to your query about the book here just to bump this thread for the benefit of anyone who may have missed it first time around.
Your question was very timely. After a short delay in obtaining the book, there was then a problem with the credit card expiry date which has changed from what Amazon had on file for me. So in fact both books arrived only this morning.
Obviously I haven’t had much time to read them, but my first impressions are very good. Well, illustrated, concise information, and no flanneling around with the usual potted history of art first - straight down to the real business of compositional principles and techniques.
The books are quite old - some 30 years or so - but of course things like this don’t age. In fact it is a benefit in that it is reflected in the low price. And much of the information in both volumes is readily applicable to working with graphics programs rather than physical media.
I want to thank you for bringing these to my attention, and add my own hearty recommendation for anyone wanting straightforward and readable guidance in these areas at a very affordable price. Grab them now while they’re still in print - that’s my advice. (I have no doubt that the other volumes by this author are equally beneficial in their own field. Check out the Amazon site for details.)