Cheap books to help you learn to draw and paint

It is thought that without training and practice, adults are stuck at a 10-year-old's level when it comes to drawing skills. I believe that is true. I used to think that people who can draw were born that way, with some kind of magical talent which allows them to produce beautiful masterpieces and that this skill is unattainable for us mere mortals.

Now I see things very differently. I think anyone can learn to draw at any age without any special talent. It just takes practice. Some of us may have to practice more than others, but anyone can do it. OK, perhaps not all of us will turn out to be the next Picasso, but we can all improve and perfect our drawing skills. I've decided that I was going to teach myself how to draw through books and online videos.

The internet is a good place to start.  Just check out YouTube and you'll be be amazed at how many people are willing to share their knowledge with you for free. In addition, it's a good idea to invest in a couple of books that teach you the basics. Last weekend, I walked into my local Works and quite impulsively picked up three books on the subject for just £2.99 each. I think they are really good books - I find them very useful.

The first book, Drawing Made Easy by Barrington Barber, is a general guide on drawing and includes tips on how to draw figures, faces, buildings, indoor scenes and simple objects.  It explains about perspectives, ratios and shading. 127 pages of really useful information.

The second book, Drawing Flowers by Jill Winch (also 127 pages), is a more specialised book, which specifically teaches you how to draw different types of flowers. An indispensable skill for us art journallers! The step-by-step instructions include drawing tulips, sunflowers, roses, irises amongst others, as well as leaves and berries.

The third book (my favourite) Painting in Watercolour by Wendy Jelbert and Ian Sidaway is an introduction to the art of watercolour painting. It shows you different tools and methods with a little colour theory thrown in along the way.  It's a good place to start and covers all the major techniques, including line and wash and using water-soluble pencils. This book is 95 pages long.

If you can't find these books in your local Works, you can buy them online. I think they are great value and you get free shipping for orders above £20. You can follow my affiliate links below or visit The Works website directly if you prefer.

Drawing Made Easy

Drawing Flowers

Painting in Watercolour