Summary of The Art Book EVERYONE knows but NO ONE uses...

Summary of "The Art Book EVERYONE knows but NO ONE uses..."

This video discusses the well-known art book How to Draw by Scott Robertson, explaining why many artists own it but few actively use it. The main reason is that the book is highly technical and assumes a strong prior understanding of 3D space and Perspective, making it confusing for beginners or those who prefer intuitive drawing methods.

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Key Artistic Concepts and Techniques Discussed:

• Technical Drawing and Perspective:
  • The book focuses on drawing with technical accuracy, especially for Product Design where sketches translate into 3D models.
  • It assumes knowledge of 3D axes (X, Y, Z) and spatial awareness.
  • Techniques include mirroring objects in space, measuring proportions accurately, and creating wireframes in Perspective.
  • The approach is very analytical and "outward design," starting from a center line and expanding outward to define shapes and proportions.
• Outward Design vs. Intuitive Drawing:
  • Outward design involves starting from a center line and building complex forms outward, requiring an advanced understanding of Perspective.
  • The alternative, more beginner-friendly approach is to start with simple, rough 3D forms (e.g., boxes, cylinders) and manipulate these forms intuitively.
  • This intuitive approach involves Form Manipulation techniques such as bending, inflating, tapering, and combining basic shapes to reach the desired complex form.
• Form Manipulation (ArtWad Method):
  • Begin with simple geometric shapes (boxes, cylinders).
  • Understand contour lines and how they change with manipulation.
  • Learn to bend, taper, inflate, and combine forms to create more complex objects.
  • This method builds an intuitive sense of 3D space, making drawing more natural and less rule-bound.
• Perspective Learning Advice:
  • The How to Draw book is excellent for deepening Perspective knowledge but is not ideal as a beginner’s first resource.
  • Beginners should first develop an intuitive grasp of simple 3D forms and their manipulation.
  • Use How to Draw as a supplementary resource to reinforce Perspective fundamentals rather than a starting point.
  • The goal is to achieve believability in art—where drawings look convincingly three-dimensional, even if not perfectly realistic.

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Practical Advice and Steps:

• For Beginners:
  • Don’t start with How to Draw as your first Perspective book.
  • Begin by learning simple forms (boxes, cylinders) in Perspective.
  • Practice intuitive Form Manipulation (bending, tapering, inflating).
  • Develop an intuitive understanding of 3D space rather than relying on strict vanishing points and rules.
  • Aim for believability over technical perfection.
• For Using How to Draw:
  • Keep the book even if it feels confusing initially.
  • Revisit it periodically after gaining some intuitive understanding of forms.
  • Use it to enhance your technical Perspective skills.
  • Treat it as a Perspective manual rather than a drawing tutorial.
  • Understand it as a Product Design-oriented book, focusing on technical accuracy.

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Summary of Differences in Approach:

Aspect	How to Draw (Scott Robertson)	ArtWad / Intuitive Approach
Starting Point	Center line, ground plane, wireframe outward design	Simple 3D forms (box, cylinder)
Learning Style	Analytical, technical, assumes prior knowledge	Intuitive, Form Manipulation, beginner-friendly
Focus	Technical accuracy, Product Design sketches	Believability, intuitive 3D form understanding
Perspective Handling	Orthographic views combined to create 3D	Intuitive sense of Perspective without strict rules
Complexity Handling	Starts complex, builds outward	Starts simple, builds complexity through Form Manipulation

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Contributors:

• Scott Robertson — Author of How to Draw, product designer, creator of the Technical Drawing method discussed.
• ArtWad (creator of the video) — Provides an alternative, intuitive approach to learning form and Perspective, emphasizing Form Manipulation and believability.

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In essence: How to Draw is a fantastic but advanced resource best suited for those with some foundational knowledge of 3D space and Perspective. Beginners should first cultivate an intuitive understanding of simple forms and their manipulation before diving into this book. Use it as a powerful supplement to deepen Perspective skills rather than a beginner’s guide.

Category

Art and Creativity

Video