To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
$17.23 with 14 percent savings
List Price: $19.95
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, January 24 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tuesday, January 21. Order within 58 mins.
In Stock
$$17.23 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$17.23
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Sketching for the Absolute Beginner (ABSOLUTE BEGINNER ART) Paperback – November 30, 2021

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 248 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$17.23","priceAmount":17.23,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"17","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"23","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"suZNASVyrd0oXZQAgDi56eudFBCcXcUv%2FE7EUCp1NccUVzWEABS97cSvcJBHx2ZIu7e9B9UPC7aqsbW%2BgKv7YKE8dCWTiIOojSlHIByHFM629pytKwOOPDfgvS599sX36Zgu0Jen73Nat1h3yjLvTQ%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Learn how to sketch like a pro with this beginner-friendly crash course offering 5 step-by-step projects and essential technical guidance.

Covers a variety of media, including sketching with pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, and more!

Starting with a clear, simple method to bring all the senses into play, successful author and acclaimed artist Peter Cronin RSMA shows you how to bring artistry and economy to your sketching. Work your way toward more complex, rewarding artworks by following his simple, step-by-step demonstrations and completing 5 projects.

Whether sketching as the basis for painting, or simply for pleasure, this is the ultimate course in sketching for beginners! You’ll find guidance on:

• Getting started and understanding materials
• Working with the eye, hand, and heart
• Types of sketching and essential techniques
• Mastering composition
• Handling complex subject matter
• And more!

Most of the artworks are created using graphite pencil, but Peter also demonstrates how to use charcoal and pen and ink to broaden the possibilities; and encourages you to experiment with other media. By the end of the book, you’ll know how to take your sketching skills further and become an accomplished artist in your own right!
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

This item: Sketching for the Absolute Beginner (ABSOLUTE BEGINNER ART)
$17.23
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 24
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$19.95
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 24
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$11.39 ($0.67/Count)
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 24
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Choose items to buy together.

From the Publisher

sketching, pencil, drawing, art, buildings, boats, art

Sketching is more than just drawing quickly. It is training your eye and hand to work together, to respond to the scene before you.

Whether sketching as the basis for painting, or simply for pleasure, this gives you all you need to take your sketching skills further and become an accomplished artist.

pens, pads, paper, watercolour, pencil, ink watercolor, painting, sketching, drawing

Peter Cronin shows the reader how to bring artistry and economy to their sketching; making for swift and impressive results. Whether sketching as the basis for painting, or simply for pleasure, this book teaches the reader all they need to know.

Discover the different types of sketches:

tram, streetcar, transport, sketch, study, scene, pencil, drawing

Studies

If you wish to include various objects in your compositions, then it would follow that you have to be able to draw these objects. And as the title suggests, the study is the way to do this.

bridge, boats, building, scene, water, docks, pencil, drawing, art, picture. sketch

Compositional

A compositional sketch deals with the placement and relationship of shapes, tones and edges within the picture plane. Put in a simpler manner, this means it is the pattern of shapes that is important.

atmospheric, atmosphere, art, sketch, scene, streetcar, building, tram, city

Atmospheric

As the title suggests, this type of sketch is primarily concerned with the atmosphere of the scene, rather than the structure or detail. The sketch needs to say if the scene is sunny, misty, bustling and busy, or quiet and calm.

Then take your sketching further:

house, pen, wash, paint, watercolor, watercolour, house, car, street scene

Painting over pen

Why not add watercolour to a pen sketch? This painting technique is ideal for sketching as it’s such a quick way to record colour on the spot.

rain, countryside, country, scene, water, wet, person, paint, watercolor, watercolour, pencil

Pencil and wash

The pencil and wash technique is all but identical to pen and wash. If you are a novice, however, pencil and wash can be less intimidating, due to the fact that pencil marks can be removed or adjusted prior to you applying the paint.

charcoal, barn, art, sketching, farm, countryside, tree, clouds

Charcoal sketch

Charcoal is best used broadly: a bold ‘big shape first’ approach will give you the best results. It is, however, also capable of both subtlety and detail.

artist, sketching, outdoors, nature, pad, paper, pencil, observation

Meet the author

Peter Cronin loves the natural world. The pull of the outdoors and the fall of sunlight across the landscape inspire his work, and he can be found exploring the world around him in all seasons. Through his teaching, workshops and demonstrations he seeks to encourage, equip and help all who love art.

A Member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA), the Royal Watercolour Society of Wales and the Pure Watercolour Society, Peter has been a professional artist for more than 15 years. Completely self-taught, he has gained an enviable reputation for his watercolour and oils; both of which rely on Peter's clarity of sight and the economy of line in his underlying drawings.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Peter Cronin RSMA loves the natural world. The pull of the outdoors and the fall of sunlight across the landscape inspire his work, and he can be found exploring the world around him in all seasons and weathers. Through his teaching, workshops and demonstrations he seeks to encourage, equip and help all who love art.

A Member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, the Royal Watercolour Society of Wales and the Pure Watercolour Society, Peter has been painting for over thirty years. Completely self-taught, he has gained an enviable reputation for his watercolour and oils; both of which rely on Peter's clarity of sight and the economy of line in his underlying drawings.

Peter lives in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales.

https://www.petercronin.org

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Search Press (November 30, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1782218742
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1782218746
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.58 x 0.43 x 11.05 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 248 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Peter Cronin
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
248 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Fun tutorials
5 out of 5 stars
Fun tutorials
This is a great book for beginners. I can’t wait to use the techniques I’ve learned on my own sketches.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024
    This is a great book for beginners. I can’t wait to use the techniques I’ve learned on my own sketches.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun tutorials
    Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024
    This is a great book for beginners. I can’t wait to use the techniques I’ve learned on my own sketches.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2022
    For anyone who wants to improve their sketches for painting or preliminary studies, this is a great addition to your library. Cronin uses his S.E.T. (Shape/Edge/Tone) method to analyze every scene. I substitute Value for his Tone but that is just my preference—either way, the approach is a good habit. He also does a quick outline sketch of the top of the background and works to the midground and foreground from there. Many other books cover these methods as well, but Cronin’s examples and written explanations are clear and direct.
    14 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2023
    This is a fantastic book to read and look through. As a matter of fact, it’s hard to put down. There is some gray wisdom sprinkled in the book too. I just don’t think it’s anywhere near the level for beginners. There’s a lot of art wisdom in here and tips but the how to part is not simplified enough to actually become a proficient artist. He tends to write in a way that’s a bit over your head. I just thought it was a little misleading. But honestly, I can look through this book forever. The art is beautiful. He really is a great sketch artist. But not quite educational, practical enough for my needs. I wish he would explain in more detail how he drew some pieces in language that is more accessible. Explaining your art is tough to do. He does a good job of it but not enough for a reader to say, oh now I get it.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2021
    Peter Cronin's book is a straightforward, clear and informative guide to sketching. Becoming good at sketching is up to each individual, but this is an excellent book that will help you to get there. His book removes any mystery from learning to sketch.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2021
    For some time now I've been looking for a simple, straightforward, and above all effective book on learning to sketch. This is it! Thank you, Peter Cronin.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2022
    Love this book. Well written, easy to understand. Lots of step by step instructions and examples.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
    Eventually I would use it.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Einer der schlechteren von Baedeker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ausgezeichnetes Lehrbuch
    Reviewed in Germany on August 11, 2024
    Ausgezeichnete Lektionen mit ausführlichen Anweisungen und auch verschiedenen Techniken. Eines meiner besten Bücher zum Thema Zeichnen.
  • swapan kumar mallick
    1.0 out of 5 stars Very poor
    Reviewed in India on February 8, 2023
    Very bad book. Below quality sketches.
    One should not buy this and waste money
  • ahmed samer
    5.0 out of 5 stars نسخه أصليه خدمه ممتازه
    Reviewed in Egypt on August 5, 2022
    الكتاب جميل جدا ورق فخم جدا جدا وطباعه عاليه نسخه اصليه و كالعاده حاجات مميزه من المكتبه الاكاديميه الواحد مش بيندم علي اي مبلغ يندفع في حاجه قيمه بالشكل دا شكرا ليكم ونتطلع لمزيد من العروض والكتب الرائعه دي
  • Peter, Oxford UK
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on sketching
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 29, 2021
    Although not a beginner myself to sketching, this book is excellent, both for a complete beginner and to give inspiration to other artists.
    My first books on sketching I purchased some years ago and they were by Adrian Hill, a professional artist who appeared on television and wrote some excellent books on painting and sketching. I absolutely love his pencil sketches and since they were published during the 1950s and 1960s I have been looking for similar books by a modern artist. This book I feel is the first one to be every bit as good as Adrian Hills. For the absolute beginner there is a section on materials and exercises with step by step instructions to help. The importance of shapes, edges and tones are explained, types of sketches and using other media such as pen and wash, charcoal, etc. Then there are chapters on composition, portraying different weather conditions, people, animals in the landscape, trees, boats, etc. The book has numerous excellent examples of Peter’s sketches superbly illustrated and interspersed with lighthearted and sometimes humorous text about his experiences sketching outdoors.
    All in all I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone, beginner or more experienced artist and it is the perfect accompanying book to his excellent first book, “Pure Watercolour Painting”.
  • Peter. Bringans
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sketch book
    Reviewed in Australia on January 21, 2024
    This is an excellent book for beginners