Table of Contents

Introduction
A pencil timeline
A brief history of the pencil
Tools and Materials
 
Chapter 1: Drawing with line
A variety of ways to use line, explaining line weight, and the expressive qualities of line. Exercises that elaborate each point.
 
Chapter 2: Drawing with tone
Shading with the pencil. How to create a simple even shadow. How to use a full range of tone to create complex shadows. Drawing with the eraser to create highlights. Building up tones with hatching and and varying pressure.
 
Chapter 3: Drawing what you see quickly
A discussion of drawing from observation. Exercises on drawing quickly in a sketch based method, relying less on accuracy and more on documenting what you see.
 
Chapter 4: Photorealistic drawing
Discussion of the differences between photorealism and classical realism. Understanding how to see and understand the complex tonal range and relationships within a fixed composition.
 
Chapter 5: Adding color
How to add colorful elements to a pencil drawing. Each exercise will incorporate a different medium to consider.
 
Artists Directory
Index
About the Author

 

About the Author

Matt Rota is a New York artist who currently teaches at the School of Visual Arts graduate visual narrative program, and has taught in the illustration department at the Maryland Institute College of Art. His drawings and prints have been exhibited at the National Arts Club, the Society of Illustrators, and Last Rites Gallery in New York; the Copro Gallery in Lost Angeles; Galerie L'Oeil du Prince in Paris; and other international locations. Matt Rota is the author of Rockport's The Art of Ballpoint.

Reviews

Rota wants readers to use the pencil to its full potential, and he has provided an arsenal of tools to help reach that goal.
*Cloth, Paper, Scissors*

Eye-catching, strong, intriguing, even humorous at times...Best of all, it's distinctive without being expensive.
*Arts & Activities*