Grids is a great book as it starts out simply, teaching you to use grids to create shapes and patterns. It shows you to how to draw by breaking simple pictures down into small components, like if you want to draw a cat you put one ear in one grid box and the other in another and it keeps the proportions right.
But then the book gets you to be more and more ambitious. Firstly by stimulating your imagination, and getting you to draw amazing creatures and even fly above the rooftops drawing what you see. Then it gives you new techniques like drawing in 3D by shading and even creating optical illusions.
I thought the grids would be basic squares but they aren’t, they are made up of all shapes and sizes, so you can draw anything from a space invader in simple squares to a peacock. It is a really friendly book and doesn’t judge – like an art teacher might, even if your drawings don’t match up to the standards in the book.
It also gets you into the project straightaway and doesn’t take ages giving you the rules. You can spend as long as you want and keep on the same task, perfecting it. It is easy to use and is weeks of fun and really helps you to draw well.
It would be great for all abilities as every page has something new. I would recommend it to my friends.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Published by Thames & Hudson Grids: A drawing book for squares
Arden's father is the crime writer P D Viner whose books include The Last Winter of Dani Lancing and Summer of Ghosts.