--- product_id: 632755894 title: "The Artist's Guide to Sketching: The Classic Book about Making Art on Location" price: "€ 34.88" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.hr/products/632755894-the-artists-guide-to-sketching-the-classic-book-about-making store_origin: HR region: Croatia --- # The Artist's Guide to Sketching: The Classic Book about Making Art on Location **Price:** € 34.88 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Artist's Guide to Sketching: The Classic Book about Making Art on Location - **How much does it cost?** € 34.88 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.hr](https://www.desertcart.hr/products/632755894-the-artists-guide-to-sketching-the-classic-book-about-making) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description The Artist's Guide to Sketching: The Classic Book about Making Art on Location [Gurney, James, Kinkade, Thomas] on desertcart.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Artist's Guide to Sketching: The Classic Book about Making Art on Location Review: Book Review: The Artist’s Guide to Sketching by James Gurney and Thomas Kinkade - Few books bridge the gap between artistic inspiration and practical technique as effectively as The Artist’s Guide to Sketching by James Gurney and Thomas Kinkade. First published in 1982, this masterfully written and beautifully illustrated guide remains one of the most insightful resources for artists looking to refine their observational and sketching skills. Gurney and Kinkade—both legendary in their respective fields—bring a unique synergy to this book. Before achieving individual fame (Gurney for Dinotopia and Kinkade for his luminous landscapes), the two artists embarked on an unforgettable journey, traveling across America to sketch everything from bustling cityscapes to quiet rural scenes. Their firsthand experiences form the foundation of this book, making it not just a guide, but an engaging travelogue of artistic discovery. A Masterclass in Observation and Technique At its core, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching emphasizes the importance of keen observation, spontaneity, and discipline. The book is structured in a way that caters to both beginners and seasoned artists, covering essential topics such as: • Choosing the Right Tools: The authors break down the pros and cons of different sketching materials, from pencils and pens to watercolor washes, offering guidance on selecting the right medium for various subjects. • Understanding Composition: Gurney and Kinkade delve into the principles of composition, teaching artists how to frame their sketches effectively by controlling elements such as balance, perspective, and contrast. • Sketching from Life: One of the book’s most valuable sections, this chapter explores techniques for capturing movement, depth, and emotion in real-time—whether sketching a crowded street, a tranquil landscape, or an intimate portrait. • The Role of Light and Shadow: Both authors are masters of light, and their insights into how lighting affects form, atmosphere, and storytelling elevate this book beyond a simple technique manual. A Timeless Resource for Every Artist What sets The Artist’s Guide to Sketching apart is its emphasis on sketching as a way of life rather than just a technical skill. The book is filled with personal anecdotes, travel sketches, and insightful reflections on the artistic process. Gurney and Kinkade encourage artists to embrace imperfection, experiment fearlessly, and, most importantly, enjoy the process of seeing the world through an artist’s eyes. Despite being out of print for many years, this book remains a must-have for artists, illustrators, and anyone passionate about capturing the beauty of everyday life. The illustrations alone—fluid, expressive, and brimming with character—are worth studying in their own right. For those who can find a copy, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching is not just an instructional manual—it’s an invitation to embark on an artistic journey, one sketch at a time. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, this book will inspire you to pick up a sketchbook, step outside, and start drawing. A classic in the world of sketching and observational art, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching is a timeless and indispensable book that belongs in every artist’s library. Review: A great addition to any artists’ library - An excellent book by two masters of sketching. A very nice, hefty, paperback book on the art of sketching nearly entirely in sepia. That alone drew me to this book. I love it. The images are beautiful. An entertaining, comprehensive collection of tips, tricks, personal stories and shared experiences of these two well known artists. The images draw you in. They are vast and show the skills of these two. From quick sketches to completed works of art. They advise on how to deal with the elements when sketching on the move or in the elements with weather, crowds, nosy people and more. What materials work for them and may work well for you. How to be accurate when is is necessary. How to capture movement and mood. The importance of being creative. Learning about nature and portraying people. Sketching those things that don’t move or change. Make them interesting and finally how to incorporate sketching into your daily life. It’s a wonderful book. It deserves a spot in your library and would make a fantastic gift for the “sketcher or want to be sketcher” in your life. Just get it you won’t regret it. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #17,512 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #17 in Drawing Specific Objects #19 in Pencil Drawing #24 in Figure Drawing Guides | | Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (245) | | Dimensions | 9.1 x 0.5 x 10.6 inches | | ISBN-10 | 1524892939 | | ISBN-13 | 978-1524892937 | | Item Weight | 1.76 ounces | | Language | English | | Print length | 176 pages | | Publication date | February 25, 2025 | | Publisher | Andrews McMeel Publishing | ## Images ![The Artist's Guide to Sketching: The Classic Book about Making Art on Location - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91Gqny5JJ2L.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Book Review: The Artist’s Guide to Sketching by James Gurney and Thomas Kinkade *by M***S on February 27, 2025* Few books bridge the gap between artistic inspiration and practical technique as effectively as The Artist’s Guide to Sketching by James Gurney and Thomas Kinkade. First published in 1982, this masterfully written and beautifully illustrated guide remains one of the most insightful resources for artists looking to refine their observational and sketching skills. Gurney and Kinkade—both legendary in their respective fields—bring a unique synergy to this book. Before achieving individual fame (Gurney for Dinotopia and Kinkade for his luminous landscapes), the two artists embarked on an unforgettable journey, traveling across America to sketch everything from bustling cityscapes to quiet rural scenes. Their firsthand experiences form the foundation of this book, making it not just a guide, but an engaging travelogue of artistic discovery. A Masterclass in Observation and Technique At its core, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching emphasizes the importance of keen observation, spontaneity, and discipline. The book is structured in a way that caters to both beginners and seasoned artists, covering essential topics such as: • Choosing the Right Tools: The authors break down the pros and cons of different sketching materials, from pencils and pens to watercolor washes, offering guidance on selecting the right medium for various subjects. • Understanding Composition: Gurney and Kinkade delve into the principles of composition, teaching artists how to frame their sketches effectively by controlling elements such as balance, perspective, and contrast. • Sketching from Life: One of the book’s most valuable sections, this chapter explores techniques for capturing movement, depth, and emotion in real-time—whether sketching a crowded street, a tranquil landscape, or an intimate portrait. • The Role of Light and Shadow: Both authors are masters of light, and their insights into how lighting affects form, atmosphere, and storytelling elevate this book beyond a simple technique manual. A Timeless Resource for Every Artist What sets The Artist’s Guide to Sketching apart is its emphasis on sketching as a way of life rather than just a technical skill. The book is filled with personal anecdotes, travel sketches, and insightful reflections on the artistic process. Gurney and Kinkade encourage artists to embrace imperfection, experiment fearlessly, and, most importantly, enjoy the process of seeing the world through an artist’s eyes. Despite being out of print for many years, this book remains a must-have for artists, illustrators, and anyone passionate about capturing the beauty of everyday life. The illustrations alone—fluid, expressive, and brimming with character—are worth studying in their own right. For those who can find a copy, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching is not just an instructional manual—it’s an invitation to embark on an artistic journey, one sketch at a time. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, this book will inspire you to pick up a sketchbook, step outside, and start drawing. A classic in the world of sketching and observational art, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching is a timeless and indispensable book that belongs in every artist’s library. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great addition to any artists’ library *by F***️ on July 10, 2025* An excellent book by two masters of sketching. A very nice, hefty, paperback book on the art of sketching nearly entirely in sepia. That alone drew me to this book. I love it. The images are beautiful. An entertaining, comprehensive collection of tips, tricks, personal stories and shared experiences of these two well known artists. The images draw you in. They are vast and show the skills of these two. From quick sketches to completed works of art. They advise on how to deal with the elements when sketching on the move or in the elements with weather, crowds, nosy people and more. What materials work for them and may work well for you. How to be accurate when is is necessary. How to capture movement and mood. The importance of being creative. Learning about nature and portraying people. Sketching those things that don’t move or change. Make them interesting and finally how to incorporate sketching into your daily life. It’s a wonderful book. It deserves a spot in your library and would make a fantastic gift for the “sketcher or want to be sketcher” in your life. Just get it you won’t regret it. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic source for artists! *by J***I on November 19, 2025* Packed with insight and useful tips. ## Frequently Bought Together - The Artist's Guide to Sketching: The Classic Book about Making Art on Location - Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter (Volume 2) (James Gurney Art) - Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist (Volume 1) (James Gurney Art) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.hr/products/632755894-the-artists-guide-to-sketching-the-classic-book-about-making](https://www.desertcart.hr/products/632755894-the-artists-guide-to-sketching-the-classic-book-about-making) --- *Product available on Desertcart Croatia* *Store origin: HR* *Last updated: 2026-05-16*