Portfolio: Beginning Pen & Ink: Tips and techniques for learning to draw in pen and ink (Volume 9) (Portfolio, 9)

It may not go into the depth that some other books do, but this book more than makes up for it by being very readable. It covers all the major topics necessary for not only pen & ink but also goes over some basics needed for any kind of drawing.I bought this mainly because I very much like the author’s drawing style which is generously spread throughout the book but I found it to be an excellent guide for someone interested in basic pen & ink drawing but possibly not wanting to immerse themselves in more technical guides.I expected this book to be well done because of the author’s talent but it’s even better than I thought it would be.

Very clearly written with beautiful illustrations. The best beginners pen and ink book I’ve read. I first read a digital version of this book in Hoopla, but got frustrated with the format so I bought a hard copy. So glad I did-the book is printed on high quality paper.. The 8.5”x11” size showcases Ms. Lee’s illustrations in fine detail so you can really see her pen strokes.

I recommend this book to anyone. It’s a great story. Powerful picture.

Highly highly highly recommend

Just the right amount of detail. It has beautiful pictures that take you step by step through the process. I am excited to learn from its pages.

Easy to learn, now I have a new hobby!

Portfolio: Beginning Pen and Ink is an excellent introduction to the topic. The author, Desarae Lee, is an extremely talented as well as knowledgeable lartist. Some of her magnificent pen and ink work is sprinkled throughout the book and it is pure eye candy! Seeing Lee’s work drives home the possibilities of pen and ink. The mermaids and the octopus with balloons are two of my favorites.While Portfolio: Beginning Pen and Ink is a relatively short book, it is a very comprehensive treatment of the topic. Lee begins by introducing different kinds of pens that can be used. She then discusses different techniques, such as line work in all its variations. There are exercises throughout the book, such as gesture drawing and linear perspective. You will also learn about texture, value and shadows. There are a few unusual techniques that I had not heard of before, such as atmospheric perspective and low-key/high-key. Other topics covered include composition, source material and adding color to pen/ink. At the end, Lee takes you step-by-step through a drawing, showing you the progression, which I found very valuable.Portfolio: Beginning Pen and Ink will teach you all the techniques and terminology and then some. I tried a few of the exercises and found it very challenging using pen. I am so accustomed to using an eraser so it was a whole new experience. Throughout the book, Lee is especially encouraging and reminds the reader that the key to being successful at using pen and ink is practice. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning how to make a pen and ink drawing.Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster Publishing and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Portfolio: Beginning Pen & Ink is a technique and tutorial guide on building up familiarity with pen and ink. Released 5th March 2019 by Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and available in paperback format.Whenever I read art/tutorial books, I try to read them with an eye toward what they offer me that is new to me. I liked that the Ms. Lee has a very informal, supportive, and upbeat writing style with concrete suggestions for figuring out what you need to improve as an artist to proceed and steps to do so. Her personal style is appealing and very meticulous with just a touch of whimsy. There's enough realism included in the lessons that it would have relevance to people leaning toward illustration (anatomy/biology/natural sciences, like me) and also purely emotional/whimsical fancy (also me, in my 'off-work' time).This is a beginner's manual. The tutorials start without assuming any previous experience. She includes an introduction to tools and supplies as well as a good and logical progression through the lessons from making marks on support surfaces (paper) through applying the practice lessons in complete projects.I especially liked the tutorial on texture and shading. Very well done. Not unique, by any means, but a well done chapter with lots of tutorial exercises.She also doesn't sugarcoat the process (which leads beginners to believe they just aren't artistically talented) - it's a skill and it takes practice over time to acquire). The book contains the word "practice" over 20 times.Well done instruction with engaging and appealing pictures.Four stars.Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

I couldn't warm to this book at all. Though it covers some basics I found I disliked the authors style of drawing so much I struggled to read it. I know this a personal opinion and others will disagree but for me it was a waste of money. There are better books out there.

Bit of a disappointment really. Better for a real beginner. Not much to learn for someone reasonably experienced.