The Natural Way to Draw

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Great for the beginner and the expert, this book offers readers exercises to improve their work.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1941

About the author

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Kimon Nicolaїdes was an American artist, educator, and author. During World War I, he served in the United States Army in France as a camouflage artist. He taught at the Art Students League of New York after the war. Nicolaїdes' book The Natural Way to Draw (1941) provided a new method of teaching drawing, and was widely used.

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 96 votes)
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96 reviews All reviews
April 17,2025
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This book details how to go about thinking, understanding the world as an artist. Along with useful exercises, there is a wondrous amount of good advice, I see this book as a necessary stepping stone in the road of expression.
April 17,2025
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This is one of the very best books for learning to draw
April 17,2025
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This helped me to learn to observe better than any other book!
April 17,2025
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Kimon Nicolaïdes’ The Natural Way to Draw is a timeless resource for artists of all levels. Originally published in 1941, this book remains one of the most celebrated guides for developing a natural and intuitive approach to drawing. Its emphasis on experiential learning over rigid techniques sets it apart from many other instructional art books.

Content and Structure
The book is organized into 25 exercises designed to be completed over the course of a year. Nicolaïdes structures these exercises around key principles like gesture drawing, contour drawing, and memory drawing. Each chapter builds on the previous one, encouraging the reader to cultivate a deeper understanding of form, movement, and space.

Strengths
Focus on Fundamentals: Nicolaïdes emphasizes the importance of capturing the essence of a subject rather than obsessing over details. This approach is particularly beneficial for beginners who may struggle with perfectionism.
Engaging Exercises: The step-by-step assignments are challenging yet rewarding, pushing readers to think critically and develop their skills organically.
Timeless Philosophy: The book’s philosophy of "learning by doing" resonates even in today’s art education landscape, where practice and observation remain key to artistic growth.
Challenges
Self-Discipline Required: The book’s year-long structure and rigorous exercises demand commitment. Casual learners or those seeking quick results may find it daunting.
Limited Visuals: Unlike modern art books, The Natural Way to Draw lacks an abundance of illustrations, relying heavily on textual instruction. Some readers may find this challenging, especially if they are visual learners.
Old-fashioned Language: The writing style reflects the time it was published, which may feel archaic or verbose to some.
Who Should Read This?
This book is best suited for aspiring artists and students who are serious about honing their craft. It’s not a quick how-to guide; instead, it’s a long-term companion for developing artistic intuition and skill.

The Natural Way to Draw is more than an art instruction manual—it’s a guide to seeing and interpreting the world as an artist. While it requires dedication and patience, those who invest the time will find it an invaluable tool in their creative journey. If you're looking for a resource that challenges you to grow and think critically as an artist, this classic is worth every page.

Rating: 4.5/5
April 17,2025
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