This woman taught me how to draw back in the '90s! I truly believe anyone can learn how to draw by practicing the techniques in this book. More importantly she teaches you how to see, rather than drawing from memory or what you think you know. Using a simple grid system images become shapes and you learn how to capture the shapes that you see on paper. Over time it becomes easier to draw freehand without a grid. After taking a 16-year hiatus from drawing I was able to pick up a pencil and still remember how to sketch from observation. Also isn't it fantastic that pencil and paper is so cheap to come by? This is a great book for beginners or if you think you don't have artistic abilities, you will surprise yourself!

I used to draw once in a while and while I was okay I wasn't great, I could never seem to get anything better than the average person could draw.

I first bought Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and it helped me a good deal, it got me started but it wasn't really until I got this book that I really began to draw something I could be proud of. While I don't consider myself a real artist I have improved greatly because of this book.

It is such an easy-style book, it gives details on lighting and shadows and how they effect your image but unlike alot of art books it gives tons of actual drawings of what she means. I don't think anyone could read this book and not come back a better artist.

Ohh BTW I buy my Art Supplies from Dickblick.com - I recommend you get a mechanical pencil(I love mine) and you definitely need tortillons. They will help in blending and make the drawing look real and not just flat. Kneaded rubber erasers are also very convenient.

I hope you will take this initiative and start drawing again or begin for the first time. Don't let anyone tell you you can't cause you can and this book will be a great help to you.

feel free to send me a message if you would like some help or have a question about the book.

Although somewhat "stylized" in its approach, Lee Hammond's book on Portrait drawing is full of useful instruction. She calls her method "The Hammond Blended Pencil Technique", and it revolves around the usage of pencils, kneaded erasers and tortillons. The features of the face are broken down to individual chapters with relevant blending and drawing techniques to the feature presented. The chapters on hair and facial hair were interesting in their approach. Good instruction for those looking to render in this style.

This book ACTUALLY helped WAYYYY more than I thought I would. I thought it'd be hard for mere bookish words to explain how to draw and shade and give life to a person in 2D. BUT YES, if you're looking to speedrun the art of making portraits to gift someone or for whatever reasons, I can confirm this is your go-to book. Like I read this 1 month and I went from absolute zero to making a portrait of her. 95/100. I'm happy. And I suppose so is the receiver.

When I decided to get serious about drawing, Lee's was the site I came across with tips and techniques that transformed the way I worked. I would highly recommend any of her books.

This is a good book!

Who better to learn portrait drawing from than a certified police composite artist!

Lee Hammond's warm encouraging style and clear basic instructions are indeed helpful for the student. Portrait drawing is one of the most difficult to master, and drawing each feature such as the nose or the eye is a specialty on its own.

I went through some of the exercises but not all as I plan to take a hiatus from portrait drawing and move on to something easier such as still life and flowers. But when I have the confidence to try portraiture again, I will certainly pick up Lee's book.

This book was the start of my obsession to master. The blending technique the steps were easy to follow and I've learned a great deal Lee Hammond is by far the best realistic artist your surely be able to be drawing like a pro. By the time you finish this book definitely recommend it

I love this book and it's a part of my "how to" library. I read them over and over, and never tire of teaching myself to draw and paint.

If you would like to learn to draw and really learn to see shapes this is the book for you. I taught drawing classes for a few years from this book and several other books by Lee Hammond. She is an amazing person and artist.
Great as a gift to an artist friend as well.
Love love love this book and all of Lee's books.

My personal favourite portrait drawing tutorial book, clear step by step tutorials which will help you progress in portrait drawing

I got this from the library but I may have to buy it. In-depth but user-friendly tutorials on drawing portraits and facial features. Very informative and fun to look at.