Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice

This is a beautiful book with lllustrations & text describing the Atelier system in simple & inspiring language. It covers the history, how the student learns and also, probably more importantly, it covers the different aspects of the teaching system. It wouldn't be for a beginner or those not really interested in 'serious' & classical figurative,art, but for those interested in learning all those aspects of art teaching that we were in danger of losing in the C20th century, this is a 'must'. As an artist & art tutor of over 30 years I find it inspiring, not overwordy and very relevent in terms of advocating the point that art can be taught, and that there are principles the serious student should at least be aware of if not learn consciously. I enjoyed and shared this book with others and will continue to enjoy it.

L’ho adorato! Pur essendo un libro molto discorsivo, ti porta a crearti un procedimento pratico e direi quasi “scientifico” su come impostare tutti gli step da seguire per la creazione di disegni ed opere d’arte. Mi è piaciuta molto l’organizzazione del testo e degli argomenti, pulita, semplice e schematica. Il libro ti spiega come si approcciavano nel passato al mondo del disegno, gli studi preliminari, le nozioni di base a cui attenersi e le tecniche senza tempo a cui fare riferimento per riuscire a creare opere visivamente belle e tecnicamente corrette e ben bilanciate. Adesso so cosa devo fare per impostare un disegno nel modo corretto 😍 L’ho studiato tutto d’un fiato in una sola settimana, e pur essendo in inglese, è un linguaggio veramente scorrevole e comprensibile. Credo che acquisterò anche quello sulla pittura! Lo consiglio!

Juliette Aristides is a teacher who beyond means is dedicated to her craft. Not only is this book beautiful, it is deeply instructive. Initially I had read reviews of this book and gave it a pass, happily getting her other books. A reviewer had said something in the line that this was an armchair book. Nothing could be further from the truth, I will probably have to read it at least three times to grasp her understanding of classical instruction. Notwithstanding, the artwork in this book is stunning. This book digs deep into the dedication of classic artists worldwide who gave everything for their craft.

Magnifica novela. Extraña, sentida, poética y triste. Muy bien escrita. Hay que estar atentos a esta gran escritora

I like this book very much, though it wasn't quite was I was expecting when I placed my order. I thought it would be very much a hands-on, 'how to' book, and was briefly disappointed when I realised that it wasn't. The disappointment faded when I realised that it was much more. In my video 'flick through' you'll see that the book is full of beautiful drawings. Just looking at some of them is an inspiration. However, the bulk of the text in this book is to do with theory. The book has around 140 pages, and the series of 5 practical 'lessons' begins on page 124 - That should tell you something! Here's a fuller idea of what to expect: After a short summary of artistic training methods from early days up to the 21st century, the book launches into "Timeless principles". There's a chapter each on Design, Line, Value, and Form. The chapters on Design and Line give a good idea of the book's approach. In the Design chapter, a lot of time and space is devoted to the 'Golden Ratio' (and spiral forms derived from it) in nature and art. Fascinating stuff if you've not encountered it before, and it may forever change the way you look at some old master paintings. The chapter on Line relates not to the quality of the drawn line on the page, but rather to the 'unseen' lines which underlie a picture's composition. The following chapters on VALUE and FORM also mostly deal with theory, and while the book doesn't loose sight of how theory must eventually become practice, beginners may find themselves occasionally scratching their heads and wondering 'But why do I need to know all THIS stuff? I just want to learn to draw!' The following section 'Timeless Subjects' devotes a chapter to each step of the classic atelier method: First, copying master drawings; then drawing sculpture; then the figure; and finally portraiture. Then, in the short final section, we get five short lessons based on each of these: Drawing a sphere; copying master drawings; drawing a cast; a figure; a portrait. To sum up, some of the people who buy this book will feel that it contains 'too much information'! I admit, that was my own first reaction. But really, unlike the step-by-step 'how-to' books, this is one that you'll keep going back to - and as you grow as an artist, you'll find more in it each time. And on top of that, the drawings make it a beautiful book just to open and browse!