The Magic Of Drawing by Cliff Wright (book review).
In my Internet scans around certain subjects looking for things of interest, I came across ‘The Magic Of Drawing’ by Cliff Wright at a tenth of its original retail price. Added it to my pile and only now got around to look at it after my original scan and liking the art. It’s only when I started to read was the reveal that Wright had painted two of the ‘Harry Potter’ book covers. Although I might not have an interest in that direction, I suspect this fact alone should have some of you wanting to buy this book to see more of his work. Oh and yes, the lightning scarred teen does crop up a couple times
What Wright is actually writing here is a how to get in the right mindset to draw and paint. The way he goes into breathing, I did think the book should be renamed ‘Zen And The Art Of Drawing’, although that is only mentioned at the end of the book. Not that I disagree with it. When you face a blank piece of paper, having a few minutes to think and plan before drawing isn’t a bad idea and something I take for granted.
Wright explains his art workshops that he does around various schools and shows samples of what they some of them have done. The latter is important because I’m sure that if you think your first attempts need improvement then you will find at least someone to match yours. Always remember, practice makes perfect. Based on what he shows, ensure you get an A3 and A4 drawing pads and some pencils before your start.
Something that becomes apparent as I kept reading that this book isn’t for total beginners but provides tips for those who can draw a little. Oddly, when it comes to equipment he steers away from autopencils but makes a good case that when you have a knife-sharpened pencil (clearly something you’ll have to do for younger children) that you learn not to press too hard on the paper. I tend to remember that it is the hardness of the pencil that determines the sharpness of the line and the softer pencils give broader lines. Saying that, it pays to experiment and surprised that he doesn’t note you can draw with the pencil almost horizontal.
A lot of the book does show how Wright does his own ideas and drawings but this should be seen as examples rather than a need to copy. If you’re buying this book purely for the pictures, then there’s enough here to satisfy your interest and you get the added bonus in seeing how they were done. For those who draw, it might well give you some thoughts on technique.
GF Willmetts
January 2018
(pub: Impact/David And Charles, 2008. 128 page illustrated indexed medium softcover. Price: I pulled a copy for £ 1.49 (UK), so look around. ISBN: 978-1-60061-093-6)
check out websites: www.davidandcharles.com and www.cliffwright.co.uk
