10 Best Drawing Books for Beginners to Kickstart Your Artistic Journey

Looking to improve your drawing skills? Discover the 10 best beginner drawing books, perfect for mastering basic techniques and boosting creativity. Start drawing today with Tomeki!

Are you looking to start your artistic journey and improve your drawing skills? Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or refining your techniques, learning from the right resources is essential. Here’s a list of the 10 best books about drawing for beginners that will help you develop your skills, boost creativity, and become confident in your art.

1. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards

A go-to book for anyone looking to develop drawing skills, this classic teaches you how to see the world differently—by using the "right side" of your brain. Edwards offers practical exercises and techniques to train your brain to see shapes and contours more accurately.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: It provides a deep understanding of drawing from observation and how to overcome the mental blocks that stop many beginners.

2. Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson

This book emphasizes learning by doing, offering step-by-step instructions and exercises designed to improve your drawing skills as you progress through the book. It covers everything from basic sketching to shading techniques.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Dodson’s approach is beginner-friendly, with simple explanations and practical lessons that build core skills.

3. The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook by Betty Edwards

A companion workbook to Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, this book provides additional exercises to reinforce the concepts learned in the main book. It’s perfect for beginners looking for extra practice.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: The workbook format offers hands-on exercises that allow beginners to actively apply what they’ve learned.

4. You Can Draw in 30 Days by Mark Kistler

This book is designed for complete beginners who want to see fast progress. With daily drawing lessons that take only 20 minutes, Kistler’s approach makes it easy to stick with your learning.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: The short, daily lessons make drawing less intimidating, and the incremental progress helps build confidence quickly.

5. Figure Drawing for All It's Worth by Andrew Loomis

Considered a must-have for anyone interested in figure drawing, this book is packed with lessons on drawing the human body. Though slightly more advanced, beginners can still benefit from Loomis’ clear explanations and foundational techniques.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Loomis breaks down complex concepts into simple steps, making figure drawing more approachable.

6. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Drawing by Walter Foster Creative Team

This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of topics, from drawing basic shapes to sketching still life, landscapes, and portraits. It’s filled with easy-to-follow lessons and exercises perfect for beginners.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: The book touches on various aspects of drawing, providing a solid foundation in multiple styles and subjects.

7. How to Draw What You See by Rudy de Reyna

This book focuses on teaching beginners how to observe and translate what they see into accurate drawings. With simple explanations and useful techniques, it’s a great resource for those just starting out.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: It builds essential observational skills that are crucial for realistic drawing.

8. Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner by Claire Watson Garcia

This book is designed specifically for those who have no drawing experience at all. It starts with the basics—how to hold a pencil—and gradually introduces key techniques like shading and perspective.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Garcia’s straightforward approach makes it easy to follow along, even if you’ve never drawn before.

9. Drawing for Beginners: A Complete Course by John Raynes

A highly visual guide, this book covers all the basics with a strong emphasis on drawing from life. It’s a great resource for learning about light, shadow, and form.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: The book’s clear visuals and step-by-step guides help build a solid understanding of drawing fundamentals.

10. Art for Kids: Drawing by Kathryn Temple

Though aimed at younger audiences, this book is an excellent resource for beginners of any age. It simplifies the art of drawing and makes learning fun, with plenty of exercises to encourage practice.

Why It’s Great for Beginners: The playful tone and simple instructions make it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to learn without feeling overwhelmed.

Get Started with These Drawing Books!

If you're eager to improve your drawing skills, these 10 books are the perfect starting point. Each offers unique insights and lessons that will help you build confidence and grow as an artist. Whether you're interested in figure drawing, sketching landscapes, or improving your technique, there's something here for every beginner.

At Tomeki, we make it easy to discover new books and boost your creativity. Start your drawing journey today by exploring these must-read titles and more!

Why These Books Will Help You

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Most of these books offer structured lessons, ensuring you build your skills gradually.
• Beginner-Friendly: These resources focus on simplicity, helping you avoid common frustrations faced by new artists.
• Versatile Techniques: From sketching basics to figure drawing, this list covers a wide range of drawing styles.

Explore more of these drawing books at Tomeki to take your first step toward becoming a skilled artist!