How to Paint & Draw: Practical Art Techniques in PDF

How to Paint & Draw is a practical digital art guide for artists working across drawing and painting media. This PDF edition contains 148 pages and is available as an instant download.

Edited by Tom May, the book brings together techniques and advice from professional artists and contributors. It covers pencils, pastels, watercolours, oils, acrylics, gouache, ink, and mixed media.

The guide moves from drawing fundamentals to painting methods, art theory, and project-based instruction. It is designed to help artists develop practical skills and explore different approaches.

Book Overview

How to Paint & Draw is an English-language art guide and Practical Painter special edition from ImagineFX magazine. Published by Future Publishing Limited in 2015, it addresses both traditional and digital art skills while focusing on drawing, painting, materials, composition, and technique.

The drawing section begins with pencil handling, mark making, basic shapes, colour, shading, heads, animals, mixed media, and preparing sketches for printing. The painting section explains workspace setup, brush and paper selection, brush handling, paint mixing, colour combinations, and several paint media.

The closing sections examine perspective, the Golden Ratio, and the rule of thirds. A series of projects then demonstrates approaches to portraits, acrylic washes, storybook-style painting, abstract-style portraits, classically inspired scenes, and faces.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Core drawing skills, including pencil grips, basic shapes, shading, and mark making.
• Drawing with colour, ink, pastels, charcoal, and mixed media.
• Guidance on setting up an art workspace and choosing brushes and paper.
• Introductions to watercolours, acrylics, oils, and gouache.
• Practical applications of perspective, the Golden Ratio, and the rule of thirds.
• Step-by-step-style painting projects involving portraits, washes, faces, and scenes.

Why This Book Matters

This guide connects foundational drawing practice with painting methods and art theory. Its structure gives readers a clear progression from handling tools and making marks to applying techniques in finished projects.

By bringing together traditional media, composition principles, and artist-led projects, the book provides a broad practical reference for artists and learners exploring different forms of visual art.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, so no physical copy will be shipped. Access is available after purchase through your download area.

The PDF works with appropriate Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and compatible reading apps. Device features may vary by application.

FAQ

When can I access the book?
Access is available after purchase, with the PDF provided as an instant digital download.

Will I receive a physical copy?
No. This product is a digital download and does not include physical shipping.

Which devices can open the file?
The PDF can be opened with compatible Kindle apps, tablets, desktop and mobile devices, or other PDF reading apps.

Download How to Paint & Draw for a practical reference covering drawing, painting, art materials, theory, and projects.