The illustrator Andrew Loomis is revered amongst artists for his mastery of drawing technique and his clean, realist style. His hugely influential series of art instruction books have never been bettered and Successful Drawing, the third in Titan’s programme of facsimile editions, returns this classic title to print for the first time in decades.
For over 60 years Successful Drawing has provided a superb resource covering all the techniques needed to master three-dimensional drawing. From the fundamentals of proportion, placement, perspective, planes and pattern, through a detailed examination of scale and the effects and capture of light, to the mastery of conception, construction, contour, character and consistency, Successful Drawing is filled with step-by-step instruction, professional tips and beautiful illustration.
Engaging, witty, and wonderfully executed, this is a masterclass for amateur artists and professional illustrators alike.
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610 reviews for Successful Drawing
4.8out of 5
★★★★★
★★★★★
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★★★★★
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★★★★★
Allan Robertson –
Great Artist, a wonderful book. If you want to get good at drawing, this is for you.
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★★★★★
Texas2528 –
Always a favorite. Originally has this in PDF then finally splurged for the real thing. Absolutely worth it. This book is almost impossible to read on a screen because it’s so LARGE. But it’s one of THE BEST when it comes to drawing perspective! Old school techniques they don’t teach in most art books and don’t publish in drafting books anymore since it’s all by-hand.
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★★★★★
Joel Aguilar –
It looks great
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★★★★★
Debra Gilbert –
Love Andrew Loomis
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★★★★★
J. R. Mott –
This is an excellent book that is very practical and well thought out. I am with the consensus here that Loomis is (was) a superior teacher. It is also worth noting that the Loomis re-issues under the Titan Books imprimateur are very well produced. Don’t have any worries on that score. Happy drawing.
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★★★★★
james anderson –
Great
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★★★★★
Art Student –
If you’re picking this book up chances are you’re also interested in art either as a hobby or a profession so i would say this is a great read for anyone interested in art. unlike the other books by Loomis this one focuses mainly on developing an artist eye that is composition and design. He has a small section on perspective where he covers the main points so its not in depth as other books on the subject but its a good ground work. the next section of the book is regarding light and planes. while not filled with as much of the great figure work in his other books it does focus on the two of the most important things any artist can learn ie Perspective, Light and Shadow. While there are books that are more in depth on the subjects covered in this book any Loomis fan will want to see how he brings life to his artworks. all in all i would say this book is good for anyone with even a passing interest in art as the best sections are Andrews opening and closing chats that really help to inspire any artistic inclinations within the reader. Now go and draw already!
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★★★★★
toku –
In fact, don’t pass up any of the Loomis books. One word of caution though, he’ll give you the information you need to start with in this book, but isn’t totally complete so I suggest you supplement with other authors. Here are a few of my suggestions: Edwards, Dodson, Peck, Bridgman, Richer, Hale and of course any of Loomis’ suggestions. I actually began re-learning how to draw after around 16 years and “Successful Drawing” has the basic all important “key fundamentals” on drawing. So it’s, in my opinion, not a bad place to start. I suggest, however, to pick up both the Edwards and maybe even the Dodson book to help you understand in more complete detail, the components, elements, including technique on good drawing. Loomis, in this book and his figure drawing book, suggests that you learn from his drawings and also to draw from life. Again if you want to be able to copy clearly and accurately what you “see”, start with the Edwards book, then for technique, such as restating lines, the “Key’s to Drawing” book. I have some advice on the Edwards book. I think it talks way too much about psychological theory, but if you can get past all that, you’ll find gems of artistic advice.
So again, I wouldn’t pass up any of the Loomis books. If nothing else, he has everything you need in art education and can guide you in the right direction for further study. Read carefully what he has to say, study his illustrations thoroughly, apply the knowledge, practice and draw all the time. As for my suggestions, for all other authors to study from, I found them by researching drawing forums. This is your best bet if you still have any kind of trouble. One of the best one’s I’ve found, if not the best, is called CG Society, google it and find tons of information in their general techniques forum section.
By the way, there is a certain order that you should keep in mind when studying the Loomis books. Things will make a lot more sense, with some minor overlap.
Update:
Here’s my suggested order:
Fun with a Pencil Figure Drawing For All It’s Worth / Successful Drawing / Drawing the Heads and Hands Creative Illustration The Painter’s Eye
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★★★★★
Aldemar Borges –
Loomis é um mestre. Didática fácil. Livro excelente pra iniciantes e intermediários q já tem um bom traço mas precisam ajustar suas criações.
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★★★★★
Dairis Abolins –
Bought as a gift, recipient was happy.
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★★★★★
kikeo58 –
Ok, I like the Loomis books perhaps more than they deserve. I have a mathematical background and worked on geometry for decades. Thus I find this “artist’s approach” to drawing ridiculous. Still, if you don’t know geometry and can not use a computer, then you have to do something. Loomis takes that approach to a natural extreme based mostly on a gut feeling. And it works ok for cartoon drawing which is exaggerated anyway. There is a satisfaction to drawing something based solely on a pencil and straight edge. (This book is from 1940 after all.) This review is wacky but honest. I therefore recommend this book highly for artists which includes photoshop users.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
bullet08 –
Now I have all the instruction books by Loomis. I haven’t read through this one yet. But going through quickly, as with his every hardcovers, very well printed with no issues or damages. As always, prime delivery was quick and on time.
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★★★★★
Aarti Sharma –
Delighted to receive this book. Its a must for every aspiring artist to read if they wish to channalise their efforts in right direction. I had seen some page shots of the book on Pinterest and once I knew the book, I ordered immediately. Loomis has explained all the P’s and C’s of a successful drawing and how to master it.
Allan Robertson –
Great Artist, a wonderful book. If you want to get good at drawing, this is for you.
Texas2528 –
Always a favorite. Originally has this in PDF then finally splurged for the real thing. Absolutely worth it. This book is almost impossible to read on a screen because it’s so LARGE. But it’s one of THE BEST when it comes to drawing perspective! Old school techniques they don’t teach in most art books and don’t publish in drafting books anymore since it’s all by-hand.
Joel Aguilar –
It looks great
Debra Gilbert –
Love Andrew Loomis
J. R. Mott –
This is an excellent book that is very practical and well thought out. I am with the consensus here that Loomis is (was) a superior teacher. It is also worth noting that the Loomis re-issues under the Titan Books imprimateur are very well produced. Don’t have any worries on that score. Happy drawing.
james anderson –
Great
Art Student –
If you’re picking this book up chances are you’re also interested in art either as a hobby or a profession so i would say this is a great read for anyone interested in art. unlike the other books by Loomis this one focuses mainly on developing an artist eye that is composition and design. He has a small section on perspective where he covers the main points so its not in depth as other books on the subject but its a good ground work. the next section of the book is regarding light and planes. while not filled with as much of the great figure work in his other books it does focus on the two of the most important things any artist can learn ie Perspective, Light and Shadow. While there are books that are more in depth on the subjects covered in this book any Loomis fan will want to see how he brings life to his artworks. all in all i would say this book is good for anyone with even a passing interest in art as the best sections are Andrews opening and closing chats that really help to inspire any artistic inclinations within the reader. Now go and draw already!
toku –
In fact, don’t pass up any of the Loomis books. One word of caution though, he’ll give you the information you need to start with in this book, but isn’t totally complete so I suggest you supplement with other authors. Here are a few of my suggestions: Edwards, Dodson, Peck, Bridgman, Richer, Hale and of course any of Loomis’ suggestions. I actually began re-learning how to draw after around 16 years and “Successful Drawing” has the basic all important “key fundamentals” on drawing. So it’s, in my opinion, not a bad place to start. I suggest, however, to pick up both the Edwards and maybe even the Dodson book to help you understand in more complete detail, the components, elements, including technique on good drawing. Loomis, in this book and his figure drawing book, suggests that you learn from his drawings and also to draw from life. Again if you want to be able to copy clearly and accurately what you “see”, start with the Edwards book, then for technique, such as restating lines, the “Key’s to Drawing” book. I have some advice on the Edwards book. I think it talks way too much about psychological theory, but if you can get past all that, you’ll find gems of artistic advice.
So again, I wouldn’t pass up any of the Loomis books. If nothing else, he has everything you need in art education and can guide you in the right direction for further study. Read carefully what he has to say, study his illustrations thoroughly, apply the knowledge, practice and draw all the time. As for my suggestions, for all other authors to study from, I found them by researching drawing forums. This is your best bet if you still have any kind of trouble. One of the best one’s I’ve found, if not the best, is called CG Society, google it and find tons of information in their general techniques forum section.
By the way, there is a certain order that you should keep in mind when studying the Loomis books. Things will make a lot more sense, with some minor overlap.
Update:
Here’s my suggested order:
Fun with a Pencil
Figure Drawing For All It’s Worth / Successful Drawing / Drawing the Heads and Hands
Creative Illustration
The Painter’s Eye
Aldemar Borges –
Loomis é um mestre. Didática fácil. Livro excelente pra iniciantes e intermediários q já tem um bom traço mas precisam ajustar suas criações.
Dairis Abolins –
Bought as a gift, recipient was happy.
kikeo58 –
Ok, I like the Loomis books perhaps more than they deserve. I have a mathematical background and worked on geometry for decades. Thus I find this “artist’s approach” to drawing ridiculous. Still, if you don’t know geometry and can not use a computer, then you have to do something. Loomis takes that approach to a natural extreme based mostly on a gut feeling. And it works ok for cartoon drawing which is exaggerated anyway. There is a satisfaction to drawing something based solely on a pencil and straight edge. (This book is from 1940 after all.) This review is wacky but honest. I therefore recommend this book highly for artists which includes photoshop users.
bullet08 –
Now I have all the instruction books by Loomis. I haven’t read through this one yet. But going through quickly, as with his every hardcovers, very well printed with no issues or damages. As always, prime delivery was quick and on time.
Aarti Sharma –
Delighted to receive this book. Its a must for every aspiring artist to read if they wish to channalise their efforts in right direction. I had seen some page shots of the book on Pinterest and once I knew the book, I ordered immediately.
Loomis has explained all the P’s and C’s of a successful drawing and how to master it.