Learning How to Draw From A Comic Book

Everyone has looked at a piece of art, whether it is a comic book or classical painting, and thought I wish I could do that.

Mark Crilley’s latest drawing manual, ‘The Drawing Lesson: A Graphic Novel That Teaches You How to Draw,’ turns that wish into an absolution. After reading the 137-page book, readers, if they apply the proper practice, which the character Becky enforces David to religiously adhere to, will grasp the mechanics from basic sketch to full-fledged composition. Crilley, whose other manuals include ‘Mastering Manga,’ ‘Mastering Manga 2,’ and ‘The Realism Challenge,’ is able to engage readers with a constructed story while breaking down the components for any who can read. Crilley is able to speak through his character Becky, to teach David -and you- how to observe, learn from mistakes and capture what you see with pen and paper.

The Becky and David dynamic renders the subject matter as a lot of fun, making learning as seamless as any basic human function. David is relatable as the energetic child and inhibitable spirit, while Becky is the rational coffee-loving adult who sees the magic of sharing art with someone displaying an early passion and respect. The pair practice art in several different locations, displaying that art can be found anywhere and at anytime.

Becky asks for very little in return for teaching David art, in fact, the only thing she requests is to thank her by practicing. She covers a gambit of topics from recognizing the lines and shapes in every subject, to shading and how light works. The instructions are clear and concise, and each new chapter sneaks in a review of a previous lesson. The chapters all end with a prompt to apply the new technique learned and reiterate the most important advice of all, practice.

Since the manual is in a graphic novel form, the book also serves as meta. As you read how to create art, you are learning it from the very art itself. While reading, and learning, you begin to form a sense of how much work was involved to create every panel. The book is enjoyable to read on more than one occasion. Becky’s voice is memorable and sticks with you as you discover how to look for negative space and compile a composition.

‘The Drawing Lesson’ hits bookstores and is available online on July 5. Crilley is a renowned artist with more than 10 million views on his YouTube drawing instruction videos, as well as 20+ published works. With this book as a companion, art will be something you can do, and no longer a dream. Readers will become artists in just a few short chapters.

For the first time ever, drawing instructor and graphic novelist Mark Crilley brings his easy-to-follow artistic instruction to aspiring artists in the form of a comic book, providing you with a one-of-a-kind how-to experience. In The Drawing Lesson, you’ll meet David—a young boy who wants nothing more than to learn how to draw. Luckily for David, he’s just met Becky—his helpful drawing mentor. Page by page, Becky teaches David (and you!) about the essential fundamentals that artists need in order to master drawing, all in a unique visual format. In panel after panel, Crilley provides lessons on shading, negative space, creating compositions, and more, with accompanying exercises that you can try for yourself. Are you ready to start your drawing lesson today?