Drawing Is for Everyone: Simple Lessons to Make Your Creative Practice a Daily Habit - Explore Infinite Creative Possibilities in Graphite, Colored Pencil, and Ink

by Kateri Ewing

Discover your unique inner artist through 21 intuitive, process-based lessons in drawing with graphite pencil, colored pencil, and ink—then joyfully share your works of beauty with the world.

In Drawing Is for Everyone, artist Kateri Ewing—author of Look Closer, Draw Better and Watercolor Is for Everyone—guides you through a series of simple creative drawing projects using a soulful, meditative, and reflective process. Whether you’re drawing for the first time or are an experienced artist, you’ll discover and deepen your creative potential through these exercises, because everyone can make art. Each lesson includes two art pieces, one to keep, and then a smaller one, such as a postcard or mini painting, to share or send out into the world, to spread their color, creativity, and joy in new places.

With Drawing Is for Everyone, you can learn how to build a daily drawing practice and how to set intentions and create, even if you have just 10 minutes a day. The projects draw inspiration from poetry, music, literature, and the natural world, and invite experimentation with a variety of sources. You'll pursue your personal passions through accessible projects as you build your drawing skills, confidence, and creativity.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Drawing

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2021

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful, fun book that walks you through 21 lessons to hone your drawing skills. Drawings are made with graphite pencils, colored pencils, and pens. Beginning lessons show you how to shade, make hatches, etc. and they build on that. Examples are shown of the author's own work but also the many interpretations that her students did with the same assignment. Recommended.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.

[Sally Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, Creative helper

DRAWING IS FOR EVERYONE
by Kateri Ewing

I like to think of myself as a creative person. This how-to book shows you how to draw if you are just starting or if you have more skills, how to hone those skills to what you are aiming for. I find the creative helpers in this book quite handy for drawing in my journal. I write a lot of paper letters to friends and like to dress up the letters with drawings around the edges and in between the paragraphs.

Highly recommend. The author shows you how to shade, which is an important skill for artists.

Thank you to #netgalley #quarrybooks for the complimentary copy of #drawingisforeveryone I was under no obligation to post a review.

[Bernie Gourley · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to its title, this book presents an excellent set of lessons for rank amateurs to develop drawing techniques in a way that helps keep their inner critic from being their undoing. It does this by using mostly abstract and still life subjects as a means to convey the technique, such that the early lessons in each section aren’t expected to look like anything recognizable, and there is not the disappointment of off-kilter drawings. [There are some little birdy drawings in the higher numbered lessons, but nothing particularly complicated.]

The book consists 21 lessons evenly divided between three parts: graphite pencil, colored pencil, and ink. Each lesson gives some background information, presents the list of needed supplies, provides step-by-step textual instructions matched with a series of drawings to graphically demonstrate said step, and a section with creative options that show what some of the author’s students produced with the same exercise. This is also a nice feature for those with an intense inner critic, a tendency to compulsively copycat, and / or a conviction that they aren’t capable of drawing. It does this by presenting numerous different ways a project could turn out – all attractive but all very different.

Besides the lessons, there’s a brief introduction to set up the project. And, in addition to the aforementioned drawings, there are numerous graphics, such as photographs of still life subjects and supplies.

I thought this book was smartly arranged and organized. It’s a small book, but presents the dabbler with all they need to start building their skills, plus it’s beautifully presented. If you’re a neophyte looking to get into drawing but worried that you have not talent for it, this is an excellent place to start.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully encouraging book, everything is broken down so that you can practice the techniques. Less overwhelming than most art classes I've been too, supports you to adopt a daily drawing practice which ensures that you get better.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Art-making can become a vital component of our everyday lives, but only if we show up daily to take part in it" (9).

[Jennyfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to draw, but I'm not very good at it. My drawings remain very much on the childish end of the spectrum, but that's ok. I have fun doing it. Drawing is for Everyone is for those of us out there wanting to take our drawing to the next level.

This book breaks down the drawing process into manageable steps, explaining which tools to use and when - and WHY. There is a whole lesson on how to draw lightly; how things flow, and direction; how to work light. Colour blends, how to manage movement, depth, shade. This is a truly comprehensive art book, but it's not overwhelming.

The lessons themselves are easy to follow. They allow scope for the artists' own interpretation, of course, but they do provide guidance, very much like a physical art class would. From the basics of pattern-making and shading to creating detailed landscapes, Drawing is for Everyone will guide you through, and allow you to improve both your skill and confidence in your work.

Drawing is for Everyone was published on 20 Jul 2021.

*Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarry Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[The Suburban Eclectic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Drawing is for Everyone is a guide to unlocking one’s creativity. I like the intention of using reflection to create, but I did not find that this book fully served this process. Because the narrative did not provide any prompts that were especially inspiration I felt this book missed the mark in that regard. I did enjoy the abstractness of the introductory lesson and found the recommendation to create a unique composite motivating. I also had some fun with the hydrangeas in graphite and found it a creative and relaxing experience. Drawing is for Everyone falters is in the lack of detail. They are no recommendations on finger/hand placement or descriptions on basic shapes and perspective, which made the lessons on feather touch layering and “Seeing and Drawing,” incomplete. I appreciate the author’s artistry and it is certainly inspirational for those that enjoy abstract elements, but there is not enough detail for beginners or those looking for more elaborative techniques and tips.

[Jacqueline Nyathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! So many fun new things to try.

(Not rendering well on Kindle.)

[Catarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒
DRAWING IS FOR EVERYONE: Simple Lessons to Make Your Creative Practice a Daily Habit

Author: Kateri Ewing

⭐⭐⭐

#gifted by @netgalley in exchange for an honest review
pub date was 20 July 2021

𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎:
This book contains 21 intuitive, process-based lessons, divided in three sections - graphite pencil, colored pencil, and ink - and aims to motivate people to insert daily creative practice into their routine even if you're short on time or don't have a lot of art supplies at your disposal

𝙈𝙔 𝙊𝙋𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙊𝙉:
As someone who was never any good at drawing but decided to give it a try (and other artsy stuff) during the pandemic, when I saw this book on NetGalley I decided to request a copy of this book and, if approved, read it and see for myself if drawing is, in fact, "for everyone".

It is divided into sections, as previously mentioned, and in the beginning there is an introduction where the author tells us the four guiding principles of a creative drawing practice. The lessons themselves contain a list of the necessary tools and step-by-step instructions, and at the end readers are also motivated to use their creativity, as in if you don't have a certain tool or have a different thing in mind than what is included in the book, all of these are fine.

Something I really liked is that in the book we can also see works by Ewing's students. As someone who always ends up thinking of what others will think and if my own art works are good enough it was good to see different people's takes on the lessons and how each of their drawings were beautiful, even though they were all different from one another.

Since this is a drawing book it didn't feel right to review it without trying the lessons so in the next slides you can see some of my very early attempts. I don't have the necessary tools or a lot of time, and it's been a few weeks since I last sat down and dedicated some time to practicing drawing or painting (I was in a little bit of a slump) but I enjoyed doing this for some of the lessons. If I was able to focus I think I would've gotten better results so I'm curious to see my improvements when I'm in a better state of mind and can dedicate more time into practicing drawing.

[Mechthild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be encouraged to draw
Self-taught artist, author and teacher Kateri Ewing presents "Drawing is for Everyone. Simple Lessons to Make Your Creative Practice a Daily Habit – Explore Infinite Creative Possibilities in Graphite, Colored Pencil, and Ink", published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry. Ewing states that "Somewhere along our path to adulthood, we lose that spontaneous, creative courage. My wish is to help you reclaim it" (p. 6). To achieve this goal she is using a dual approach: "In this book, we learn about two ways of drawing—the seeing-based representational way and the more expressive, abstract way. Both forms of drawing are much richer when we tap into our unique and intuitive way of mark making instead of following a step-by-step formula, which can lead to discouragement when what we draw doesn’t measure up to our expectations of what we were trying to copy" (p. 6). After the introduction which contains two topics: 1) A creative Drawing Practice for Everyone, and 2) The Four Guiding Principles of a Creative Drawing Practice, the lessons in the book are divided into three blocks: Graphite, Colored Pencil, and Ink. Each one lists the materials which are needed and is presented with a step-by-step approach. Ewing also challenges the readers to use their creativity and has included sample pictures by other artists for some of the lessons. At the end of the book she has also included a list of resources and an index.
This is the second book by this author which I have read (after Watercolor is for Everyone) and I also appreciated this book. It is presented with a great design and pictures. I highly recommend it for all those artists who want to study the art of drawing more in depth, no matter if they are using graphite, colored Pencil, or ink.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#DrawingIsForEveryone #NetGalley

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Drawing Is for Everyone is an accessible all-levels tutorial and prompt guide for creative exploration and skill building by Kateri Ewing. Due out 20th July 2021 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format. I love drawing and calligraphy. I am at what I refer to as the 'keen amateur' level. This book has inspired me to try to be more diligent in my practice and journaling.

This is an upbeat, accessible, and pleasantly encouraging book. The author has an appealing manner of teaching; always building up and reinforcing the idea that drawing really -is- for everyone. The book is laid out logically and progresses from mindfulness and drawing philosophy (*lots* of joy and positivity here), through guided tutorials and lessons for 7 full tutorial projects for each of 3 different media (graphite, colored pencil, and ink).

The really valuable takeaway for me was the author's gifted observational talent for building up facility and confidence in the student, training my ability to see what I am trying to represent and how to separate it from what my brain is interpreting and presenting to me as "reality".

This is a worthy addition to the artist's library and both beginners and more advanced students will find useful material here. I especially benefited from the up-building positivity and encouragement - I think she would be a wonderful teacher in a studio setting and a worthwhile workshop instructor.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Am Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what the title promises. The reader is taught how to make images using a variety of different media: graphite, ink, coloured pencil namely. Each chapter uses several different images as examples (i.e. these will be your "final goal"), and shows you step by step how to create them.

For instance, for an ink image of a bird on a branch, you start off with basic shapes that make up the bird, then you do the outline of the bird's body, add in the bird's features, do an outline of the branch the bird is standing on, add details to the branch, colour it simply, drip water onto the colours to give it a watercolour effect (if you're using water soluble ink markers), etc, until the final product is completed. Every step is accompanied by an image, so you can see exactly how the final product is constructed, bit by bit!

Aside from the author's own rendition of the work, we are also shown 4-5 other artists' rendition of the same thing, following the same steps the author suggested. This is a brilliant idea because you get to see how different people come up with different results! (They all look roughly the same with just slight variations btw, but sometimes these slight variations are significant enough to give the picture an entirely different effect!)

I found this book very helpful in learning how to construct pictures from scratch. It's definitely something I'd invest in and refer to time and time again for instruction, practice, and inspiration!

[Chathurika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been good at drawing. In a family of artists I always felt out of place cause of that. My grandpa, my mum, my sister, they can all draw and they make it seem easy. I however struggled from school days.

This book was an amazing find for that reason. It not only has very easy instructions to follow with very simple tools but you unlearn a lot of the biases and fears you may have towards drawing and as such are more likely to approach it with a sense of interest than fear!

Most instructional books on drawing, painting etc, give you a very long list of tools and materials that make you never want to start because you have the added task of finding these and purchasing them, but this book used very simple, easy to obtain tools and materials that meant I could jump right into the learning part without anything to distract me or overwhelm me.

The book also comes with very clear and easy to understand instructions accompanied by examples which make it easier to follow as well.

So if you want to learn to draw and feel it is way too hard, or something that is not for you, this book is the one you need to pick up! It definitely will build your drawing skills but also your confidence to draw. Truly drawing is for everyone! Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free Netgalley book for review! ~

This is a beautiful book and I think a worthwhile purchase for an aspiring beginning artist. The author walks the reader through each of the steps, holding their hand, so if this is a completely new hobby this is definitely one place to start. It's like attending a workshop in a book, but cheaper, because you don't have to buy meals and pay for boarding!

Anyway, I would recommend this for beginners especially. I think there could be some fun elements for seasoned artists too. I'm considering trying out several of the prompts and combining them for different effects. Full disclosure, I have a college painting degree. I read art books because I find them inspiring and I like seeing what other artists have to say.

Additional notes: I think some of the pencil is really too light, but I probably work too dark, myself, considering my preferred pencil is a 6B, if that tells you anything. The artwork represented here is probably best suited to the artist who prefers meditative and slow type drawing.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not an artist and I find that many sketching books may have beautiful covers and art throughout, but the execution of merging the gap of skills from the author to a beginner, through text, drastically falls short. I was pleasantly surprised on how well the author simplifies the process for beginners. I'm sure the activities seem quite juvenile for the experienced artist, but going to the basics is necessary for beginners to learn. The author provides a nice variety of sequential activities that gradually moves the reader from point A onward. The book does not teach the reader to become an amazing artist, that requires much more practice than the scope of this book, however, this book has the capacity to greatly, and quite noticeably, improve the reader's art skills, even if they are not an artist by nature.

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading through this book and getting ideas for future drawings and techniques. In some ways it's a simple book, but I think it's also pretty profound and the seemingly-simple exercises could lead to some very beautiful things. I am especially eager to try out the Pocket Treasure Collage with its intriguing mix of realistic renderings of objects and abstract designs, and also the Word Play exercise. I also found the lessons on creating value with pencils and a light touch especially enlightening. I am definitely guilty of pressing too hard with my pencil and creating shiny areas. I can see these exercises (and the others) transforming my artistic process and the resulting art will certainly be better for it.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarry Books for providing an e-arc for review.

[Carey’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! Great book for wannabe artists that could use some help with sketching/drawing. This book teaches amateur artists drawing techniques in 21 different lessons. Learn to draw in graphite pencil, colored pencil and ink. I’ve always wanted to be an artist but that’s not in the cards for me, mostly because I can’t draw to save my life. I did get some tips from this book so I’m better at drawing than I was before reading it. The book has plenty of the authors example sketches which I loved and she also has example sketches from her students too, which I really loved! Sometimes it’s helpful to see other amateurs sketches and not always an artists sketches to compare your work to. The author gave clear instructions in the lessons and I definitely saw my sketches improve with practice.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

[AdventureIN.Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an artist, I love checking out instructional art books. There is always something more to learn. Maybe even a technique I may have forgotten or a new way to do something etc. However this book I have mixed feelings about. Though it is visually appealing, for a beginner to drawing there are some holes. There is info missing leaving the execution of teaching something to be desired. I just feel the author isn't connecting to the reader to help them grasp the "how to" it could use more development. For someone like myself it's a fun way to freshen up skills.

In short, I would recommend this book to someone with a basic knowledge and background in drawing, This book would be a good companion to a basic drawing guide to enhance the techniques learned with in these pages.

[Ramie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for beginners or those of us who like making art but who struggle with even getting started.

Some of the projects are as simple as making squares and circles that overlap as a way to experiment with color.

The river stones project also involves just making a few curved lines and then a bunch of circles and coloring them in.

Others are a little more advanced, but still beginner friendly. There are projects like landscapes, koi fish, feather, flowers. The book also explores using different mediums like pencils, colored pencils, and watercolors.

Very good book if you’re struggling to find drawing projects to get you started and/or just need inspiration for simple projects.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with simple drawing lessons with graphite, colored pencils, or ink. The author also talks about the creative drawing process and really committing to a daily practice. I think a lot of these projects are doable and would help you get into daily practice. The author gives a basic outline of supplies needed for each category (graphite, colored pencils, and ink) and then step-by-step projects for each. I really love the fantasy fish project. It kind of looks like koi, but with lots of different colors.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This drawing book treats the beginning artist with respect and encouragement. The exercises are simple, the language accessible and positive. As an adult who has only dabbled in drawing and been frustrated by drawing books that leaped from simple to complex exercises without the important intermediate steps, I am eager to spend time working through this book. Ewing urges patience and consistency, and the exercises progress clearly as skills build upon each other.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy for review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you'd like to start drawing but don't know where to start or if you're stuck in general, this is such a gentle book to help you get started. it has 21 lessons, with several different styles and drawing tools (graphite pencil, colored pencil, and ink)

It contains art by the author and by some of her students so you can see a variety and range.

I really enjoyed the encouraging voice of the book and would recommend it to anyone who is itching to get started.

with gratitude to edelweiss and Quarry Books - Quarto for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

[Courtney R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Drawing Is for Everyone" by Kateri Ewing is a delightful handbook that demystifies the creative process. With approachable lessons and a warm, encouraging tone, Ewing invites readers of all skill levels to make drawing a cherished daily practice. This book is a valuable companion for those seeking to infuse their lives with the joy and fulfillment of artistic expression. Ewing's guidance empowers everyone to discover the artist within.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Elna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worked my way through most of these exercises and enjoyed them. My confidence in mark/pattern making has definitely grown, and I have now learned how to shade and make it look good, which honestly makes the whole book worth it.

Maybe because I'm more skilled (a term used loosely) in colored pencil and basic drawing, I didn't find this book as valuable as her watercolor book, but I still enjoyed it and discovered some project that I'll be returning too.

[Emma book blogger Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for beginners and goes through 21 technical with you. The front cover is beautiful and I was drawn to this book because of the front cover. This would be great for someone who just starting out to draw and you can keep coming back to it.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a good book for helping you find inspiration to keep drawing every day, even if you don't know what to draw. This book guides through several lessons to get your creative juices flowing. You can play with colors and patterns and use just about any medium, just pick up your drawing instrument and do it!

Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fun fun introduction to drawing. This would be fantastic for young artists. The artwork lends to inspiration reminds beginners to draw regularly to build confidence and skill.

This book provides several lessons to explore colors and patterns and covers several mediums encouraging exploration and while creating art.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for a beginner artist with 21 lessons beginning with the basics of holding and shading with different pencils to more complex pen and ink compositions.

The lessons are well described and presented in simple steps and the covering pictures are mostly very clear.

[Samantha Hehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on introduction to drawing and building confidence for beginners. The author explores mediums such as colored pencils, ink, and graphite, shows simple to follow exercises and fun activities for building skills and confidence.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives tips for drawing with pencils, colored pencils, and ink. I found it useful for learning the basics for beginning drawing.