Yet More Reportage Books on my Shelf - Part Three
Here's my final set of short reviews of books on visual journalism, reporter artists, sketching instruction and more.
I reorganized my bookshelves last summer. I love books but I have too many that don’t spark joy for me. So I'm donating them, selling them or giving them away. I especially have many books on reportage and visual journalism. Here's the third and final post of short book reviews of those precious ones that aren’t going anywhere. Check out first and second set. The titles are linked if you care to purchase.
Every Person in New York
Jason PollanÂ
Jason Polan wanted to draw every person in New York, from cab drivers to celebrities. It was an ambitious task he set for himself. He drew people eating at Taco Bell, admiring paintings at the Museum of Modern Art, and sleeping on the subway. It’s a kind of love letter to his beloved city and the people who live there. He died young. I wrote about Jason here.
Drawing Is Magic: Discovering Yourself in a Sketchbook
John HendrixÂ
A sketchbook is supposed to be fun. It’s a tool for growth, but its blank pages can be daunting to even the most motivated. Author-illustrator John Hendrix teaches kids, and aspiring artists to find their unique visual voices through his own illustrated exercises, to teach creative thinking in an accessible way.
Impressions of Wine Country
Richard SheppardÂ
Impressions of Wine Country is both informational and intimate. This well written tome has some beautiful prose and evocative watercolors. Richard Sheppard tells the story of how wine is grown and crafted from the vine to the glass. He talks with a number of winemakers and grape growers to uncover the artful viticulture available in Northern California. I’ve been to many of the wineries he writes and paints about.
Meanwhile in San Francisco: The City in its Own Words
Wendy MacNaughtonÂ
Everyone should see San Francisco like Wendy MacNaughton does. She is curious, observes intently and draws the scene and the people with real empathy. It will provide you with an opportunity to see the city with new eyes.
Venice Sketchbook
Huck ScarryÂ
Huck Scarry’s visual diary of Venice showcases the beauty and charm of the city that most tourists overlook. He highlights the lesser-known piazzas and offers stunning views of the Grand Canal, capturing the changing colors and moods of this ancient city. Scarry’s unique perspective reveals the captivating essence of Venice like no other artist.
Us and Them: What the British Think of The Americans; What The Americans Think of The British
Paul DavisÂ
Britain and America have been allies for more than a century. But what do the British really think about Americans? …and vice versa? As illustrator Paul Davis travels across both countries, he sets out to answer many questions about the differences and commonalities between the two. His portrait drawings and handwritten text on scraps of paper look and read like outsider art. I appreciate his bold style and bold opinions.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Betty EdwardsÂ
This book by world-renowned artist and educator Betty Edwards is the most popular drawing guide in the world. It teaches how we perceive things using the right side of our brain, which is key to drawing. Edwards shows that by truly understanding what you see, you can learn to draw. Her techniques have encouraged many artists by removing the obstacles that prevent them from drawing with confidence. It also promotes that we must develop a deeper understanding of how we see and interpret the world around us.
Drawing Masterclass
Ron BowenÂ
Based on the expertise and teaching style of artist and educator Ron Bowen, this book transcends mere art instruction, theory, and history. It is his own masterclass, an essential guide to drawing that offers a collection of valuable lessons designed to cultivate and support anyone’s natural talent and enthusiasm for drawing. He firmly believes that everyone has the potential to draw.
The Art of Responsive Drawing
Nathan GoldsteinÂ
This valuable book offers an understanding of the essential visual and expressive elements of drawing, emphasizing that drawing well involves both feeling and seeing. It presents a deep exploration of critical drawing techniques and concepts, along with detailed analyses of artworks by both classical and modern artists. It also provides an insightful look at the common mistakes artists make when they draw.
In the Studio: Visits with Contemporary Cartoonists
Todd Hignite
In several thorough essays, Todd Hignite delivers the stories of nine artist/cartoonists/graphic novelists that take us into their studios to discuss their art and inspirations. It’s an unparalleled look at the cutting edge creativity of the comic medium. It’s generously illustrated with full-color reproductions of the artists’ works, including some that have never been published before, such as their sketchbook pages and personal projects. I especially enjoyed learning the inside history and working process of punk art guru and forever innovator Gary Panter.
Read my other Book Shelf Mini-Reviews: Part One and Part Two
Such an illustrated treasure house! Thanks for sharing.
Hahaha…remember high school physics and the Laws of the Conservation of Mass - you can remove old books BUT their space will only be refilled sooner or later, with other, maybe newer, books!