Original Learn to Draw by Jon Gnagy: A Review

Art is a fun extra curricular activity. It gives children a chance to express themselves. It is also a great stress reliever. I have my daugher work on an art project when the other subjects are completed. It helps her to wind down and enjoy herself for the rest of the day.

While choosing this year's art book, I looked for recommendations, so I could find one worthwhile. I found Jon Gnagy's, Learn to Draw. I purchased it in July and begin using it during the first week of September.

Unfortunately, my daughter found it quite disappointing. The instructions are written in a fine print that is very difficult to read. The instructions are also written in a language that my eight year old finds difficult to comprehend. The book set claims that it is appropriate for ages eight and above. I find it hard to believe that anyone under the age of twelve could successfully use this set, unless they are gifted in art.

The first few exercises are shading techniques and steps to drawing simple shapes. My daughter was successfully able to complete this task, but there was only about four pages of shading and drawing shapes, the other sixty pages were far too difficult.

The book moves from shading and drawing simple circles, squares, and cones, to expecting the student to be able to draw a whole picture. I think that adults who have some artistic ability would enjoy this course, but it is definitely not appropriate for children in fourth grade.

The kit itself comes with an instruction manual, sketch paper, drawing pencils, carbon pencils, chalk, sandpaper sharpener, and a shading stamp. You can purchase it on eBay for about $20, but I paid $35 for my set. I think my daughter would do well with a book written for younger children or at least with a course that explained the art techniques by modeling them on DVD.