Author Description

This instructional drawing book is based on basic drawing principles. The themes of the pictures focus on the interests and experiences of children in the United States. The author introduces the simple method of "three-steps tutorial" establishing basic geometric shapes, sketching outlines, and adding details. This method enables students to reduce a complex world into basic shapes. This book provides the method and the inspiration that a young artist needs to master the fundamentals of drawing. It helps beginners to practice proportions and perspective, and to design strong compositions. This book not only serves as a preparation for formal art classes, but is also perfect for parents and children who want to teach themselves. With this book, young artists will learn how to draw popular animals, heroes of myths and legends, princesses in fairy tales, and more. The book makes valuable references to customs, landscapes and festivals that represent the Chinese and American cultures. In the process of drawing, the rich themes allow the readers to go beyond time and space. By practicing with this book, young artists will improve their drawing skills and develop their own creativity. It will also help prepare young artists for a more internationalized world in which both Chinese and English will have a large role. In this spirit the book includes bilingual titles and Chinese signature stamps. Starting in 2014, this book will be the official first-level textbook of the Northern California Asian Arts School.