4.77

5

Sep 19, 2019

WOW! I LOVE THIS BOOK.

I had reservations because of "Drawing Happy" mantra, but Davenport has really unique ideas. Even if you aren't interested in creating anything, her images are fabulous. She takes you through creating a face (shape of the head, eyes, nose, lips, shadows, hair, etc). Davenport also adds mixed media to her final creations, with many of her works having stamps, newspapers, and washi tape textures (she's a big fan of "ephemera"). It may seem overwhelming because of the detail WOW! I LOVE THIS BOOK.

I had reservations because of "Drawing Happy" mantra, but Davenport has really unique ideas. Even if you aren't interested in creating anything, her images are fabulous. She takes you through creating a face (shape of the head, eyes, nose, lips, shadows, hair, etc). Davenport also adds mixed media to her final creations, with many of her works having stamps, newspapers, and washi tape textures (she's a big fan of "ephemera"). It may seem overwhelming because of the detail and mixed media she utilizes, but she takes it step by step.

-Amanda T.

http://librarycatalog.pwcgov.org/pola... ...more

5

Aug 07, 2017

The other day the hubby was making a purchase online and needed something to toss in to get free shipping. So he asks me if there's anything I need. Need? Nope. I do plan on buying this book I have checked out from the library though. He asks me to send him a link. As soon as he saw what this book was he actually said "If I had seen this book while I was out shopping somewhere, I would have bought it for you even if you hadn't sent me the link". Not because he knows who Jane Davenport is, but The other day the hubby was making a purchase online and needed something to toss in to get free shipping. So he asks me if there's anything I need. Need? Nope. I do plan on buying this book I have checked out from the library though. He asks me to send him a link. As soon as he saw what this book was he actually said "If I had seen this book while I was out shopping somewhere, I would have bought it for you even if you hadn't sent me the link". Not because he knows who Jane Davenport is, but because faces are pretty much all I draw and he knows I love that art journal girl kind of look.

Honestly, I'm all but obsessed with drawing girl faces. If you open any of my random sketchbooks, pretty much all you will find is faces. I discovered long ago I didn't have the patience to master drawing. I don't like guides. I don't like plotting things out. I suck at shading, etc etc. Still, faces and me are friends. So this book would be, if nothing else, eye candy for me.

And yes, it tells you how to plot things out, how to draw guide lines, how to do shading (something I must practice if I ever want to do a decent nose). Still I have found it more useful than the average how to draw book. This truly on focuses on faces, faces, and more faces. Drawing, painting, collaging. I've actually used some of the tips, which is more than I can say about most art books I've tried.

Most of the projects in the book could be tried by beginners using the most basic of supplies (she covers what supplies she recommends - which is pretty much all / any). The only one I found that would have be scratching my head about what to use is an exercise where she does shading with pan pastels. As a not so practiced artist I've tried lots of supplies, but not pan pastels. I looked at them because why not but found even the small sets run around $30 (more than I am willing to spend to play with something I may not like). Needless to say I'll be practicing that shading project with something else. But that's the good thing about this book. Jane Davenport encourages you to use whatever you have. If you have what she does, bonus, you can play along easier. If not, improvise. Most can be done using pencils and your preferred paints. I do think there is, at the very least, also inspiration to be found here if you're a more advanced artist already.

I have been looking for another book like this that would inspire me as much, but haven't found one.


...more

5

Dec 28, 2014

Absolutely beautiful book, full of information on drawing and painting faces. There is an e-course to partner with this book which starts in March 2015. Definately a must have for anyone who loves to draw faces or would like to learn.

5

Aug 31, 2018

I truly love this book. Jane Davenport starts off by discussing different types of mediums and supplies. From different types of paintbrushes to use, to tips on gesso. She gives little explanations on the best way to use pastels, markers, etc. in order to get the effect you want. Davenport goes step by step on how to draw faces which makes it easy to follow along. She really simplifies it all for you by breaking down each facial feature. She teaches guidelines on how to draw proportional faces. I truly love this book. Jane Davenport starts off by discussing different types of mediums and supplies. From different types of paintbrushes to use, to tips on gesso. She gives little explanations on the best way to use pastels, markers, etc. in order to get the effect you want. Davenport goes step by step on how to draw faces which makes it easy to follow along. She really simplifies it all for you by breaking down each facial feature. She teaches guidelines on how to draw proportional faces. Whether you want realistic proportions or “whimsical” proportions, whimsical is her specialty. Davenport then moves on to “whimsical techniques” you can do with different mediums. I love that she gives you the basics and then expands on ways to “let loose” with the supplies. She wants you to get to know the supplies and how to use them the way you're most comfortable.

When I first came across this book I was mesmerized by all of the different ways to use the supplies she talks about. For a long time I thought I had to pick one medium and stick to it. This book made me realize that mixed media artists exist and that I was one of them. This is a great book to refer to every now and then. Whether it be for inspiration or to brush up on a technique. I personally love to draw while reading these types of books and I find that it really helps improve my skills. Davenport encourages a lot of experimentation with your supplies. This is one of my favorite art books out there. I give this 5 out of 5 stars! ...more

4

Nov 09, 2017

Oh my goodness, this book is so much fun. The techniques for both drawing faces and using different media to create are so helpful and the projects have given me hours of enjoyment. I love books like this that make me want to grab my sketchbook and immediately get to work.

5

Mar 07, 2017

This mixed media how to book is excellent!

I love Jane Davenport's style and how she shares her tips and tricks without hesitation which is wonderful! Artists that like to make whimsical faces with mixed media will get looks of great tips and tricks.

With great how to's and step by steps, you really can not get lost with book. Jane encourages all creators from very beginners to more advanced artists, so nobody is sitting on the sidelines wondering if they can create what she does. Practice makes This mixed media how to book is excellent!

I love Jane Davenport's style and how she shares her tips and tricks without hesitation which is wonderful! Artists that like to make whimsical faces with mixed media will get looks of great tips and tricks.

With great how to's and step by steps, you really can not get lost with book. Jane encourages all creators from very beginners to more advanced artists, so nobody is sitting on the sidelines wondering if they can create what she does. Practice makes perfect and Jane's whole point to art is just try it, go with it, and embrace the mess!

I took this out from the library, but will be buying it when I get the chance.

Side note: if you are a huge fan of Jane's and ever wondered what products she uses, she lets you know on her website. Even better, she currently has a collection with Michael's and American Crafts that is selling her own line of craft supplies. They include but are not limited to: acrylic paints, watercolors, colored pencils, art journals and so much more! So go check this book and her collection out and get creating! ...more

4

May 11, 2015

This book starts with the basics of facial geography, so all the parts are properly spaced and proportioned. Then it provides the author's technique for drawing each part, breaking down the steps and explaining why she does it that way. She encourages experimentation in all of these, pointing to the areas where tweaking the basic design can be most successful. Then she dives into color, exploring several different mediums.

This book is about drawing and painting faces out of your imagination.

This book starts with the basics of facial geography, so all the parts are properly spaced and proportioned. Then it provides the author's technique for drawing each part, breaking down the steps and explaining why she does it that way. She encourages experimentation in all of these, pointing to the areas where tweaking the basic design can be most successful. Then she dives into color, exploring several different mediums.

This book is about drawing and painting faces out of your imagination.

This book does not teach:
- how to draw a portrait of an actual person
- how to draw men
- how to draw children

For what it does, this book does very well. The instructions are clear and concise, and the illustrations are useful. There are even some "what not to do" drawings that made me laugh. ...more

4

Jan 15, 2016

I picked up this book convinced it wouldn't teach me much. This book did the exact opposite of what I expected. Jane might not have one of her best pieces on this cover, that it can be very misleading, but her whole book is about being free and letting your inner child out. She shares vital information, from tools of the trade (and how she uses them via examples.) as well as her own personal technique of having a drawing journal (and how to build your own.) she also teaches the basics of faces, I picked up this book convinced it wouldn't teach me much. This book did the exact opposite of what I expected. Jane might not have one of her best pieces on this cover, that it can be very misleading, but her whole book is about being free and letting your inner child out. She shares vital information, from tools of the trade (and how she uses them via examples.) as well as her own personal technique of having a drawing journal (and how to build your own.) she also teaches the basics of faces, making it look so easy even a novice can do it. After reading this book I feel enlightened. She taught me things not even my illustration courses at college taught me. If I had a chance to take one of Jane davenport's classes I would love to. ...more

5

Apr 04, 2016

Pretty and colorful book if you want to find your own style of drawing faces.

5

Dec 30, 2015

Love Jane Davenport. She is not only a brilliant and talented artist, but teacher, author and inspiration as well. Every page is a feast of colors, materials, tutorials and artwork for the eyes and the soul.
Jane does a great job of explaining the how to's of drawing for the beginner through to the advanced artist.

4

Apr 28, 2015

I love Jane Davenport's style. It would easily translate across several mediums-acrylic, pastel, ink, even watercolor. She offers online classes all of the time on her website, janedavenport.com. This book includes the tutorials from one of those classes. If you don't have the $100+ for an online class this is a great alternative.

5

Feb 07, 2016

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It taught me so many different skills on drawing and painting. Jane Davenport is so talented and is a gifted teacher as well. I find myself going back to this book for resources and inspiration. This is a must own book to any artist or a person that would like to learn about art. Jane comprehensively covers art materials, how to draw noses, eyes, lips faces, painting, shadowing etc... It's filled with so much knowledge. It is one of my favorite books.

5

Jan 17, 2017

One of my goals for 2017 is to grow more confident with the art that I create. I'd heard a great deal about Jane's book and every review praised Jane's ability to teach, even in book format. (If you aren't aware, Jane teaches awesome online workshops.) I've read this in its entirety and have begun to move step by step through the lessons. These are exactly the skills I've needed to acquire to move into a new way of interacting with my journals. Highly recommended!

5

Feb 20, 2015

Jane has created a beautiful book. I love that it is all her own work. Too many mixed media art books are a compilation of many artists. When I buy I book I expect to get the art from the author not a whole group of their friends. Jane shows her process of creating beautiful faces using a variety of different mediums. I love that aspect of this book. Now I want to pull out my gelatos or my PanPastels and do some faces too. I like her no nonsense approach and gift of creativity. This book really Jane has created a beautiful book. I love that it is all her own work. Too many mixed media art books are a compilation of many artists. When I buy I book I expect to get the art from the author not a whole group of their friends. Jane shows her process of creating beautiful faces using a variety of different mediums. I love that aspect of this book. Now I want to pull out my gelatos or my PanPastels and do some faces too. I like her no nonsense approach and gift of creativity. This book really delivers. ...more

4

Jul 28, 2015

This book is really informative & breaks it all down so that even a person that's never drawn anything is able to do so now. It starts off discussing different mediums & the pros & cons of those mediums. Watercolor, for instance, is one of the trickiest mediums to work with. The book then basically breaks down how to draw every aspect of the face.

It gives great tips & the reader can tell that the author thoroughly enjoys art & drawing. This genuine enthusiasm is contagious This book is really informative & breaks it all down so that even a person that's never drawn anything is able to do so now. It starts off discussing different mediums & the pros & cons of those mediums. Watercolor, for instance, is one of the trickiest mediums to work with. The book then basically breaks down how to draw every aspect of the face.

It gives great tips & the reader can tell that the author thoroughly enjoys art & drawing. This genuine enthusiasm is contagious even through pages of a book! I think I will purchase this book. ...more

3

Feb 07, 2017

Especially good if you want to learn to draw the style of face that the author draws, but there are a lot of good general tips and adaptable exercises and techniques to try, too (especially for a beginner like me)

5

Dec 07, 2017

This was a great book! Step by step instructions that were easy to follow. I also love how she explained how to use different mediums.

1

Mar 26, 2019

Can faces besides young, porcelain-skinned, swan-necked white girls be beautiful? According to this book, not even worth considering.

5

Apr 18, 2018

Buy this book! Especially if you are a hobbyist mixed media artist. Jane is a fantastic artist and teacher. Keep this book for referrals. This is my go-to book when I'm suffering from artist's block.

4

Feb 09, 2019

Fun drawing book with lots of "face" exercises. I am going to purchase my own copy. I borrowed this one from the Berea Public Library. Doing the exercises leads the way to feature placement, orientation,and expression.

4

Oct 06, 2017

Actually, I am not really finished with the book - meaning I didn't do all the exercises. But overall I really like the style of the book. It was also quite motivating, although drawing needs practise practise practise.

5

Dec 19, 2017

An excellent resource for any artist that is trying to improve on their face drawing and mixed media techniques. I learned a few tips I will be able to use right away. A great resource for an artist’s library.

5

Oct 21, 2018

This is just what I was looking for. Not only does the author have several projects that show how to draw faces, she also explains different types of art supplies and how they are used. I haven't been in an art class in quite a while, and I needed a refresher course on what to use and how to use it.

3

Sep 18, 2017

Pretty but simple book. Loved the layers and colors, didn't like the super long necks and eyes. Obviously the idea is to take what you enjoy, play with it, and make it your own... but Davenport focuses solely on her style for the most part. There are a few prompts that look interesting, but the page list of materials and introduction runs for about 30 pages and this isn't a long book at all either. Overall I'm glad I got it from my library! :-)

4

Nov 14, 2017

3.5 / 5 stars

This book proved to be a surprise. I would describe it as a mixed media book, as it isn't solely focused on illustrating female faces.

It was more technical than I had imagined and filled with techniques I'm excited to try.

As for the rating, it is as such because I felt the book to be quite short. There were techniques not discussed in full detail. There were also a few nitpicky bits I didn't enjoy (like how some parts of the layout looked). But like I said, it's just me being 3.5 / 5 stars

This book proved to be a surprise. I would describe it as a mixed media book, as it isn't solely focused on illustrating female faces.

It was more technical than I had imagined and filled with techniques I'm excited to try.

As for the rating, it is as such because I felt the book to be quite short. There were techniques not discussed in full detail. There were also a few nitpicky bits I didn't enjoy (like how some parts of the layout looked). But like I said, it's just me being nitpicky as a graphic designer.

I would recommend it to anyone who finds Jane Davenport's style interesting and anyone looking to get into mixed media art. It is catered to mostly beginners but I recommend those in the intermediate level to look into this too. ...more