Our Own James Richards' new book!

James Richards' new book is a winner...complex theories are explained in simple terms that actually make you want to jump in--perspective demystified, thumbnails explained, sketching people simplified, landscapes approachable, buildings not only inspiring but FUN rather than daunting.

This book would be a godsend to a young conceptual architect, whether he or she focuses on designing buildings, urban spaces, or landscape architecture, and it's good to see that sketching by hand is still part of the creative process.  But anyone who aspires to sketch can benefit...the section on urban sketching will be of particular interest to us, of course.

Many, many step-by-step illustrations take you from here to there, with plenty of engaging text to pull it all together.  It makes you want to drop whatever you're doing and pick up a pencil, right now.  Tools, approaches, textures, color, and much more is covered in 265 pages.

Here are 9 keys that are explained fully in the text:

1. Simplify Tools
2. Simplify Message
3. Work Small
4. Simplify Technique
5. Attack the Drawing
6. Draw People First
7. Pull it Together with Darks
8. Leave It Loose
9. Annotate Everything

 Intrigued?  I was, and I was delighted to find so much between the covers of the book, published by John Wiley & Sons.

There are a number artists' work and words included, as well as plenty of James' clean, crisp illustrations.   Among others, you'll find USk founder Gabi Campanario, and familiar names like Liz Steel, Veronica Lawlor, Paul Wang, Asnee Tasna, Luis Ruiz--and more.

Color makes it pop...

You can see how many post-it notes decorate my own copy!

A variety of textures in ink and watercolor fill the book as well.

James is right, adding people DOES make a sketch more approachable and lively.  We had stopped at Costco on our way home from the city and I couldn't resist tucking a few of the people I saw into the sketch--simplified, as he shows, but still very readable.

There's a foreword by Frank Ching, whom many of you may know from USk circles--he's done some wonderful workshops.

Like all great art books, this one really inspires you to PICK UP A PEN and DRAW! 

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You can find it right here in our catalog tab, Books We Like--and remember, anything you buy through a link in our catalog gives back a small percentage to the Urban Sketchers organization, helping to fund scholarships, symposia, and more.