I really like to draw, but I'm not a good drawer, so I love to see and to learn about the process of the drawing skills.
I'm always watching videos and searching for tutorials, and this was so good for my creative moments, I really enjoy it

You will see styles of sketching on the go and utilising journaling to improve sketching while drawing on the go.

I like the idea of this.
I wanted this to make me a better sketcher or at least a more frequent one.
But, I dont think that Dare to Sketch could achieve either of those goals. I don't think I would buy a copy.
Nevertheless its inspiring.

Hmm, a difficult one. I applied to review this book because I have long struggled with “daring to sketch”. Although quirky and with a few tips to “loosen you up”, it did not entice me to pack my sketch book and sketch with abandon...

Thanks to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read and review Dare to Sketch by Felix Scheinberger. The descriptive Table of Contents built my interest in reading this book. Advice and instructions on sketch pads and their uses, drawing tools, different perspectives in drawing and the subjects of drawings are included. I especially like the page entitled, "Drawing is a Global Language", which advises artists to observe respectfully. The art reminds me of Roald Dahl's style. 4 stars for a helpful art book with personality!

I thought the book would be more of a how-to, with some more techniques. Rather, it focuses more on the author's sketches. Which is fine, but I was looking for something different.

I have Felix Scheinberger's other book, Urban Watercolor Sketching. Both books are solid, but Dare to Sketch takes a step back for the beginner, which I appreciate. I have read descriptions of Blind Contour Drawing before, but this is the only time I've wanted to immediately pick up a pen and do it. I'm glad I did. This is a very thoughtful book - equal parts instruction and inspiration.

I have never considered myself an artist, but earlier this year I started taking art journaling / mixed media classes. Since then I have been buying books that will help me with skills such as sketching, lettering, and other mixed media techniques. I found this book accessible and fun. In fact, I thought it was going to be a how-to book, but it offered a bit more than that. Pick it up! I read it and bought a copy for my classroom.

This is not your typical sketch instructional book but more a daring invitation to sketch and not let anything hold you back. While this book includes the fundamental hand holding to get started, the author invites to you see the limitless possibilities and expressions that sketching offers and I loved seeing his travels through his drawings.

Useful little book! Short and to the point he doesn't go on about the probably hundred of types of notebooks and sketchpads, just gives a few guidelines and says don't worry about it. It was specific enough to be helpful but vague and light enough that you didn't feel pressured. Unlike his granny said, you don't need to be a master at drawing, it's just sketching, so enjoy it and you will get better. I liked the idea of it as a journal to incorporating writing. Overall a helpful resource and interesting read, even if I didn't appreciate the authors unique and contemporary drawing style, it's his style to share, not to copy. The whole point is its your sketchpad and not up for others criticism or opinion, it's just for you!

Let sketching be a safe ground for experimenting where you can find your own voice. This is the general idea i got after reading Dare to Sketch: A guide to drawing and sketching on the go by Felix Scheinberger, which is the English translation of the original Mut zum Skizzenbuch published in Germany in 2009. Staying relevant throughout the years, this book reminds us of the many uses sketching has: whether it is meant for doodling, draft of ideas, journaling or keeping record of our creative endeavors.

The first chapters cover why and how to use a sketchbook, things to consider before you start and the tools of the trade; pens, pencils, watercolor, collage, etc. It moves then to what and how to start sketching; unleashing your imagination, basic elements of design, landscapes, people, animals, architecture, things to consider when sketching and while traveling and a few words about digital media.

One note about the book: keep in mind that it wont tell you how to master drawing nor painting. If for example, you haven't tried watercolors before, this book wont be a guide for it. Seems obvious but had to point that out, be mindful of your current abilities and limitations and don't expect this book to solve them all for you, remember sketching is all about expressing yourself. Regardless of your abilities at the moment, the tips will prove of unmeasurable value once you start sketching.

It is easy to see that this book is full of the experience that Scheinberger has accumulated throughout the years as an artist, illustrator and designer. More than the technical aspects of sketching, what makes this book unique is the practical knowledge and anecdotes that Scheinberger shared from his sketching journeys. This book will prepare and give you that little push you need to dare to sketch outdoors.

I loved this book; such a delight! Instructive, informative, and easy to follow, with a bountiful treasure trove of of useful examples and ideas to immediately implement. A welcome resource for anyone hesitating to take the plunge into developing their budding artistic talent; or anyone needing inspiration to start again! Excellent.
---Ronb

Hard to know where to start on reviewing this book…in a good way! The book was filled with tips and advice and inspiration and encouragement and sentiment, and it really captured the author’s love of sketching and his experience really shone through the pages! The author has used sketching in the same way people would take photographs, to capture a still image of a particular moment they have witnessed, but through the art of sketching they can highlight the important parts in a unique way that embodies how they experienced it emotionally or otherwise and make the moment more precious. Many of the sketches were further enhanced by the minimalistic use of watercolour paint that made the images come alive and “transport an emotion” to the viewer. It really made a valid argument for sketching being superior to photography or a diary in terms of recording personal events.
I would have liked to have seen more stories linked to the author’s travels or descriptions describing the significance of certain sketches. The book is not so much a how-to sketch book, but rather encourages the reader to develop their own style and appreciate the uniqueness in their imperfections rather than copying the style of other artists (but in my opinion, that really only depends on what you want to get out of sketching, some people might like to sketch for compliments or other forms of personal gain that might not align with developing a love of sketching).
Either way, I think sketchers of every age or level could take a lot from this book, as it is filled with unique experiences such a watercolouring with espresso and vodka. It is not the definitive guide to sketching, but it is a talented man allowing the public to peek into a very private part of his life that he treasures and the methods he has spent a lifetime learning.

As someone who is taking up sketching again I enjoyed this book very much. It details out the process and materials involved in sketching while also letting readers know that it should be fun, very economical and we should not care if it doesnt look right but the goal is to have fun

Dare to Sketch is aimed at the more mature artist, giving the challenge to dare to sketch in the socially charged places one encounters. The book is comprised of the author/artist's sketches with discussion, pointers, advice, and inspiration for developing your own art journal or sketchbook. The illustrations are electrically charged by their subject matter, attention to detail, in an instantly contemporary loose style, quickly drawn due to the location many of the drawings take place. Most artists know that it takes practice, practice, practice, but don't always think about carrying a sketchbook and sketching things out all the time. This book encourages this behavior. It covers a multiplicity of drawing styles and technique, ink, charcoal, washes, and more. Use it as a starting point and just start drawing, all the time. (Note: Adult material Nudes, dangerous situations). Recommended for High School libraries and art classes, academic art schools, colleges, universities, for adults and young adults. Thought provoking and inspirational. I will carry my sketchbook more, but not in the situations this author experienced.

Such an encouraging and empowering look at drawing and sketching. Bravo!

A fun guide to how to start (or start again) sketching without fear of failure.

As someone who for years believed I couldn't, and perhaps more importantly, never would be able to draw, I started the process of learning to draw on a garden design course I took. Initially my forays into drawing were dictated by the exigencies of the course but the tutor did at least take away the irrational fear I had. I have continued to sketch and indeed taken up watercolour painting. Gradually I have improved. This book is helping again. It is reassuring, particularly the repeated mantra of learning by doing and by making mistakes and that you are drawing for yourself, not an audience (not quite true in my case but you get the drift). There is information about choosing appropriate materials - sketch book, pens & pencils, etc.. It considers issues such as composition, weight and balance, depth & perspective, different types of subject matter. None of it is dealt with in any particular depth but the points made are copiously illustrated with drawings from the author's sketch books. I think the aim is to encourage rather than to teach directly, more inspiration than tutorial.

In "Dare to Sketch," the author offers a variety of different useful tips, mostly the kind that I would associate with beginning artists. I enjoyed perusing the sketchbook images he provided, and liked looking at the different styles he incorporates in his drawings. The information he provides on drawing on the go is valuable for all artists and his discussion on materials was also interesting.

I like the fact that this author is someone who keeps a sketchbook with them and has done drawings out in public in both comfortable and uncomfortable surroundings as that is something that I try to do as well. I always find the drawing you come up with when you are rushed or uncomfortable are some of the most interesting and memorable ones, so to read about his experiences made me feel good.

This book covers a lot of topics related to artwork and sketching and would be excellent for a beginning artist to learn about different mediums, paper and sketchbook options and general information about the craft. The book is well organised and easy to read. Overall, I thought this was really good and would recommend it to other artists without hesitation.

This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The book give a lot of information about different art mediums that sketching can be used in it is a broad overview but not a "how to" type of book.