I’m always on the lookout for drawing how-to books. I’ve never seen this one before: Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes.  Brookes developed a system for teaching people to draw and she created a drawing school franchise called Monart.

Drawing with Children is different than any other instructional drawing book I’ve read, and I think it’s written for people who could not fathom creating art on their own. Kind of like the exact opposite of me.

I like Brookes’ basic philosophy. She believes everyone can draw (I totally agree!) and the key to drawing is learning to see basic shapes: circles, lines and angles.  Lots of drawing instructors advise the same thing except Brookes’ exercises actually involve drawing circles, lines and angles in abstract patterns.  Once students are comfortable with the basics she introduces representational objects, like a stylized lion, and shows how the lion is made up of a series of circles, lines and angles.

I appreciate the slow and patient way Brookes describes each new technique for learning to draw.  Ironically, my frustration with her style of teaching is in her step-by-step process.  If I was in a Monart class I would be totally frustrated because it’s so methodical and structured.

If you’re someone who insn’t comfortable drawing I think this is a great place to start.  But if you’re not afraid of a pencil, go forth and draw! Monart’s not for you.