Start with a Scribble

Book excerpt: This utterly encouraging book is a masterclass in how to draw for kids and grownups with Sir Quentin Blake, beloved illustrator to Roald Dahl. Can you find the pointy end of a pencil? Then you can draw! Start with a Scribble will banish your inner critic and kick-start your inner genius, as you learn to capture the spirit of things with a little how-to and a lot of just-do. An artist-quality pen and two watercolor pencils (red and black) are included. Inside, you’ll find: Prompts to inspire you (e.g., “emotional rabbits”) Doodles to finish (“Mrs. Thudkins takes her floppaterasis for a walk”) Techniques to try (only when the mood strikes you), from shading to perspective And plenty of wide-open space to play around in. Sir Quentin’s sage advice appears throughout, from “it’s best to name your animal after you draw it” to “don’t worry too much yet about ankles.” The most important lesson? YOU are the only person qualified to express your unique you-ness. Publisher’s note:Start with a Scribble is an updated North American edition of Drawing for the Artistically Undiscovered (Klutz, 1999).