How to Draw Book by Scott Robertson - Drawing Objects & Environments

Our review of How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination finds it to be a focused, practical reference for students and professionals who want to strengthen observational skills and construct believable forms. The book is authored by Scott Robertson and Thomas Bertling, and the bottom line is simple: this is a hands-on instructional volume that emphasizes clear visual thinking and methodical construction techniques, making it most valuable to illustrators, concept artists, and serious hobbyists who want stepwise guidance rather than a gallery of finished art.

Key Features

• Authoritative instruction: The collaboration between Scott Robertson and Thomas Bertling delivers structured teaching that breaks down complex forms into manageable construction steps.
• Focus on imagination: Exercises and examples are presented to help artists translate imagined objects and environments into convincing drawings.
• Practical sketching approach: Emphasis is placed on sketching techniques that improve speed and clarity when developing concepts from rough ideas.
• Designed for progression: The material is arranged to support gradual skill development, useful for classroom use or guided self-study.
• Visual demonstration: Diagrams and step sequences illustrate core principles so readers can replicate techniques in their own work.

Who It's For

This volume is aimed at art students, aspiring concept artists, industrial designers, and illustrators who need practical methods for drawing three-dimensional objects and environments from imagination. Readers who appreciate a systematic, construction-based approach will find it especially beneficial for improving proportion, perspective, and form building.

Those seeking a pictorial coffee-table book, a broad survey of art history, or only inspirational imagery should look elsewhere; this is a textbook-style manual focused on technique and practice rather than purely finished artworks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, methodical instruction that supports step-by-step learning and repeated practice.
• Practical emphasis on imagination and construction helps translate ideas into reliable sketches.
• Useful for classroom and self-directed study thanks to its structured layout and examples.

Cons

• Not intended as a collection of finished inspirational illustrations, so readers expecting glossy gallery plates may be disappointed.

Specifications

Title	How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination
Authors	Scott Robertson, Thomas Bertling
Category hint	Books; Arts & Photography; Decorative Arts & Design
Format	Instructional art book
Focus	Drawing and sketching objects and environments
Target audience	Students, concept artists, designers

Our Verdict

How to Draw by Scott Robertson and Thomas Bertling is a solid instructional resource for anyone serious about improving drawing from imagination; its construction-based teaching and practical exercises make it good value for students and professionals who want repeatable techniques rather than decorative images.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners who are willing to work through structured exercises will find the step-by-step approach helpful for building fundamental skills.

Does it cover perspective and proportion?
Yes. The book emphasizes construction techniques that address perspective, proportion, and three-dimensional form for objects and environments.

Is it mostly photos or instructional drawings?
The content leans toward instructional drawings and diagrams that demonstrate methods and progression rather than photographic or gallery-style images.