How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments

In this review of How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination, the bottom line is simple: this book is a hands-on, technique-focused resource for artists who want to build a dependable visual vocabulary for imagined subjects. It is best for students and practicing illustrators who need structured instruction on perspective, form and environments rather than a brief inspiration collection. The book's greatest strength is its methodical approach to constructing believable objects and spaces from imagination, presented in a way that supports repeated practice and reference.

Key Features

• Stepwise demonstrations: Breaks down complex forms into manageable construction steps so artists can learn reliable building blocks for drawing.
• Focus on environments: Emphasizes placing objects within believable spaces, which helps develop consistent scale and perspective.
• Systematic perspective guidance: Provides clear approaches to perspective that help convert ideas into structured sketches.
• Imagination-to-sketch workflow: Teaches methods for translating concepts from thought into visual form so creators can iterate quickly.
• Reference-oriented layout: Designed to be used repeatedly as a workbook or desk reference during practice sessions.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at art students, character and environment designers, and illustrators who want a practical manual to improve drawing from imagination. It suits readers who already know basic drawing tools and want a structured method for constructing objects and spaces with consistency.

Those looking for a beginner primer on basic mark-making or a purely inspirational coffee-table artbook should look elsewhere; this title rewards hands-on practice and study rather than casual browsing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical construction techniques that can be applied immediately to sketches and concept work.
• Clear emphasis on environments helps with believable context and scale in compositions.
• Usable as a reference during practice, with repeatable steps for building forms.

Cons

• Not designed as an introductory basics book, so absolute beginners may need supplemental material to follow some sections.

Specifications

Title	How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination
Authors	Scott Robertson, Thomas Bertling
Primary focus	Drawing and sketching objects and environments
Style	Instructional, method-driven demonstrations
Best for	Students, illustrators, environment designers

Our Verdict

How to Draw delivers a focused, technique-first approach that helps serious sketchers and concept artists develop a reliable process for drawing from imagination. It represents strong value as a practice reference and workshop manual for anyone ready to move beyond basic exercises into structured construction of objects and environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for beginners?
It is better for readers with some basic drawing experience; absolute beginners may want a fundamentals primer alongside it.

Does it cover perspective?
Yes, it emphasizes systematic perspective approaches to place objects believably within environments.

Can it be used as a reference during concept work?
Yes, the step-by-step demonstrations and construction methods are intended for repeated reference during practice.