Rating: 
Summary: Beyond expectation
Review: As an artist I was delighted to discover the first edition of this book--and more delighted when the second edition came out, with its inspiring section on teaching children with special needs. The before-and-after illustrations of students' work are most convincing; they're what I usually show people first of all when describing the Monart method to those who aren't familiar with it.I have used these guidelines in introducing both children and adults to the wonderful world of drawing, which Ms. Brookes clearly shows is available to virtually anyone who wants to learn--not only to those who already have "talent." I especially appreciate her pre-drawn warm-up exercises, and her chart of the five basic line/shape elements that are used in all drawing. Permission is given to photocopy these pages directly from the book; alternatively, one may reproduce them by hand (they're very simple) and then copy the hand-drawn versions. Some three- and four-year-olds might be able to do the exercises and projects shown here; in fact, Ms. Brookes has samples of work from children as young as this. For teaching school age youngsters and up, however, it is definitely a good choice as a resource. It also works great with adults, who are sometimes more nervous and embarrassed about making mistakes and being laughed at than children. I particularly enjoy seeing adults who decided years ago that they just can't draw, producing lovely works of art after having just a few simple lessons right from "Drawing with Children."
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book for young and beginning artists!
Review: Finally a book that outlines techniques, tools, the artists environment and everything in between. The premise of the book is that we are not given the proper tools to excel as artists. Given the proper tools and instruction, anyone can greatly improve their drawing capability. I look forward to using the methods outlined in this book to assist my 6 year old aspiring artist in developing her talent. This is a wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: Anyone can learn to draw!
Review: Haven't yet begun the lessons, but after reading the earlier reviews I can't wait! The ideas in this book make so much sense! We don't expect children to sit down at a piano a la Mozart and belt out original compositions. We don't expect our children to learn to read without instruction. Yet if they can't draw realistically, we chalk it up to lack of talent (after all, YOU can't draw either, right?). This book gives you the tools to teach your kids how to draw even (especially!) if you aren't an artist yourself. The author is also very generous in allowing unlimited photocopying of the exercises to elementary teachers which I think shows she genuinely cares about helping children learn. My only regret is that there is no Monart school nearby!
Rating:
Summary: Anyone can learn to draw!
Review: Haven't yet begun the lessons, but after reading the earlier reviews I can't wait! The ideas in this book make so much sense! We don't expect children to sit down at a piano a la Mozart and belt out original compositions. We don't expect our children to learn to read without instruction. Yet if they can't draw realistically, we chalk it up to lack of talent (after all, YOU can't draw either, right?). This book gives you the tools to teach your kids how to draw even (especially!) if you aren't an artist yourself. The author is also very generous in allowing unlimited photocopying of the exercises to elementary teachers which I think shows she genuinely cares about helping children learn. My only regret is that there is no Monart school nearby!
Rating:
Summary: Love it! Love it! Love it!
Review: I am 33 years old and have absolutely no artistic ability - or so I thought. I've always been interested in learning how to draw, but no matter what books I consulted, I still couldn't get it. The techniques presented there assumed you already knew some basics, but I didn't. My mother even told me that drawing is inherited, and since there is nobody in my family who draws, I felt I had no chance. Then I found this book. The first thing you are supposed to do before any instruction is to draw a scene a house, person, tree, bushes, etc. My picture looked like a 4 year old drew it. Now less than one week into the book, I am on lesson 3 with 2 more to go, and I am astounded at my progress. It's simply night and day. I get so engrossed in my drawings now that 3 hours will go by in a flash. My husband is now starting the lessons because he's amazed at my drawings. Today I even started sketching my husband's face as he was eating. It took all of 5 minutes and it turned out beautifully, if I do say so myself. Plus, I hadn't yet started the lesson on drawing humans. I sketch everything in sight and just can't seem to get enough. You may not need this book if if you already know how to draw and need more detailed instruction on technique, but definitely get this book if you need the basics of beginning drawing. You will not be disappointed. Drawing is not inherited, but developed. I am proof of that.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: I am delighted and amazed with the joy and confidence this book has given my daughter. She experienced a less than positive atmosphere in the realm of drawing (and the academic world in general), but skyrocketed within a month of utilizing this book. The Monart method is an easy to follow, easy to implement, fail safe method, insuring spectacular results!
Rating: 
Summary: a little too advanced for younger ages...
Review: I bought this book on the advice that it was appropriate for younger children, but after reading it I am convinced that it will be several years before it is appropriate for my son. It seems to be more a "theory" book than a how-to manual which is what I was led to expect.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful for teachers & homeschoolers
Review: I decided to teach my children art (ages 5 & 7) during their X-mas break. This book served as the curriculum. It was excellent. I xeroxed the exercises (as instructed in the book), my kids were focused during the lessons. After a total of 6 hours of instruction... they are very good drawers. They have developed their spatial awareness, which was my aim. "Drawing with Children" and its 8 basic shapes methodology is excellent for anyone who wants to teach or learn art in a school or home environment. Especially if the teacher is not a practicing artist.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful for teachers & homeschoolers
Review: I decided to teach my children art (ages 5 & 7) during their X-mas break. This book served as the curriculum. It was excellent. I xeroxed the exercises (as instructed in the book), my kids were focused during the lessons. After a total of 6 hours of instruction... they are very good drawers. They have developed their spatial awareness, which was my aim. "Drawing with Children" and its 8 basic shapes methodology is excellent for anyone who wants to teach or learn art in a school or home environment. Especially if the teacher is not a practicing artist.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful for teachers & homeschoolers
Review: I decided to teach my children art (ages 5 & 7) during their X-mas break. This book served as the curriculum. It was excellent. I xeroxed the exercises (as instructed in the book), my kids were focused during the lessons. After a total of 6 hours of instruction... they are very good drawers. They have developed their spatial awareness, which was my aim. "Drawing with Children" and its 8 basic shapes methodology is excellent for anyone who wants to teach or learn art in a school or home environment. Especially if the teacher is not a practicing artist.
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