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Cover of What to draw and how to draw it

What to draw and how to draw it

Written by Edwin George Lutz

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Drawing

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About this book

"What to Draw and How to Draw It" by Edwin George Lutz is a practical guidebook on drawing, published in the early 20th century. This instructional book aims to teach readers, particularly children, the fundamentals of drawing through a series of diagrams and step-by-step examples. The content focuses on simplifying the drawing process by emphasizing key lines and proportions, making it accessible and engaging for young artists. The book provides a systematic approach to drawing various subjects, including animals, objects, and figures, through a structured series of illustrations. Each drawing begins with simple shapes and progresses to more complex forms, allowing readers to build their skills gradually. Lutz emphasizes the importance of construction lines and light strokes to outline and detail their drawings effectively. With hundreds of examples that captivate children's imaginations, the book empowers young artists to explore their creativity while mastering essential drawing techniques, ultimately fostering both physical skills and a deeper understanding of visual representation.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in What to draw and how to draw it, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • beginner
  • Instructive
  • Empowering
  • Accessible

Edwin George Lutz's "What to Draw and How to Draw It" is a seminal early 20th-century instructional guide designed to demystify drawing for beginners, especially children. Through a systematic approach, the book breaks down complex subjects into simple, progressive steps, emphasizing the use of basic shapes and construction lines. It features hundreds of diagrams that gradually build forms, from initial outlines to detailed representations. Lutz's method aims to foster both technical skill and creative confidence, making the art of drawing accessible and engaging for aspiring young artists. The book stands as a foundational text in art education, promoting a structured yet empowering path to visual expression.

“Every complex form begins with simple shapes.”

Key themes

Simplification and Deconstruction
This theme is central to Lutz's methodology, emphasizing that any complex subject can be broken down into fundamental geometric shapes and lines. By deconstructing objects, the intimidating task of drawing becomes manageable and understandable for beginners. It teaches a way of seeing the world in terms of basic forms.
Gradual Progression and Skill Building
The book's entire structure is built upon the idea of incremental learning. Readers are guided through a carefully sequenced curriculum, moving from simple exercises to progressively more challenging ones. This gradual approach builds confidence and allows skills to develop organically, preventing overwhelm and fostering a sense of achievement with each step.
Empowerment Through Accessibility
Lutz's book demystifies drawing, presenting it not as an exclusive talent but as a teachable skill accessible to anyone, particularly children. By providing clear, actionable steps, it empowers individuals who might otherwise feel intimidated by art, fostering a belief in their own creative capabilities.

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