I'm hoping to own this book soon, as I've decided to take it slow, and actually focus on absorbing each lesson. Paul writes in such an accessible tone that I find myself calling him Paul, as you may note in the annotations to some of the sketches - if you can read my scribbles!
From the introduction: "Freehand sketching provides an important tool for investigating and understanding existing and potential solutions to problems of our physical environment, such as lack of viable public social space or disorganized pedestrian and vehicular movement." ... "The immediacy and informality of freehand sketching supports a relaxed and fluid conversation..."
The book really got me thinking about things that school tried to teach me, or failed to teach me, or that I need to teach myself. It resonated for me along the lines of my inquiries into what it takes - or what I can do - to become a talented designer. A particular point of Laseau's that I appreciated has to do with the reasons for sketching, and the mentality which can better help you determine what "success" might mean - spoiler: it's not necessarily "to produce admirable drawings that provide a sense of accomplishment." Though that would be appreciated, the real purpose is to immerse yourself in a joyful, and advancing, process.
In Chapter One, Basic Skills, we explore the process of contour drawing. The first assignment is to draw your hand, so here are my daily efforts over the course of a week. It was incredibly convincing to begin developing technique - and noting improvement - over such a short time, and that's why you'll continue to see a weekly study series until the library demands this book be returned!
"More time should be spend watching the subject than checking the emerging drawing. Remember that it is the process, not the result, that counts." - Paul Laseau.
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