Draw Your World: How to Sketch and Paint Your Remarkable Life Paperback – June 22, 2021

About a year ago I purchased Samantha Dion Baker's first book, Draw Your Day. Sometimes books appear at "the right time", and this was one of them. I've spent decades expressing myself in a handwritten journal, which was very therapeutic. However, I wasn't needing to write nearly as often. Much of my external stress had ended, such as work (employment) and twenty-four years of parental caregiving.I've long wanted to begin an art practice, but my father was a trained watercolorist and earned his living and raised 6 children with art; his paintings have always adorned the family walls. It is impossible for me to not compare my efforts with dad's. It's also easy to forget that dad was a graduate of a well-known art school. And, he would be as intimidated by writing as I am by drawing and painting.And so, while not regular by any means, I began small moments of drawing and doodling. I thought about it a lot. I observed the external world more, having spent a lot of time until then focusing on my interior world.My eyes and ears perked up when I learned that Sam's next book, Draw Your World, would be released. I was following on IG a small art business called Art Toolkit, and the owner, Maria Coryell-Martin had a couple of interviews with Baker on YouTube. I began following Sam on IG, loving her posts and her demos on her IG TV (They are awesome!) . I began to learn a lot. I also followed the hashtags #DrawYourDay and #DrawYourWorld, learning how people around the world were inspired by Sam and how they approached subjects such as trees, mountains, people, buildings, etc. I realized that while my world at present is pretty small, that doesn't matter. It's MY world, and actually, I know it's best for me to start small. My dad started small - and when I see some of his early art I see the growth between it and his work of 50 years later. After each "painting" of mine, I also see growth, and I also learn what I could have done differently.Draw Your World has more teaching than Draw Your Day. It will take me longer to get through, allowing me time to savor the lessons. I've always had art supplies, and have purchased more. Learning how to best use them is great fun! But, starting with pencil and paper costs little. Adding crayons or colored pencils for color is inexpensive. A small box of watercolors is also inexpensive. One doesn't need much. Take these tools to your window, front porch, or local park. Draw a leaf or piece of tree bark. Draw a dandelion, or, a teacup. If you follow someone on Instagram, check out who they follow and view those feeds. Follow them if you like what you see. Inspiration is everywhere! Learn from and be inspired by Draw Your World, and view on IG the results of those who have also been inspired by Sam!I admire the vulnerability and courage it takes for people to publicly share their work on social media, and so I occasionally do the same. At the moment I don't "art" every day, but I draw and paint several times per week. If one is interested in beginning an art practice, begin where you are. Work with who you are. Do what you can. If you are intimidated, think of something you do well which other people are intimidated by. All takes practice. Concert pianists practice scales every day.I have a 7-year-old great niece (her birthday is today!) who is an amazing artist. She intuitively understands perspective. She inspires me. She takes joy in her art. I want to be Bridget when I grow up.Finally, none of us is too old to begin. Grandma Moses, a famous folk artist, began painting when she was 78! I have a head start on her.

Although I am a chronic online shopper, this is my first ever review: that is how much I LOVE this book! I also thoroughly enjoy Samantha Dion Baker’s first book (“Draw Your Day”). I keep both books close at hand for inspiration and a pick-me-up whenever I get timid about my drawing practice. Until I came across SDB’s first book : “Draw Your Day” I had spent the last few years dragging my feet about getting back into drawing. After that I was much more willing to try, and to stick with it. By turning the intimidating “sketchbook” into a journal or diary, it became easier for me to not only draw, but to actually appreciate what I drew. Also - I am much more likely to revisit past entries and recall memories from posts with pictures then I am with journal entries of only words.If you are still shy about starting or keeping up with a daily drawing practice—both of Ms. Bakers’ books are great for inspiration and well worth the purchase!

"Draw Your World" is a lovely work of art in itself. This book is very well written, beautifully illustrated, and full of technical art skills for drawing and painting. Also, there are practice challenges to develop the skills demonstrated in this amazing art book. "Draw Your World" inspires you to train your eyes to see the world around you in so many different ways. Whether it is drawing/painting in nature, an urban setting, while traveling, or just your everyday life; Samantha teaches you how to put your own spin on the process of making art. There is so much packed into this beautiful book. She gives many resources for tools and materials that she uses that you may find helpful to use in your artwork. If you don't have Samantha's first book "Draw Your Day", by all means get that one, too. "Draw Your World" is a great resource for drawing/painting and inspiration for artists at any level. I really love this book!

This is an excellent book and most people will really enjoy it, especially if they are just learning to draw and paint. I loved her first book "Draw Your Day" and pre-ordered this one thinking it would be much like the first one with lots of her illustrations and sketchbook instructions. But the first half of the book is devoted to teaching elementary drawing/painting tips, which as an experienced artist, was wasted on me. I look forward to future books but won't pre-order again, but wait to see what the book includes first. The four stars is for the second half, although I wish there were more of her unique illustrations.

I was very pleased to see that a used book could be in perfect condition.I’ve read the introduction and supplies list and feel like I’m in class with a really great teacher. The book lays open flat. I recently tried a different author and was frustrated. There are plenty of instructional drawings so I’m eager to get started.

I’m thankful to Samantha Dion Baker for inspiring me to get back to drawing. This is the second book I’ve read of hers. I’ve been doing more drawing lately because of her books. I can’t wait for her next book, Draw Your Adventures. I’ve pre-ordered my copy already. I’ll be receiving her Draw Your Day sketchbook today for extra inspiration. Thank you for inspiring me to draw more, Samantha.