Illustration School: Let's Draw Plants and Small Creatures

I was looking for a book to help me with simple illustration and "Illustration School" is PERFECT.I've taken a zillion drawing classes but I just wanted something much simpler- a guide to illustration that didn't focus on the "heavy" stuff, like perspective or shading or any of that good stuff but still captured the essence of flowers and trees without being too cartoon-like. I do a lot of art journaling and mixed media work and I wanted to incorporate sketches from my garden without them being too fussy or representational, if that makes any sense.This is the *perfect* book for that. Sachiko Umoto's illustrations are gorgeous, and completely evocative of each thing she illustrates (different flowers, fruits, vegetables, trees, insects, etc.) but they are *really* easy to sit down and do. Both my daughter (who is six) and I (not six) love this book and refer to it.Don't be fooled by the size- there is SO much in this book. I flipped through the "search inside this book" feature before I ordered it, and when it arrived I was shocked at just how many illustration lessons are inside the pages. There are LOTS of flowers, fruits, bugs, trees, characters, etc. I am really excited because I feel like this a great tool to help me get comfortable with doing more illustrating. It also works as a starting point for other illustration- because each of the drawing has about six or seven step-outs, you can use your own creativity to take the drawings in other directions from any step.I love the size and the presentation of the book, too- it's about the size of a small journal, and the cover is a cream-colored thick stock with an embossed texture. The pages inside are a creamy white textured paper, as well. It would make a wonderful gift, along with a small pack of colored pencils or Micron pens and a small journal.But I am absolutely keeping my copy for my own use, and I can tell it's going to be a much loved part of my library. I can't recommend this enough!

These books are beautiful works of art in themselves and you won't regret buying them :) I have recently acquired the whim to learn to doodle and hence bought three of Sachiko's books to help me learn doodling. Of all the drawing books I have bought, these are by far the cutest, the most informative & the most helpful. Sachiko's style is easy to follow and learn, and I keep referring to her books when I'm stuck or in need of ideas. This book covers various kinds of trees, flowers and little creatures. Really helpful if you want to make your own whimsical cards or illustrations.

With charmingly simple Japanese-style drawings of flowers and insects that are quick and easy to study and copy, this slim portable book is a nice drawing primer for anybody trying to learn how to draw quickly. Even more experienced artist could benefit from their examples on how to simplify complex natural forms. It amounts to a nice handbook on how to communicate visually more effectively, and the subject matter lends itself well for crafters that might want to develop their own graphics for greeting cards or custom stationary. Would also make a nice gift for budding artists to help them loosen up for their construction drawing.

Other positive reviews are here so I'll be brief and simply say I agree. This is one of a series of 3 books. I used to work professionally as an illustrator, still do cartooning, and this book is great for my 9 year old daughters, but I'd recommend it for any grade schooler or even adult who needs a little jump start doing sketches and doodles. Although some have negatively commented on it's small size, my daughters and I have no problem. The size creates an intimacy to the art. My daughters love this and so do I (even I use it for reference from time to time). I recommend you take a look at the art inside the book and if you can relate to it, then this book is for you. I bought all three books for my daughters and then additional copies for our school's library.

I bought the three books available in this series: Illustration School: Let's Draw Plants and Small Creatures, Illustration School: Let's Draw Cute Animals and Illustration School: Let's Draw Happy People. I can recommend all of them and am posting this same review for all three books.While these books may be targeted at children, I think adults can enjoy them as well. There's a lyrical way to which the drawings are taught.There isn't a big focus on the minute details of getting things right. Instead, the focus is on encouraging the reader to just get into doodling. That, there are no wrong strokes.The illustrations are fun and the paper of high quality. I enjoy touching this book as much as I enjoy looking it. As to whether I have become a master doodler because of these books? Not quite yet.

This little book is so much fun. If you're looking for a realistic art instruction book, then this isn't it. If you're a beginning drawer and just want to get a basic concept down, then this is a great choice. It's a little on the cartoonish side for the animals and some of the plants, but it's been great for me to get the basics down and then as I practice, make more realistic adjustments. This is my second book by this artist and I've thoroughly enjoyed it.The size is perfect for throwing into my bag for traveling, and I love that it's a soft cover.

Darling step by step tips and suggestions with out w/o hyperbole. Author has a degree in oil painting and works for an anime art company; Working artists' advice is more appreciated in my house than just a theorists' per say =). Emphasis in her book is on solid basics learning, practice and then self expression through our own talents than just copying what we see in her book which leads me to believe Sachiko truly cares about the artist ability is us all, I am sharing this book with my 4, 6 & 8 y/o children and it's appropriate fun for all ages! No more cabin fever this Winter, yay! Thank you for sharing you art and teaching style, Sachiko!

Simple drawing style, cute pencil outline drawings rather than shaded, in-depth style.

Superschön und toll zum Lernen für Erwachsene und Kinder. Und ja: Es macht nichts, dass es nicht auf Deutsch ist - die Zeichnungen versteht man auch so.

Un libro extraordinario, recomendado 100%

Petit livre adorable qui donne des modèles et des instructions simples pour faire des petits dessins de plantes. Pas seulement adapté aux enfants, s'adresse à quiconque ne sait absolument pas dessiner mais veut s'amuser un peu (et très utile pour des idées de décoration).

All the books from Sachiko Umoto are amazing. Whatever your age and your level you will achieve beautiful drawings with a japanese touch! I enjoy it as much as children. I would recommend it from 4 years old but older ones would love it too.