I haven’t done a book review in a while and thought that some might enjoy one of my favorite drawing books.
Several years ago artist, J.D. Hillberry had a booth at Fort Worth’s annual art festival. I couldn’t help but notice how many folks were at his tent, of course curiosity got the best so I stopped by to see what all the commotion was about. In a word, I was wowed – his drawings are ultra-realistic like looking at a photograph. No matter how close I got to the drawing, it was extremely difficult to see any strokes, smudges, etc. They were that good.
When I discovered he wrote a book, Drawing Realistic Textures in Pencil, it took me all but a second to purchase it. Not only did I see several of the drawings from the art festival documented in his book, but it contained several others that were equally as good. It was from this book that I learned the most about the medium, tools and techniques – here are just three areas that are real gems:
- The difference between graphite, carbon and charcoal: this was perhaps the greatest piece of information that helped me understand how to use each more effectively within a drawing, and when you can and can’t use one over the other (excellent examples). Graphite is reflective, carbon and charcoal are both flat, but carbon has more of a smoother appearance of the two. So now when I’m drawing, these factors are evaluated before I start so I can control the ultimate effect of the drawing.
- Blending tools and achieving texture: while most tools I was already familiar with, there were a few like felt, chamois cloth that I was not. J.D. took this opportunity to demonstrate how each tool behaves during blending (stumps, tortilium, felt, etc.). This information helped to further develop my drawings, especially with metal, wood, rocks, skin tones, etc.
- Demonstrations: excellent. Several step-by-step demonstrations allowing the reader to follow along at their own pace – these exercises are invaluable in helping to strengthen an artists understanding of drawing mediums.
J.D. book isn’t about how to draw, rather it shows the artist how to use the medium and tools most effectively so they can achieve the desired results they’re after in their drawings.
If you want a resource that will help increase your drawing skills, this is one I highly recommend.
Oil Pastels by Mary 
Hey Mary! Thanks for reviewing this book – we’d love to offer you + your readers an exclusive discount on top of the discount at http://www.northlightshop.com/drawing-realistic-textures-in-pencil – please email me and we’ll make a code for you xx
Thanks CL. I just sent you an email for this wonderful offer and will pass it along on the blog in a new post. Very much appreciated!
I actually own this book. I love his indentation process to simulate stitches. Very good review:)
Thanks Elena, very cool that you have J.D.’s book. He is so good with details – has been a great reference book for my journey with pencils.
Thanks for sharing with us. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice to know about this book, Mary! 🙂
Thanks Christy!
Good teaching books, like good teachers, are a wonderful resource.
I agree Gallivanta, thanks very much!
Very interesting! Many thanks to share! 🙂
Thank you so much. I love your paintings, a beautiful soft quality to them. Have a wonderful 2015.
This helps me comprehend how come you utilise your talent so well, Mary – you’re always ready to learn.
Thank you M.R. for the nice compliment – I’m also impatient with too high expectations. I have my biga fermenting and getting ready to make some bread tomorrow w/soup (yum).
Photo mebbe ? – just for my files ?
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check this one out. 🙂
Thank you and I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It’s a good book, don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Great information.
Thank you Lee – have a great week.