Drawing Reference Book: Another way into the next drawing

Choose the book for their next question

A shelf of art books can be lovely to browse, but the useful gift is often more specific. Someone sketching buildings may want help with perspective; a person drawing characters might reach for poses and expressions. Start with what they draw now, or a subject they have said they want to try.

A step-by-step teaching book explains how to build a drawing. A visual reference gives examples to study, such as poses, forms or lighting. Some books combine both. A beginner may welcome clear explanations and short exercises, while an experienced artist might prefer a focused reference over another introduction.

Look inside before choosing

Preview pages are more useful than a cover promise. Look for illustrations large enough to study, explanations in a language they read comfortably, and a pace that suits them. A book packed with tiny examples can be awkward to use beside a drawing.

• Choose the intended subject: observation, perspective, figure drawing, animals or another known interest.

• Compare the teaching method with their habits: guided exercises, worked examples or a browsable reference.

• Confirm the format and dimensions. A pocket reference travels well; larger printed pages make details easier to inspect.

Give them room to use it

The book may teach with graphite, ink or another medium, so notice which materials the exercises assume. A suitable artist sketchbook gives them somewhere to try the ideas. If they already have paper, a colored pencil set is only a useful addition when the book and their drawing style call for it.

For Christmas or a birthday, one well-chosen book is enough. Check the author, edition and existing shelf if you can; a different cover does not necessarily mean different content. This is an invitation to explore, without a timetable for finishing the exercises.