Drawing Reference Book: Fresh ideas for the drawing desk

What would they like to draw?

The best clue is often in their current sketchbook. Buildings suggest a different reference from portraits, and someone enjoying loose observational sketches may have little use for detailed character anatomy. Choose a subject they want to explore, rather than treating any art book as the same gift.

There are two useful starting points. A teaching book takes the reader through a method with explanations and exercises. A visual reference supplies examples, such as poses or lighting, for closer study. Books can do both, but a collection of reference images is not automatically a first drawing course.

Let a sample spread help you decide

Look for explanations in a language they read comfortably and illustrations big enough to follow. A beginner may appreciate a short sequence they can try with a pencil; an experienced artist may get more from a focused topic without pages of familiar basics.

• Match the subject to their interest: perspective, figures, animals, everyday observation or another specific direction.

• Check whether the exercises assume graphite, ink, coloured pencils or extra equipment.

• Compare actual dimensions and format: a small reference is portable, while a larger page gives examples more room.

A thoughtful companion for their own work

A suitable artist sketchbook gives the exercises somewhere to go. The paper should suit the medium; a handsome book cover says little about that. A coloured pencil set can make sense when the lessons and recipient’s habits call for colour, rather than as an automatic bundle.

Before Christmas or a birthday, a quiet check of their shelves can prevent a duplicate. Confirm the author, edition and printed format, especially where several versions share a listing. Let the gift offer ideas to dip into rather than a course they are expected to complete.