Inside this helpful guide, accomplished artist Diane Cardaci guides readers through several shortcuts to drawing-from projecting and using the grid method to utilizing a computer. A step-by-step project accompanies each shortcut, so readers can test out the methods firsthand. The book also features an in-depth section on troubleshooting, teaching readers effective ways to grapple with the most common problems a beginner will encounter, such as establishing accurate proportions and values.

Author Biography

DIANE CARDACI was classically trained at the Art Students League of New York City, Parsons School of Design, and the School of Visual Arts. Her passion for both realism and nature led her to start her professional art career working as a Natural Science Illustrator in New York City, where she specialized in medical and natural science illustrations. Her work has been published by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, as well as by major textbook companies such as Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. After studying portraiture with such nationally acclaimed artists such as Nelson Shanks and John Sanden, commissioned portrait work soon became an important part of her artwork. She is a signature member of the American Society of Portrait Artists and has contributed writing for the organizations publications. Diane is also a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, the Graphic Artists Guild, and the Illustrator's Partnership of America.