How Can I Learn Art?

Educational resources and recommendations by Marcus. He is not compensated, nor sponsored by any of these companies.

Books

How to Draw 50 Series

By Lee J. Ames

Best for Beginners

A step-by-step, easy-to-use drawing book that will help kids and adults alike develop their technical drawing skills. Over the past thirty years, Lee J. Ames's distinctive drawing method has proven successful for those wishing to draw anything from animals to airplanes.

Note from Marcus:

This series covers a variety of topics from dogs to planes, automobiles, magical creatures, animals, buildings, and more. It is recommended to start with the "Draw 50 Famous Cartoons" book, and move on from there. They are structured in a Step-by-Step methodology with simple drawings that are easy to follow.

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Walter Foster Books

Walter Foster Publishing

Beginner

Walter Foster Publishing is one of the most recognized names in art instruction. The timeless drawing and painting techniques found in Walter Foster titles have helped people around the world discover their artistic talents.

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How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way

By Stan Lee and John Buscema

Great for Beginners

Stan Lee and John Buscema have collaborated on this comics compendium: an encyclopedia of information for creating your own superhero comic strips. Using artwork from Marvel comics as primary examples, Buscema graphically illustrates the methods of comic art.

Note from Marcus:

This book teaches drawing fundamentals under the lens of the Marvel Universe. You don't need to be a fan of the franchise to learn the essential skills taught inside.

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Cartoon Animation

By Preston Blair

Beginner to Intermediate

In acclaimed cartoon animator Preston Blair shares his vast practical knowledge to explain and demonstrate the many techniques of cartoon animation. By following his lessons, you can make any character—person, animal, or object—come to life through animated movement!

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Drawing the Head and Figure

By Jack Hamm

Intermediate

It takes the early student to the next level, teaching more details and procedures for sophisticated drawing. This is a very nice intermediate book that is simple to understand. Jack was a mid-20th Century commercial illustrator.

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The Animator's Survival Kit

By Richard Williams

Intermediate

The definitive book on animation, from the Academy Award-winning animator behind Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Williams provides the underlying principles of animation that every animator—from beginner to expert—needs.

Note from Marcus:

Animators are some of the best draftsmen in the industry. Even if you don't wish to become an Animator, the drawing lessons and acquired skills will advance your understanding and abilities to a very high level.

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The Art of Animal Drawing

By Ken Hultgren

Intermediate

Ken Hultgren, a former animator for Walt Disney Studios, offers expert advice on catching the essential movement and character of animals. The emphasis is on drawings (with over 700 illustrations) so the student is able to view the development process of the drawing by example.

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Dynamic Anatomy

By Burne Hogarth

Advanced

Praised by critics and teachers alike for more than 40 years, Burne Hogarth's Dynamic Anatomy is recognized worldwide as the classic, indispensable text on artistic anatomy. The 400 remarkable illustrations explain the anatomical details of male and female figures in motion and at rest.

Note from Marcus:

This is a book that raises the level of artistic understanding of the human body. Burne was one of the founders of School of Visual Arts in New York City, and also the leading artist of the old Tarzan comic strip.

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Cyclopedia Anatomicae

By Gyorgy Fehér & András Szunyoghy

Intermediate to Advanced

Designed for both professional and amateur artists, this is an essential guide to mastering the fundamentals of anatomical drawing. In addition to the human figure, it covers horses, dogs, cats, pigs, apes and more. With more than 1,500 illustrations.

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Vilppu Drawing Manual

By Glenn Vilppu

Intermediate to Advanced

He has trained tens of thousands of artists—from studio legends to first-time sketchers. With this new release you can choose the classic, lay-flat hardcover or the brand-new digital edition—so you can study gesture, construction, and anatomy wherever you draw.

Buy from New Masters Academy

The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation

By Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston

Historical and Educational

The most complete book on the subject ever written, this is the fascinating inside story by two long-term Disney animators of the gradual perfecting of a relatively young and particularly American art form.

Buy from Amazon

Online Courses

New Masters Academy

Top Recommendation

New Masters Academy is re-imagining Art School. Everything You Need to Master Your Craft: Whether you're a beginner or an established professional, New Masters Academy (NMA) provides a comprehensive learning path to build real, lasting skills.

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Schoolism

Top Recommendation

When you choose Schoolism for your art education, you will learn to draw, paint, and design from the comfort of your home for a fraction of the cost of traditional art school. Your instructors will be top professionals in the art industry.

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21 Draw

Recommended

21 Draw was started in Sweden in 2013 with the goal of helping everyone become a better artist! Their goal is to work alongside the world's best artists to help our community reach artistic goals. They want to make amazing art education affordable for everyone.

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Academy of Realist Art — Boston

Atelier Program

Modeled on 19th century French atelier practices derived from Renaissance Masters' traditions, this proven curriculum gives students the skills needed to become professional representational artists. Students of any level can begin taking these classes.

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Workshops with Dalibor Dejanovic

En Plein Air

Focus of these courses will be on sketching and painting outdoor landscapes in oil paint and soft pastels, en plein air style. Workshops are aimed at artists of all levels. Each participant will get daily personal feedback, individual demos and full support.

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Workshops with H. Werner Zimmerman

Anatomy & Life Drawing

Let me introduce you to the essentials of Human Anatomy – the structure and form that influences the surface and movement of the human form. I've taught animators and illustrators Life Drawing and Anatomy for 35 years at Sheridan, Seneca and Humber Colleges. Former students have gone on to major studios such as Pixar, Dreamworks, Ubisoft and Marvel Comics. Let me help you understand and apply Anatomical insight to your own work.

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Full Time Film Maker

Filmmaking

Parker Walbeck's program covers everything from the very basics of what gear to buy and how to use it, to advanced cinematography techniques, his full editing workflow, and the steps he takes to land video clients! The curriculum consists of over 400+ training videos.

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YouTube

Free

Can't afford any of the above options? Luckily, YouTube is filled with thousands of free videos and tutorials to help you learn basic art skills!

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