Lee Ames' Draw 50 Series

Description

Over the years, I have seen how-to-draw typebooks from nearly every major publisher comeacross the desk, some bad, some O.K., somegood, and some just terrific. These definitely fallinto the terrific category. We've carried one titlein this series for several years (Draw 50 Horses),and it has always been well-received, so we wereexcited to come across the rest of the titles in theseries. Lee Ames, a talented and well-knownauthor and illustrator breaks down a dizzyingarray of objects, from machines to animals to people,and shows clearly in several, easy-to-handlesteps how to begin drawing the object, how tobuild onto it, and how to finish it off for a solid,satisfying, even professional-looking result. Eachbook features 50 items to draw, each detailedon its own page, with the drawing-in-progressclearly illustrated in a single color (such as blue,red, or brown). For instance, if we are going totry drawing a small moving van from Draw 50Vehicles, the first step is a simple line (the ground)with three circles for the wheels. In the next stepan open box is added atop the wheels, as arethe base for the cab, and centers of the wheels,while the circles and line from the last step arefaded a bit, so that each new addition is clearlyrecognizable. The completed drawing is shown inblack and white, unlike the blue and white in theprogressing drawing, and stands ready for you toadd whatever colors or finishing touches you feelinspired to add to your own finished masterpiece.The black-and-white finished drawing is also greatfor tracing for the younger kids - or for those wholike shortcuts. Let me reiterate as well that unlikesome other how-to-draw books, the finished drawingsfeatured here are high-quality and detailed,far from more cartoon-ish results gathered fromother books I've seen. In short, the race cars andairplanes will please the mechanical artist, whilethe animal-lover will be satisfied with their renderingsof realistic, expressive animals. If I was goingto splurge on one how-to-draw book this year, itwould definitely be one of these. - Jess

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.