Drawing is a language, and Sketching and Drawing contains the grammar and vocabulary necessary for readers to develop their own style. It is also a book that doesn' t believe in ' can' t draw' . After a brief introduction and expansion on how the book works, would-be (will-be!) artists are encouraged to consider their individual set ups. They are then taken through a series of clearly illustrated, written and designed exercises on the basics of mark-making. Each series is based around a main theme, such as composition or tone, and each section concludes with a detailed, four-page ' genre project' that brings the separate elements together.

Interspersed throughout the book are loosening-up exercises: play is an important part of any discovery, and readers of these pages will discover that breaking certain rules can help create new ones. Sketching and Drawing is informed but informal. It is also uniquely presented in a comb-pack with a n accompanying sketch pad, so that readers can instantly practise the drills and skills provided.