Just start with a scribble!

Start with a Scribble will banish your inner critic and kick-start your inner genius, as you learn to draw with a little how-to and a lot of just-do. An artist-quality pen and watercolor pencils (red and black) are included. Inside, you&;ll find:

• Prompts to inspire you (e.g., &;emotional rabbits&;)
• Doodles to finish (&;Mrs. Thudkins takes her floppaterasis for a walk&;)
• Techniques to try (only when the mood strikes you), from shading to perspective
• And plenty of wide-open space to play around in.

We&;re much less interested in the appearance of something than in the something itself. So, when you&;ve settled on your subject (a monster? a cockatoo?), first figure out what its essence should be (ferocious? bashful?) . . . and then, just toss that ball up (artistically speaking) and give it a good swat across the net. Voilà! You&;re an artist.

Throughout, beloved illustrator Sir Quentin Blake shares sage advice, from &;it&;s best to name your animal after you draw it&; to &;don&;t worry too much yet about ankles.&; The most important lesson? Let go and give in to your own creative spirit!

Publisher's note: Start with a Scribble is an updated North American edition of Drawing for the Artistically Undiscovered (Klutz, 1999).