Perspective for Artists (Dover Art Instruction)

I got this book because I love perspective drawings and effects. I am also a painter and want to use perspective in my original artworks. Another reason is that I read in Leonardo DaVinci's treatese on painting that he suggest's perspective is the 1st priority for a would be painter. Ironic perhaps that Rex's book has a DaVinci quote at the very 1st paragraph. Regarding content and delivery.... He begins at the very start and quickly gets the reader up to a novice level. From the novice level things get more challenging and in a few cases, seem a bit arbitrary. Arbitrary only in how he offers a little trick here or technical point there which probably could not be conveniently introduced later. So perhaps needed diversions although they are mere fine points and I actually found myself derailed and dozey until I got back on track a couple times. I suggest performing the examples as you read through the book so to keep better focused. His original drawings are the best naturalistic perspective types I've seen and there are many. I see that he has organized the subject in a way that given time and study could be absorbed and recalled well. I'd have to say that this book is a good one for those painters who seek to get a real good handle on linear perspective. It seems less well for passive reading or as a quick fix sort of reference book.

I just received the book a few days ago, 4 January 19. I have made a cursery review and like the text albeit some of the negative remarks are informative and fair while some are not. I read the section on Circles and curves, etc. It is a relatively technical text and some of the material is short on clarification--you have to decipher the conclusion, which is not an enjoyable task. Despite some of its flaws of technicality, print size, illustration size and other elements, I still suggest the purchase of it if you are wanting to learn perspective. However, it is not a conclusive text on perspective thus you may want to invest in other good texts on perspective, but don't just pitch this book on a few negative responses, even though they do address some issues the text certainly has. With that I will leave it to you to mull over.

This book is like a little paper back novel so dont expect any big diagrams and its printed on butchers paper basically, but having said that it is cheap and a handy little reference pocket book for someone who needs to look up drawing in perspective its very old as well first published way back last cenury or the one before cant rember but it is an oldie ,I got something out of this book so i dont consider it a waste of money has things like drawing stairs in perspective inclined planes elipses , domes spires stuff like that there is a fair bit of info crammed into it . worth a go.

Excellent book. Advance techniques of perspective. Complex perspective is difficult to understand. It takes a while to really get it.

I am surprised how many artists, even realist artists, have never formally trained in perspective. Most of us had some lessen in grade school or high school and think we 'get it' and don't develop it beyond simple 1, 2 and 3 point perspective.The observations and lessons in this book made me think about applying perspective beyond the usual building or cube shaped object. Cole shows how perspective can help solve drawing problems with arches, circles, and every day and natural objects that don't normally lend itself to perspective, and that, in itself, is a great help when problem-solving drawings or dealing with tricky objects like circular ones in space. Definitely part of my permanent artists reference shelf.

You know how you might buy a book and then later regret it? Well, not with this book! It might be an old book and the printing isn't particularly crisp to say in the least, but it's packed full of information gems -- the kind that make you think, ah, yes of course that's how to do x, y or z. It's also the kind of book that I find myself referring back to again and again. Written simply and illustrated simply. It's your own personal art teacher (and it was recommended to me by a professional artist and teacher). This is money well spent.

As with Dover's other perspective drawing book, Perspective Made Easy, this books classic but timeless drawings and technique examples are an excellent second step in learning perspective drawing. While this book reiterates their other title on many points, it is great for driving home those needed little points. Would highly recommend to any aspiring artist.

I purchased this book as a reference, but after getting it in myhands, I found it engrossing cover to cover. I would never haveguessed that a book on a subject like perspective could draw thereader in like this one does. Mr. Cole had a nice way of includingthe reader in a way that makes you feel like he's present. I hadno experience with perspective before this book, but now I can drawrealistic arbitrary items with confidence. It has helped myportrait drawing as well. A must-have for any artists library.

Essential for the budding artist. It is a far more comprehensive sweep of the subject than every modern book I've come across. Originally published in 1921 the written style seems a little old fashioned, but it is absolutely thorough in explanations and coverage. Persevere with the language, you have a treasure trove of lessons on all aspects of perspective.

This is the most comprehensive work on perspective for artists that I have seen. Written over a century ago, it has still to be bettered. I recommend it.

The language in parts is a little old fashioned but the book is an excellent reference piece for artists, but it should not be your only book on perspective!

Valuable book. Kind regards

High priced junk. Returned but refund not received till date. IT HAD Very small ILLUSTRATIONS MAKING BOOK USELESS.REGRET