The Practice and Science of Drawing

"The Practice and Science of Drawing" by Harold Speed is a guide for aspiring artists from the early 1900s. This explores the principles and practices needed for great drawing, making it clear that there is no easy path to becoming a good artist, and that artists need to think deeply and express themselves. Beginning the book, Speed talks about common misunderstandings about drawing and cautions against looking for easy tricks. He shares his own experiences as a student, pointing out the difference between just copying accurately and creating true art like the masters of the past. He wants readers to learn about form and emotion in their art, while avoiding the trap of only following the rules, which can prevent creativity and personal style. Speed's introduction prepares readers for a more detailed exploration of drawing, encouraging students to value the artistic process and the many things that come together to create meaningful art.