Books Lists
10+ Best How To Draw Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you searching for the perfect way to spark a 12-year-old's creativity? Look no further than "How To Draw Books for 12-Year-Olds"! These books are fantastic tools to help young artists develop their skills, offering step-by-step guides that make drawing fun and accessible. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to polish their artistic talents, there's a book tailored just for them. Keep reading to discover our top picks for How To Draw Books that will inspire and entertain any budding artist!
Table of Contents
Fun How To Draw Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make a World by Ed Emberley
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional
- Synopsis: This engaging drawing book teaches kids how to create a world of their own by drawing simple shapes. Ed Emberley offers easy-to-follow instructions that help young artists create everything from animals to airplanes.
- Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly user-friendly and encourages creativity and confidence in drawing with simple steps. Perfect for helping kids enjoy and engage with reading through interactive activities.
- Perfect for: Young artists who love drawing or any child looking to express themselves creatively.
- Draw 50 Animals by Lee J. Ames
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional
- Synopsis: Lee J. Ames guides readers through step-by-step instructions on how to draw 50 different animals using a clear, easy-to-follow method.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic way to combine reading with practical drawing skills, enhancing both artistic abilities and reading comprehension in a fun way.
- Perfect for: Animal lovers and budding artists interested in improving their drawing skills while enjoying a structured approach.
- Mastering Manga with Mark Crilley: 30 Drawing Lessons from the Creator of Akiko by Mark Crilley
- Genre(s): Art, Manga, Instructional
- Synopsis: This comprehensive guide offers 30 lessons on drawing manga, covering everything from basic character construction to full scenes.
- Why we recommend this book: Mark Crilley's expertise and engaging teaching style make manga drawing accessible and entertaining, making reading and learning more enjoyable.
- Perfect for: Aspiring manga artists and fans of graphic novels who want to create their own stories.
- The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step by Woo! Jr. Kids Activities
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Activity Book
- Synopsis: This book provides a fun drawing prompt for every day of the year, each with simple step-by-step instructions, encouraging kids to draw regularly.
- Why we recommend this book: It promotes daily reading and drawing practice in a fun, accessible way, helping to build both artistic skills and a habit of reading.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy daily challenges and those looking to improve their drawing skills through consistent practice.
- How to Draw Cool Stuff: A Drawing Guide for Teachers and Students by Catherine V Holmes
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Educational
- Synopsis: Catherine V Holmes teaches readers how to draw objects, illusions, and characters effectively through clear, engaging instructions.
- Why we recommend this book: It helps develop a deeper appreciation for art and improves reading skills by presenting complex ideas in an understandable manner.
- Perfect for: Students and teachers alike, or anyone who wants to learn drawing techniques while enhancing their reading and interpretative skills.
Educational How To Draw Books for 12-Year-Olds
- How to Draw 101 Animals by Dan Green
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional
- Synopsis: This beginner's guide provides simple step-by-step instructions to draw a variety of animals, from domestic pets to exotic wildlife.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic drawing techniques, animal anatomy, attention to detail
- Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex drawings into easy-to-follow steps, making the art of drawing accessible and enjoyable.
- Perfect for: Young animal enthusiasts and budding artists looking to hone their drawing skills.
- Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
- Genre(s): Art, Cartooning, Instructional
- Synopsis: This engaging book teaches kids how to create their own comics using simple drawing and storytelling techniques.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cartoon drawing, narrative skills, creativity
- Why we recommend this book: It combines the fun of drawing with storytelling, encouraging creativity and self-expression through comics.
- Perfect for: Aspiring cartoonists and young storytellers.
- Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner by Claire Watson Garcia
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional
- Synopsis: Aimed at complete beginners, this book introduces the fundamentals of drawing, focusing on realistic art techniques.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic sketching skills, understanding of proportions, observational skills
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a solid foundation in drawing, which is essential for any artistic endeavor, with clear, patient instructions.
- Perfect for: Beginners who have never drawn before but want to start learning the basics.
- You Can Draw in 30 Days: The Fun, Easy Way to Learn to Draw in One Month or Less by Mark Kistler
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional
- Synopsis: This book offers a 30-day program that teaches fundamental drawing skills through fun, engaging lessons.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Perspective drawing, shading, and 3D rendering
- Why we recommend this book: It's a quick, effective way to learn drawing, perfect for busy kids who want to see rapid progress.
- Perfect for: Kids looking for a structured, time-bound challenge that keeps learning exciting.
- Draw Paint Print Like the Great Artists by Marion Deuchars
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Historical
- Synopsis: This interactive book explores the techniques of famous artists through projects that kids can do at home.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic techniques, historical art knowledge, creativity
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches traditional art techniques while connecting them to historical contexts, making it a multidimensional learning experience.
- Perfect for: Young artists interested in both history and practical art skills.
Challenging How To Draw Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Figure Drawing for Kids: A Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing People by Angela Rizza
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional
- Synopsis: This book teaches advanced figure drawing techniques aimed at young artists, focusing on anatomy, proportion, and movement.
- Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex concepts of human anatomy and proportion, which are typically more advanced topics not usually tackled deeply at this age.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a thorough understanding of drawing human figures, which is a fundamental skill for any aspiring artist, enhancing both their artistic abilities and their appreciation for human form.
- Perfect for: Young artists who are serious about improving their drawing skills and interested in human figure sketching.
- Perspective Made Easy by Robbie Lee
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional
- Synopsis: This guide breaks down the complex concepts of perspective in drawing, teaching kids how to create three-dimensional looking art.
- Why this book is challenging: Perspective drawing requires understanding of geometric principles and spatial reasoning, which are challenging for most at this age.
- Why we recommend this book: It simplifies a difficult subject, making it accessible and understandable, which can significantly improve drawing skills and help in other areas such as math and science.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy challenges and are interested in creating more realistic and professional artwork.
- The Art of Drawing Optical Illusions by Jonathan Stephen Harris
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional
- Synopsis: This book teaches how to create mind-bending optical illusions through step-by-step instructions, exploring concepts of visual perception.
- Why this book is challenging: Optical illusions require precise drawing and an understanding of visual perception, challenging the artist to think creatively and critically.
- Why we recommend this book: It promotes both artistic skills and cognitive abilities, encouraging creativity, precision, and problem-solving.
- Perfect for: Young artists who love puzzles and want to combine art with the intrigue of optical illusions.
- Drawing Fantasy Creatures: 50 Detailed Creatures to Draw by A. J. Sautter
- Genre(s): Art, Fantasy, Instructional
- Synopsis: This book offers a step-by-step approach to drawing various fantasy creatures, from dragons to mermaids, with a focus on detail and creativity.
- Why this book is challenging: The detailed and imaginative nature of fantasy creatures requires a high level of creativity and skill in drawing complex forms and textures.
- Why we recommend this book: It stretches the imagination and enhances drawing skills by combining them with the fun and excitement of fantasy.
- Perfect for: Creative kids who love fantasy and are eager to bring their imaginative ideas to life through art.
- Realistic Portraits in Colored Pencil by Karen Hull
- Genre(s): Art, Instructional
- Synopsis: Karen Hull provides comprehensive techniques for drawing lifelike portraits using colored pencils, covering everything from basic skin tones to detailed facial features.
- Why this book is challenging: Realistic portraiture is one of the most advanced skills in art due to the precision and understanding of human features required.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches patience and attention to detail, while also offering a rewarding and highly skilled art form to master.
- Perfect for: Young artists who are ready to take their skills to the next level and are interested in realistic drawing.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're 12 and diving into the world of drawing books, you're in for a treat! Drawing can not only be fun, but it can also improve your creativity and concentration. To make the most out of your drawing books, here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading and drawing habits:
- Set Specific Reading Times
- What it is: Choose particular times of the day dedicated to reading your drawing book.
- How it helps: Regularly scheduled reading times can enhance focus and make reading a daily habit.
- Tips: Try reading for at least 20 minutes before bed or right after school.
- Create a Visual Vocabulary Book
- What it is: Make a separate notebook to sketch and label different drawing techniques and styles you learn.
- How it helps: Helps in retaining new concepts and serves as a quick revision tool.
- Tips: Add to your visual vocabulary book every time you learn something new from your drawing book.
- Challenge Yourself With Drawing Prompts
- What it is: Use prompts from the book to create drawings that challenge your skills.
- How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps apply the techniques learned in real projects.
- Tips: Choose a prompt each week and dedicate a few sessions to perfecting it.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the drawing techniques and concepts with friends or family who are interested in drawing.
- How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention through discussion and can provide new insights.
- Tips: Try explaining a concept you learned to someone else; teaching is a great way to solidify knowledge.
- Integrate What You Learn into Other Projects
- What it is: Apply the drawing techniques from the book into other school projects or personal art projects.
- How it helps: Helps solidify the techniques through practical application and broadens your creative use of new skills.
- Tips: Next time you have a project, think about how you can incorporate a new drawing style or technique.
Remember, the key to getting better at drawing—and enjoying it—is consistency. So, keep at it, use these exercises as a guide, and watch your skills grow. Happy drawing!