Reviews for Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes: The Walt Stanchfield Lectures - Volume 2

1. An epic collection

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, March 12st, 2010

   I bought both volumes and after much thought, I believe these two books to be the best books in my entire collection on drawing (which is quite large!).
   
   I also realized that, if my house were on fire, I would return to my room to retrieve these books. They are that brilliant.
   
   The language and accompanied diagrams make you feel like you are sitting in a magnificent lecture. I find myself taking breaks after a few pages to try and comprehend the jam-packed content and knowledge.
   
   You will love it.

2. Not just for animators

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2009

   These two volumes are bigger and thicker than you might think. They are packed with information that is helpful to anyone interested in drawing from and capturing life - These lecture notes are very practical and convey a wealth of experience in capturing gesture. Many other books just show the finished product but don't explain how to get there. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in drawing and capturing people and keeping a sketchbook as well as those interested in cartoons and animation. Predominantly black and white line drawings.

3. It's a wealth of information and insight into drawing, animation and observation

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2009

   Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1468YM1CY3K2U Drawn to Life is a collection of lectures from long-time Disney animator Walt Stanchfield. He has worked for Disney since the 1950s.
   
   There are two volumes, each with over 400 pages. The reason for two volumes is probably to make the books easier to handle. Both are on gesture and life drawing, even though the cover art might suggest otherwise, especially the one with the lion. You can start reading from any book and any lecture. The order isn't important.
   
   There are plenty of essays in the books. Each is a lesson relating to drawing and animation. It can be tangent drawings, creating believable characters, learning to observe, understanding gestures, etc. There are tips on almost anything relating to drawing. Loose and sketchy sketches serves as examples to the lessons.
   
   These books are more thinking than drawing technique books. For example, the lessons are not about how to draw perspective, the lessons are about how to use perspective. You can view sample pages for volume one and volume two on amazon.com to get an idea.
   
   The books represent a tremendous wealth of information and insight into drawing, animation and observation. After all, Walt Stanchfield has more than 50 years of experience in animation.
   
   This book is recommended to those who are into animation and drawing.
   
   There are more pictures of the book on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.