for love of drawing

I've always wanted to try to draw creatures. One of the books I bought is called Manga Matrix: Create unique characters using the Japanese matrix system. The book is quite fantastic, and delves into taking influences from the creatures of our world to create new types of creatures.


It's really quite interesting! It has tons of colored pictures as well, so it's almost impossible to fall into a rut. Two days ago I received my second monster book, called Hell Beasts: How to Draw Grotesque Fantasy Creatures The author/illustrator takes you from his pencil sketches to the final pieces for his created characters. Pretty cool, though I do like Manga Matrix a little more.

I think the biggest difference between the two is that Matrix covers more ideas about "what" to draw and how to train yourself to see the connections between creatures, while Hell Beasts is a pretty straight forward How To book.

I'll be getting another book today, 100 Ways to Create Fantasy Figures, so I can't wait for this afternoon! I love reference books. Aside from learning, I just love to admire beautiful artworks. Also, they look great on the coffee table, if you're into that kind of thing. Me, I don't have enough money for a coffee table AND art/photography supplies lol!