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Book Review 2

Linda Barry combines funny comics, drawings, and text in a book for adults about how to get your drawing juices flowing.  There’s how tos are more for an adult who just wants to get started drawing.  Her own comics and art are what is really inspiring for me!  I also enjoy her commentary and questioning about the drawing process and creativity.  In one comic the dialogue says, “If you use coloring books past the age of ten, you will wreck your imagination forever.  Who says?  All the scientists.  Just warnin’ ya.”

“When you are little you will draw pictures for no reason.

What does a line do?  It’s not something that you are good at or bad at.  It’s something else.

You move your hand and you scribble all you want and it feels very good.  I can remember that feeling.

What makes us start drawing?

What makes us stop?”

I think this book is probably more for adults, as some of the pages have some adult-like things on them– such as a monkey smoking cigarettes.  However, most of the pages you could show your children who are aspiring comic artists.

Here are some of the pages from her book Picture This.

A whimsical illustration with a sea monster and text encouraging trying dots when feeling blue, surrounded by patterns.
A comic page titled "Taking Shape" illustrates a bird's transformation across three panels with descriptive text, providing a captivating visual journey.

A comic page with four panels showing different drawings and text, outlined by a wavy blue border, offers a visual treat.
A textured image features a hand with eye designs, surrounded by abstract shapes and text, with a whimsical creature below.

Open sketchbook with colorful, abstract drawings of imaginary creatures on both pages, with text "SKETCH BOOK." A delightful book that sparks creativity.
The top bird has a long neck and beak, while below, two other blue birds are set against black backgrounds.
A comic page with mixed drawings and text discussing feelings of fear and mental health, featuring various characters, provides a unique way to explore these themes.
A colorful page from a book featuring various sketches and illustrations of a round, smiling character in different settings.
A vibrant page features various whimsical illustrations, shapes, and patterns, including animals, text, and abstract designs.

A doodle cheat sheet with various cartoon-like drawings and labels on an open book with a green border. 

 Comic strip page showing a humorous dialogue about sunburn, hydration, and activities in the sun, with colorful illustrations.
Comic-style illustration depicting a monkey character in various stages labeled "Thinking," "Realization," and "Experience," as if narrating its thoughts.
 Artwork featuring shadowy owl-like figures in a dark, abstract forest framed by a blue and white leaf border, reminiscent of an old book illustration. 
 Open sketchbook with colorful, abstract drawings of whimsical creatures and patterns, held by a hand at the bottom—a visual delight.

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About Marcia Beckett

Marcia is an elementary art teacher and loves painting, drawing, sculpture, art journaling and clay. Her blog, Art is Basic, features many exciting art projects for kids.

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