Review – Sketching for Animation by Peter Parr
A vital lesson to all students of animation is that the vital, and sometimes overlooked skill of sketching is one that divides the good animators and the poor ones. Sketching for animation isn’t simply sketching, it is doing so with a purpose and that purpose is outlined in this book by Peter Parr.
“Drawing and sketching are central to the art of animation. The contents of an animator’s sketchbook can sow the seeds for legendary stories, characters and layout designs.
Sketching for animation helps you to develop essential sketching and technical drawing techniques, demonstrating the pivotal role that even early scribbles can have in bringing an idea to fruition.
Interviews and in-depth case studies from some of today’s leading animators, including Glen Keane, Uli Meyer, John Canemaker and Tori Davis are interwoven throughout, providing a unique window into their working practices. A wealth of examples, exercises and practical tips accompanied by over 300 beautiful colour illustrations make this the perfect guide to help you make the most of your sketchbook.”
As a former animation Lecturer, I was well aware of the Authors’ academic achievements; Parr founded the renowned BA (Hons) Animation Course at the Arts University of Bournemouth, where he is currently Reader in Animation (Rtd) and MA Supervisor. His professional work includes paintings for film, television and theatre, storyboard drawing and character and layout designs and is also the author of “Zen of Drawing; How to Draw what you see” available for purchase here.
This book couldn’t have arrived at a better time for me. I’ve recently been on a mission to “de-rust” my faded art-skills and so jumped at the chance to review it by mention of the title alone.
Interview with Animation Director Joanna Quinn
Using simple shapes for construction
The book is split into two distinct sections;
Part one; Drawing and sketching techniques
This section covers the fundamentals of drawing, breaking down topics into their own chapters, including; Construction, Perspective, Figures & Animals, Environments and Capturing Movement. There’s no doubting the Authors’ artistic talents, there are wonderful illustrations throughout, but you can also tell that he is an experienced teacher of the subject, there are a number of chapter-related “assignments” for you to practice as you make your way through.
Motion and Gesture
Part two; Design and development
This section covers Idea and character development as well as Layout and background design. There are some great examples of work in this section from Artists and Illustrators currently working in the medium of animation from Director Uli Meyer, to Sarah Gomes Harris of “Sarah and Duck” fame, as well as Story-board artist Dean Roberts and Layout artist Laurent Gapaillard. The Author and contributing artists love for, and reliance on, their sketchbooks shine through.
Basics of drawing perspective.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their sketching skills. In the week that I’ve had it, it has been passed multiple times around the animators and artists at work and you can’t get much of a better recommendation than that can you?
Sketching for Animation by Peter Parr is released on March 10th 2016.
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