Mindful Sketching: A Drawing Book for Adults

This book is so amazing. Beware, it's not a sit down and read. It's a a get out some paper and pen and draw along with the author! She is so great about getting the point across that it's ok for sketches not to be perfect. In fact, one of the pages (see picture) shows the difference between "perfect" and "sketched". The sketched one has more character. I've taken a multitude of lessons on perspective and haven't "gotten" it. Peggy does a great job of explaining. She is a very talented teacher, and this book has been a God send. The picture I attached is the second lesson on perspective. My first had lots of "mistakes" but I learned from them, and corrected them in the 2nd exercise. (see picture) Not perfect, but actually looks like a street drawn in perspective. Go buy this book!

I'm such a fan of Peggy's and was thrilled to hear about this book since she was my first exposure to urban sketching. I couldn't put it down, but I didn't want it to end. It was a feel-good read(with just the right amount of pictures ;) -each so stunning) and absolutely helpful in teaching a better mindset for sketching. If you've ever felt frustrated by your sketches not turning out as you'd like, this is for you. I loved the sketching practices throughout the book as well as the prompts toward the end. Its a beautiful addition to my library!

I really enjoy how Peggy's books are written. I am what feels like a perpetual beginner, and I've picked up other art books and have felt completely overwhelmed. This is my second of Peggy's books, and I love how it feels like she believes everyone can and should express their creativity, but knows that some of us with less experience, or who are craving something that doesn't come naturally, need a little hand holding. Additionally, Peggy is so vulnerable in this book, it just adds another layer to it. She's not perfect, I'm not perfect, and her art might be way more practiced than mine, but it's okay if mine is way less than perfect. And honestly, because of Peggy's books, I really have seen some small improvements in my art, and more importantly, iny confidence with my art. I've gotten small sketchbooks for myself and my kids to carry around with us so we can put more of this particular book into practice. Really grateful for this one!

Like many, the great lockdown and covid scare have inspired me to look around for additional activities to enrich my life. Life is precious and to be lived now and to the fullest! Long story short, with no prior experience, I decided a few months ago to take up urban sketching and I've since been taking classes and reading books. When I read the description of Peggy's book, I did not hesitate to pre-order it, expecting that it would give me a framework and tips needed to create a rewarding sketching practice. I just finished reading the book and I've done several of the exercises. From the beginning, I've found sketching to be a challenging exercise in dealing with my head junk and self-talk. I look forward to returning to this book again, and again on my sketching journey.

This is a really good book to get you focused - my challenge is I have several similar personal growth creative projects happening right now that I cannot embrace the level that this book requires. I did go though the quickly to get the key points and ideas - I agree with the author's approach - But to really benefit from it you need to focus on this one thing. I hope to make some time to dig in deeper here - there is some great stuff in here.

Having worked in various art forms my entire life I thought I’d take a look at this little book on mindful sketching. So glad I did. It not only gave me a new perspective on drawing with perspective (see what I did there lol) it gave me a lot to think about on the topic of using a daily sketching habit as a mindfulness tool for staying in touch with myself and staying on an even keel. Thank you Peggy Dean!

I have every single book by Peggy. I love them all. This one is just what I needed. I have always wanted to draw buildings and other perspective type drawing but really struggle with the whole concept. Peggy lays it all out there in such an easy to understand way. She even included a few florals which are my absolute favorite to draw. Thank you Peggy for unleashing my inner illustrator. You are an amazing person and teacher.

I honestly thought this would be a book of sketching lessons along with meditations for each. Like, literally mindful sketching. However, this is more of a lesson book on how to approach mindful scketching, rather than lessons on the act of sketching. Would have preferred a better description. Also, the reviews were deceiving.

I loved reading this book! I improved my sketching practice and It gave me valuable advice on how to be more present every day in a mindful way. I recommend reading this book to all people who love to draw and want to feel good embracing imperfections. Thank you Peggy Dean for this Amazing book.

Ich liebe dieses Buch!! Wunderbare Anregungen und Ideen, um beim Malen runterzukommen und zu entspannen!

Love this book. Practical, easy to follow and very enjoyable.

Although it was late for a birthday present as it appears to be lost in post The seller kindly sent me another one my daughter loved the book it’s a very good book to have

I was really excited to pre-order and receive this book in the mail. I love and appreciate Peggy Dean's tutorials on her blog and newsletter and thought this book would be a similar experience. I am unfortunately underwhelmed by the amount and quality of the sketching instructions. I didn't realise the book would be more about mindfulness rather than examples and techniques of how to sketch daily life and build a practice. This book is a great read if you struggle with perfectionism and it's holding you back from starting a creative practice. But if you are looking for more detailed instructions on drawing in this style, I would suggest another book.