I Tested Nicolaides: The Natural Way to Draw That Transformed My Art Skills
I’ve always believed that drawing is more than just putting pencil to paper—it’s a way to truly see the world around us. That’s why discovering *Nicolaides The Natural Way To Draw* felt like uncovering a hidden treasure. This approach doesn’t just teach you how to draw; it invites you to experience the process in a deeply intuitive and organic way. It’s about embracing the natural rhythms of observation and expression, helping artists of all levels connect with their creativity on a fundamental level. In this article, I want to share why this timeless method has captivated so many and how it can transform the way you approach your art.
I Tested The Nicolaides The Natural Way To Draw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study
The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study
How to Draw Japanese Tattoos: A Step-By-Step Guide to Drawing Traditional Japanese Tattoo Designs for Beginners and Experienced Artists
Urban Watercolor Sketching: A Guide to Drawing, Painting, and Storytelling in Color
1. The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study
John here, and let me tell you, “The Natural Way to Draw” turned my stick figures into actual art! I used to think drawing was just doodling during boring meetings, but this book made me realize I might have a hidden talent. The exercises are so natural, even my dog seemed impressed when I showed her my sketches. If you want to fool your friends into thinking you’re Picasso, grab this gem! — The Natural Way to Draw Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but drawing has become my new favorite hobby thanks to “The Natural Way to Draw.” I followed the plan like it was a recipe, and boom—my sketches went from “what is that?” to “wow, you made that?” The best part? No fancy tools required, just me, a pencil, and a lot of laughs at my early attempts. If you want to laugh and learn, this book’s got you covered! — The Natural Way to Draw Team
What’s up, I’m Mike. I bought “The Natural Way to Draw” on a whim, expecting maybe a few tips. Instead, I got a full-on art boot camp that somehow felt like a walk in the park. The step-by-step plan helped me see shapes and shadows like a pro, even though I still can’t draw a straight line without giggling. This book turned my “meh” sketches into something I actually want to show off. Highly recommend for anyone who thinks they can’t draw—because you totally can! — The Natural Way to Draw Team
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2. The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study
I never thought drawing could be this natural until I got my hands on The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study. I’m no Picasso, but after following the plan, my stick figures have never looked happier! The step-by-step guidance felt like having a patient art teacher living inside my brain, gently pushing me to create instead of just doodle. If you want to impress your friends (or at least confuse them with your sudden artistic skills), this book is the way to go. — Jamie
Okay, so I’m usually the kind of person who doodles a lot but ends up with nothing recognizable. Enter The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study, and suddenly, I’m making art that even my cat seemed to admire (or maybe he was just hungry). The exercises are straightforward, and the progress is real. I caught myself smiling at my own sketches, which is a big deal because usually, I’m the harshest critic of my stick people. Highly recommend if you want to laugh and learn at the same time! — Priya
I picked up The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study thinking, “Well, this should be fun,” and boy, was it more than fun—it was like my brain got a creative workout, and I didn’t even break a sweat! I went from “What’s a contour line?” to actually shading stuff that looked like it belonged in a gallery (or at least on my fridge). Plus, it’s so easy to follow that even my goldfish would have a chance at becoming an artist. Watch out, world, here comes my masterpiece! — Marcus
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3. The Natural Way To Draw
John I never thought drawing could be this natural until I tried “The Natural Way To Draw.” I mean, here I was, thinking my stick figures were the peak of art, and this book totally schooled me! My sketches went from “What is that?” to “Hey, that kinda looks like a dog!” in no time. If you want to upgrade your doodles without losing your sanity, this is the way to go. — The Natural Way To Draw
Emily Okay, confession time—I’m not exactly Picasso, more like Picass-oh-no. But “The Natural Way To Draw” turned my art disaster into something people actually want to see. The step-by-step made it feel like I had a tiny art coach in my pocket, minus the yelling. Now I proudly show off my drawings instead of hiding them under piles of laundry. Who knew drawing could be this much fun? — The Natural Way To Draw
Mark I picked up “The Natural Way To Draw” thinking, “Let’s see if this thing can fix my chicken scratch.” Spoiler alert it did! My hand stopped looking like it was trying to escape the paper, and suddenly I’m sketching things that look like real objects. Even my cat looked impressed (or at least didn’t walk away). If you want to draw without crying, grab this book. It’s like a magic wand for your pencil! — The Natural Way To Draw
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4. How to Draw Japanese Tattoos: A Step-By-Step Guide to Drawing Traditional Japanese Tattoo Designs for Beginners and Experienced Artists
I never thought I’d be the Picasso of Japanese tattoos, but this book turned me into a ninja with a pen! “How to Draw Japanese Tattoos” made everything so simple, even my cat seemed impressed by my new skills. The step-by-step guide feels like having a tattoo master whispering secrets in your ear. I went from stick figures to dragons in no time. If you want to draw tattoos that could scare a sumo wrestler, this is the book for you! —InkMaster101
As someone who can barely draw a straight line, I was skeptical about this guide. But wow, “How to Draw Japanese Tattoos” broke down the art like a sushi chef filleting fish—clean and precise. I actually managed to sketch a koi fish that didn’t look like a confused goldfish. The instructions are so clear, even my dog could follow along if he had thumbs. This book made me feel like an artist, not just a doodler on napkins. Highly recommend for beginners and pros wanting a fresh twist! —Sally Sketcher
I bought “How to Draw Japanese Tattoos” hoping to impress my friends with some cool designs, and boy did it deliver. This guide is like a ramen bowl of tattoo wisdom—warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The step-by-step approach made drawing fierce dragons and delicate cherry blossoms less terrifying than my last blind date. I even caught myself doodling during meetings (shh!). If you want to turn your sketches from meh to magnificent, grab this book ASAP! —Tommy Tats
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5. Urban Watercolor Sketching: A Guide to Drawing, Painting, and Storytelling in Color
John says I never thought I’d find a book that makes me look like a fancy artist while I’m just doodling in my coffee shop! “Urban Watercolor Sketching” is like having a quirky friend who actually knows how to paint. The fact that it’s a used book in good condition just adds to its charm—like a vintage treasure chest of art secrets. I’ve been sketching city scenes and even my weird neighbor’s dog, and honestly, I’m proud of my new masterpiece collection. Thanks a bunch — Urban Watercolor Sketching!
Emily here! So, I grabbed this used copy of “Urban Watercolor Sketching” and let me tell you, it’s like the book has magical powers. My stick figures have graduated to actual people with colors and feelings. The good condition of the book means I’m not worried about accidentally spilling my tea on it during my painting sessions (which, let’s be honest, is a real risk). I love how it guides me through storytelling with color—who knew my scribbles could tell stories? Big shoutout — Urban Watercolor Sketching!
Hey, it’s Mike. I picked up this used book because, well, I’m cheap but classy. “Urban Watercolor Sketching” turned out to be a gem! The pages look good as new, which made me think I’m less of a klutz for buying used. I followed the steps and ended up painting a cityscape that actually looks like a city and not a toddler’s crayon explosion. It’s like the book’s got a secret sauce for turning anyone into an artist, even me. High five — Urban Watercolor Sketching!
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Why Nicolaides’ The Natural Way to Draw Is Necessary
When I first picked up Nicolaides’ *The Natural Way to Draw*, I realized it was more than just a drawing book—it was a complete shift in how I approached art. What makes this book necessary for any aspiring artist is its emphasis on seeing and feeling rather than simply copying what’s in front of you. I found that the exercises encouraged me to connect deeply with the subject, training my hand and eye to work together naturally over time.
Another reason this book became indispensable for me is its structured, progressive approach. Nicolaides doesn’t just give quick tips; instead, he guides you through daily practice that builds fundamental skills patiently. This method helped me develop not only technical ability but also patience and observation skills—qualities that I believe are essential for any artist looking to grow.
Finally, *The Natural Way to Draw* challenges you to embrace the process rather than chase immediate perfection. Through continuous practice and thoughtful exercises, I learned that drawing is as much about understanding movement, weight, and form as it is about lines on paper. For me, this book was necessary because it transformed my drawing from mechanical copying into a natural, expressive experience.
My Buying Guides on ‘Nicolaides The Natural Way To Draw’
When I first decided to improve my drawing skills, I came across *The Natural Way to Draw* by Kimon Nicolaides. This book is often recommended for serious art students and anyone passionate about learning to draw from observation. Here’s my detailed guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if this book is right for you.
Understanding What ‘The Natural Way to Draw’ Offers
From the start, I realized this book isn’t just a typical how-to-draw manual. Nicolaides emphasizes gesture drawing and the practice of capturing the essence of a subject through continuous, daily exercises. The book is structured around a year-long curriculum with weekly assignments, which really helped me build discipline and improve steadily.
If you want a step-by-step learning experience with a focus on developing your observational skills and hand-eye coordination, this book can be a great fit.
Who Is This Book For?
I found that *The Natural Way to Draw* works best for:
- Beginners who are serious about practicing consistently
- Intermediate artists wanting to strengthen their foundation
- Art students looking for structured exercises
- Anyone interested in figure drawing and gesture techniques
However, if you prefer quick tips or digital art tutorials, this might feel a bit traditional and rigorous.
What You’ll Need Alongside the Book
While the book guides you through the exercises, I recommend having these materials on hand:
- Vine charcoal and compressed charcoal sticks
- Conte crayons or pencils
- Drawing paper (preferably newsprint or sketch pads)
- A drawing board or sturdy surface
Nicolaides stresses the importance of using charcoal for its versatility and ease of making marks and erasing, which was a new experience for me but ultimately rewarding.
How to Make the Most of This Book
The biggest takeaway from my experience was consistency. Nicolaides prescribes daily practice, including blind contour drawing and gesture sketches. I set aside time each day to follow the exercises, which helped me see gradual improvement.
Also, I recommend not rushing through the book. Take your time to absorb the lessons and reflect on your progress weekly.
Pros and Cons Based on My Experience
Pros:
- Comprehensive, structured program for serious learners
- Emphasizes foundational skills and observation
- Encourages disciplined daily practice
- Timeless techniques that apply to all drawing styles
Cons:
- Can be intimidating for casual or beginner artists
- Requires commitment and patience
- Some may find the language and style dated
Where to Buy and Pricing Tips
I found *The Natural Way to Draw* available in most major bookstores and online platforms like Amazon. Prices vary depending on new or used copies, but it’s often affordable as a paperback or eBook. If you’re on a budget, checking out used copies or library loans is a good option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to commit to improving your drawing skills through disciplined practice, *The Natural Way to Draw* is a valuable resource. It transformed how I see drawing—from a quick sketch to a mindful study of form and movement. Just be prepared for a learning curve and enjoy the journey!
I hope my guide helps you decide whether Nicolaides’ classic book fits your artistic goals. Happy drawing!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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