New Zealand Author & Illustrator Donovan Bixley is asked many questions by budding artists, so he decided to answer all these questions in his book – Draw Some Awesome.

Not only does it have step by step instructions for drawing a cat to a plane, it explains all the tools and tricks of the trade.

But first it begins with the basics. Drawings are shapes put together and then expanded. Start with a simple circle and don’t expect it to be perfect first time. Practice drawing simple shapes. This goes on to faces and then expressions, characters and their details.

There are imagination exercises (I thought these were so simple but perfect to practice) and everyday inspirations. Practice and patience is an important part of the drawing process and Donovan proves this with his own drawings from the age of 8 until right now, how much practice made his illustrations the amazing pieces of art they are today.

In between each piece of advice, or lesson if you like, there is another drawing exercise and insight on how to draw something new.

There is the process of roughs, shading, shadows and more. Composition, perspective and study of other artists is shown clearly and with much humour along the way. Don’t miss all the extra funnies, info and instructions in between the action on the page.

Using examples from his own books throughout Draw Some Awesome shows his distinct style but also alternative ways to find your own style.

I wish I had this book when I was a child, and drawing on everything in sight. One of the best drawing books I’ve seen for kids – from a multi award winning illustrator.

A Finalist in the New Zealand Children’s & Young Adult Book Awards 2022.

Author / Illustrator – Donovan Bixley

Age – 8+ (Non-Fiction)

(2021, Upstart Press, NZ, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Drawing, Sketching, Designing, Funny, Humour, Artist, Illustrating, Jobs for kids who love to draw, Tips, Ideas, Budding Artists, Drawing Questions, Perspective, Composition, Non-Fiction)