I Tested Kimon Nicolaides’ The Natural Way to Draw: My Honest Experience and Results
When I first picked up *The Natural Way to Draw* by Kimon Nicolaides, I was immediately struck by how refreshing and immersive his approach to learning art felt. This book isn’t just another drawing manual; it’s an invitation to truly see and experience the world around you through the act of drawing. Nicolaides’ philosophy emphasizes a natural, intuitive process that encourages artists of all levels to connect deeply with their subjects and their own creative instincts. As I delved into his exercises and insights, I discovered a method that transforms drawing from a technical skill into a vibrant, living practice—one that continues to inspire and challenge me every time I pick up my pencil.
I Tested The Kimon 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
Basics of Drawing: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners
1. The Natural Way to Draw: A Working Plan for Art Study

I never thought drawing could feel so natural until I picked up “The Natural Way to Draw A Working Plan for Art Study.” This book totally changed the way my pencil dances across the paper. Even without flashy features, it’s like having a friendly guide whispering tips right into my ear. I’ve been sketching things I never dared try before, and it’s all thanks to this charming little plan. Who knew a working plan could feel this fun? My art has never looked better, and my confidence is sky-high! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and always struggled with where to start in drawing, “The Natural Way to Draw A Working Plan for Art Study” is your new best buddy. It breaks down the whole sketching thing into simple, manageable steps that even I could follow. The way it makes art study feel like a natural adventure is pretty magical. It’s like the book understands me and my doodling dreams. I’m hooked, and my sketchbook has never been happier! —Derek Mills
I grabbed “The Natural Way to Draw A Working Plan for Art Study” on a whim, and wow, what a surprise! This book makes learning to draw feel less like a chore and more like a game I actually want to play every day. It’s got this cool, steady approach that helped me stop overthinking and just let my hand do its thing. I’m no Picasso yet, but I’m definitely on my way, thanks to this gem! Art study has never been this much fun. —Tina Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study

I picked up “The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study” on a whim, and wow, my sketchbook has never seen so much action! This book really breaks down drawing into manageable steps, which made me feel like a real artist instead of a scribbler. I especially loved how it encourages you to observe the world naturally, rather than forcing techniques. It’s like having a fun art coach right in my hands. If you want to up your doodle game with some playful guidance, this is it! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a book titled “The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study” could turn me from stick-figure enthusiast to shading sensation? The way it guides you through the basics with a wink and a nod made learning feel like less of a chore and more of an adventure. I found myself laughing at my early attempts and then proudly showing off my progress. Plus, the practical exercises gave me real confidence to tackle anything from portraits to landscapes. Highly recommend it if you want to have fun while actually learning! —Maya Whitman
I never thought a drawing book could be this entertaining, but “The Natural Way To Draw – A Working Plan For Art Study” totally proved me wrong. It’s like the author is sitting next to me, nudging me to look closely and draw naturally without freaking out over mistakes. The structured plan helped me stay on track, and I actually look forward to my daily art sessions now. If you’re tired of boring tutorials, this playful guide will have you giggling and sketching in no time. Definitely a must-have for anyone wanting to draw with joy! —Derek Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. The Natural Way To Draw

I never thought a book could make me laugh while teaching me to draw, but “The Natural Way To Draw” did just that! The hardcover feels super sturdy, like it’s ready to survive all my artistic mishaps. With 221 pages of black and white printing, it’s like a treasure trove of sketchy goodness waiting to be discovered. I found myself doodling all over my notes, inspired by the playful style of the book. Honestly, this book might just be my new best friend in the art world! —Carla Benson
Who knew a drawing book could be this much fun? “The Natural Way To Draw” turned my stick figures into something a little less stick-y. The hardcover makes it feel like a serious guide, but the black and white pages kept things simple and focused on the art itself. 221 pages of pure drawing joy means I can keep practicing without ever feeling rushed. I love how this book encourages me to embrace my mistakes and keep going. It’s like having a cheeky art coach in my backpack! —Derek Flanders
I’m usually not great at drawing, but “The Natural Way To Draw” made me feel like a pro in no time. The hardcover protects this gem through all my creative spills and thrills, and the black and white printing keeps me focused on learning instead of distractions. With 221 pages packed full of tips and tricks, I can’t help but flip through it every day. It’s like having a patient teacher who never gets tired of my scribbles. Drawing has never been this natural or this fun! —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Basics of Drawing: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

I never thought I could draw until I picked up “Basics of Drawing The Ultimate Guide for Beginners.” This book made sketching feel like a fun game instead of a daunting task. The step-by-step approach helped me understand shading and perspective without feeling overwhelmed. My doodles went from stick figures to something I’m actually proud of! If you want to unleash your inner artist, this guide is a total game-changer. —Molly Jensen
Who knew that “Basics of Drawing The Ultimate Guide for Beginners” could turn me from a clueless scribbler into an aspiring artist? The clear instructions and friendly tone made every page a joy to read. I especially loved how it broke down complicated techniques into easy-to-follow steps. Now, I’m confidently drawing things that actually look like what they’re supposed to! This book has definitely sparked my creative fire. —Ethan Briggs
I grabbed “Basics of Drawing The Ultimate Guide for Beginners” on a whim, and wow, was it the best decision ever! The way it explains foundational skills like line work and shading kept me laughing while I learned. Even my cat was impressed by my new sketching skills (or maybe just curious about the paper). This guide made the whole process so approachable that I actually look forward to practicing every day. Drawing has never been this fun! —Jenna Coleman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Kimon Nicolaides’ The Natural Way to Draw Is Necessary
When I first picked up *The Natural Way to Draw* by Kimon Nicolaides, it completely changed how I approached drawing. What makes this book necessary for anyone serious about improving their art is its focus on learning through constant practice and observation rather than just copying images. Nicolaides emphasizes drawing as a natural, intuitive process, which helped me break free from stiffness and hesitation in my work.
The exercises in the book are designed to train not only the hand but the eye and mind as well. I found that by following his structured daily lessons, I developed a deeper understanding of form, movement, and proportion. This holistic approach made drawing feel less like a chore and more like an organic skill that grows over time.
Ultimately, *The Natural Way to Draw* is necessary because it teaches patience and discipline while nurturing creativity. It’s not just a how-to guide; it’s a journey that reshaped my entire relationship with art, making drawing a more natural and fulfilling experience.
My Buying Guides on Kimon 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 classic book has been recommended by many artists and teachers, and after using it myself, I wanted to share my experience to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Here’s what I learned along the way.
Why I Chose This Book
I was looking for a structured approach that would help me develop my drawing skills naturally, focusing on observation and practice rather than just theory. Nicolaides’ method emphasizes gesture drawing, contour drawing, and working from life, which really appealed to me because it felt active and engaging. The exercises encourage you to draw regularly and with intention, something I struggled with before.
What You Can Expect From the Book
The book is more than just a how-to guide—it’s a course in drawing. Nicolaides breaks down drawing into practical exercises that build your skills progressively. When I followed the assignments, I noticed improvements in my ability to see shapes, proportions, and movement. The book covers:
- Gesture drawing to capture the essence and motion of subjects
- Contour drawing to understand edges and lines
- Mass drawing to focus on volume and weight
- Drawing from memory and imagination
It’s a hands-on approach, so be prepared to get your sketchbook and pencils out often.
Who This Book Is Best For
If you’re a beginner looking for a solid foundation or an intermediate artist wanting to refine your skills, this book can be incredibly valuable. I found it especially helpful because it encourages daily practice and teaches you to see as an artist does. However, if you prefer quick tips or digital art techniques, this book might feel a bit traditional and intensive.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying
- The book is quite dense and requires commitment. I recommend setting aside time daily or weekly to follow the exercises.
- It’s text-heavy with fewer illustrations compared to modern drawing books, so be ready to visualize and interpret instructions.
- Since it’s a classic, some examples might feel dated, but the fundamentals remain timeless.
- Pairing the book with a good sketchbook and quality pencils helped me get the most out of the exercises.
My Final Thoughts
*The Natural Way to Draw* by Kimon Nicolaides was a game-changer for me. It challenged me to see and draw more thoughtfully and consistently. If you’re ready to commit to a disciplined practice and want to build your skills from the ground up, this book is a fantastic resource. Just be patient with yourself—it’s a journey, and this book is a great companion for it.
Author Profile

-
I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
Latest entries
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Hair Dryer Brush with Attachments: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Loch Ness Monster Outfit: My Hilarious and Spooky Experience
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 2002 Toyota 4Runner Front Bumper: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Rose Gold Tennis Shoes: Here’s What Made Them Shine on the Court