Book Nook: New Art Books from Quarto

If you're looking for something to do these last weeks of summer, or you want to supplement your child's art program at school, there are two new books from Quarto that might fit the bill.

Get drawing right away, wherever you are with Pocket Art: Figure Drawing! This is the second book in a series (the first focused on portraits). It starts with the basics of understanding the body, then leads the reader through adding expression, movement, and creativity, written by London-based artist Joanna Henly, aka Miss Led. At 112 pages it has a lot of information, tips, and exercises - but it's a small book, and tucks right into a car pocket or backpack. One unique feature is the inclusion of career options for figure artists, which I haven't seen in other art exercise books before!

Joanna Henly, well known by her professional name, Miss Led, is an illustrator, artist, and art director based in East London. As an illustrator, she works by commission for corporate brands, products, packaging, and advertising campaigns with specific experience within fashion, beauty, and technology sectors. As an artist, she works on projects from portrait commissions to large scale complex works. These are often in public spaces or live performances. In addition, she creates personal work, which is exhibited globally, and sells beautiful prints and originals online.

Jo is a strong promoter of professional practice within her art and illustration, including as a Global Ambassador for Liquitex paints and European Ambassador for Wacom. She is also a passionate educator, promoted via social media and podcasts to her online audience, which reaches 1.3 million people.


I had a chance to review Cut Paper Pictures, a book with tips on making collages from art and photos. When you think of collages, you might think of the childhood art projects that involve cutting and pasting from magazines with loosely related images or prompts like "favorite food." The ideas in this book elevate it to a higher level, with discussions on texture, color, pattern, and more. There are also pages designed to tear out and use for your own creations - which my daughter loved. What she made with the tips in the book definitely had a higher artistic level than what she did years ago in school!