From the steam engines that defined America's Industrial Age to the streamlined masterpieces of the Art Deco era and the diesels rocketing through our modern days, trains have again and again tested the industrial designer's art. This book shows casual doodlers and serious rail artists alike how to capture the magic of these design icons with pencil and paper. In this new addition to the Motorbooks Studio series, renowned rail illustrator Mitch Markovitz explains the principles needed to draw steam, diesel, and electric locomotives and their trains. He describes the key components of the process--from choosing tools to rendering perspective and proportion, and effectively capturing color and light. Illustrated throughout with examples of the author's work, this book is the ultimate resource for railfans with an interest in rendering these behemoths of American industry. |
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 An 'Eye-Opener' from a Pro Artist |
| Review Date: September 21, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Andrew Herbert, |
Perhaps anyone who can see can learn to draw. But those who learn to draw see more and have much to teach, even to those not aspiring to be drawing pros. I have no interest in being an artist, but I confess to having known Mitch as a railroader and as an artist. Knowing his warm and witty personality (and having long admired his artwork), I purchased his book with hopes of educating my `seeing' eyes. I wasn't disappointed. For those with artistic talent or potential, with undeveloped `eyes' (like me), or merely with a love for trains and railroading, the book can't help but be a source of inspiration. The book is laden with beautiful work by Mitch (and samples from other artists). It's peppered with practical advise on tools and technique. And it's girded with the wisdom and humor of one who has spent a life in art and in railway service.
The book's title might lead one to believe it only teaches how to draw trains. While the book surely offers lessons on drawing trains, locomotives, and other rolling stock, it also delivers lessons on a range of subjects pertinent to railroading. It offers guidance on how to draw people (employees and customers), equipment interiors, appurtenances, and locales (stations, for example). Mitch's book gives attention to the use of photos and the practice of artistic exercises as starting points for graphic work. It also offers guidance on confecting lettering and on devising railway-related posters.
The book should be of value to both the novice and more advanced artists. Additionally, the book would be of value to those with an interest in graphic art, art instruction, or 20th Century marketing design. Any railfan with an interest in railway art will find the book a solid value. |
Fun!
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| Review Date: January 21, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Aaron J. Barkl, Roseville, CA USA |
| What a great book! Easy to follow and great examples. It has helped me get back into drawing just for fun! |
So well, done, had me picking up pencil and paper again!
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| Review Date: January 31, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Stuart B. Slaymaker, Overland Park KS (Kansas City) |
I gave up drawing in general a generation ago as I thought my time would be better spent with my photography,and as it turned out, I was probably correct. But Mitch's latest book is fun to read, and very informative as well. To those of us who can draw, but are not artists, this is a light and educational trip through the basics of a class I wish they had offered at P.S. 299: Railroad Drawing 101. I was never much good at perspective, but the book helped a great deal in that area. It is a joy to read a book on creating railroad art from someone who was there working at it day after day, and probably composing sketches in his head as he went along.
I watched Mitch create a wedding present painting under a strict deadline about 20 years ago, and marvelled at how easy he made it seem. I believe the serious reader with interest span in place on 'high' and eyes wide open, will gain a great deal of knowledge for their own entertainment. It covers allied interests, too, such as figures, railroad posters, and lettering. I found the book very helpful with my basics, which were quite rusty after 20 years, and finally got an E-unit nose to look as EMD designers intended. I suggest it's a must for the budding railroad artist, as well as a good review for those already well along their journey into railroad art. |
How To Draw and Paint Trains Like A Pro
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| Review Date: February 28, 2010 |
| Reviewer: W. Comes Jr., Hancock, VT USA |
A beautiful and well done book with many great illustrations. I highly recommend this book.
Bud |
Misleading Title
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| Review Date: October 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: C. Olson, Balt./DC, U.S.A. |
| Contrary to the title, this book only touches on a few very basic drawing fundamentals and will be of little help in teaching a novice how to draw trains. On the other hand this book is more about improving techniques and will undoubtedly be greatly beneficial to the more experienced artist. |
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