Ed Emberley drawing books

I have at least 50 art instruction books. Among my favorites are those by children's book illustrator Ed Emberley. He's got a series of them: Ed Emberley's Big Purple Drawing Book, Big Green Drawing Book, Big Red Drawing Book, Big Orange Drawing Book, and so on.

What makes these books so wonderful is the way Emberley uses simple shapes to construct appealing and lively animals, vehicles, people, monsters, plants, and other things. His creations are witty and funny, and his unique step-by-step presentation yields a fool-proof method for copying his work.

I find myself pulling his books off my shelf at least a couple of times a week. My 7-year-old daughter goes to a lot of birthday parties and I like to draw the birthday cards for the presents she gives her friends. More often than not, I swipe Emberley characters for the card. Link