Title: A Comprehensive Guide to Drawing Caricatures
Rating: 4.5/5
Review:
As an aspiring cartoonist and caricature artist, I was excited to dive into Lenn Redgrave's "How to Draw Caricatures" PDF. Overall, I'm impressed with the book's comprehensive approach to teaching the art of caricature drawing.
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict:
Overall, "How to Draw Caricatures" by Lenn Redgrave is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn the art of caricature drawing. The book's clear instructions, abundant examples, and comprehensive approach make it a valuable addition to any artist's library. While some sections feel a bit brief, and the focus is on traditional techniques, the PDF remains a great resource for beginners and experienced artists alike.
Recommendation:
If you're interested in learning the art of caricature drawing, I highly recommend checking out "How to Draw Caricatures" by Lenn Redgrave. Just be aware that the PDF may not cover the most modern or digital techniques, but the fundamentals and traditional approaches are still highly relevant.
Lenn Redman was a master of the "C-S-I" method—a simple way to break down any face into basic rhythms. His book, How to Draw Caricatures, is a gold mine for artists because it moves past simple copying and focuses on exaggeration based on truth. The Foundation of a Redman Caricature The "Line of Action": Start with one fluid stroke. The Rhythm: Look for repeating curves in the face.
The Big Shape: Identify if the head is a pear, egg, or bulb.
Feature Placement: Find the "anchor" (usually the nose or eyes). Step-by-Step Story of a Sketch
The Observation: Look at your subject for ten seconds without drawing. how to draw caricatures lenn redman pdf
The C-S-I Filter: Determine if the profile follows a C curve, an S curve, or a straight I line.
The Exaggeration: If the chin is small, make it a button; if the nose is long, let it lead the face.
The Simplification: Use as few lines as possible to capture the most character.
💡 Key Concept: Redman taught that a caricature isn't a "mean" drawing; it’s a drawing that is more like the person than a photograph is. Finding the Guide
While I cannot provide a direct PDF download of copyrighted material, you can often find Redman's techniques through:
Archive.org: Many classic art instruction books are digitized there for loan.
Used Bookstores: Look for the 1984 Contemporary Books edition.
Art Forums: Communities like Cartoonist's Workshop often dissect his specific "Line of Action" methods. If you want to practice right now, tell me: Whom you want to draw (a celebrity or a friend)? What feature stands out most to you about them?
I can walk you through the Redman-style steps for that specific face.
Lenn Redman's How to Draw Caricatures , originally published in 1984, remains one of the most influential foundational texts for aspiring caricature artists. Drawing from his experience of sketching over 200,000 faces, Redman provides a comprehensive workflow that focuses on identifying and amplifying the unique "deviations" in a subject's face. Core Methodology: The "In-Betweener"
A central concept in the book is the "In-Betweener," which represents the "average" human face. Redman teaches artists to:
Establish a Baseline: Memorize the proportions of the "average" face as a reference point.
Identify Deviations: Observe the subject to see what is out of the ordinary compared to the average—such as an unusually long nose, a prominent chin, or widely spaced eyes. Title: A Comprehensive Guide to Drawing Caricatures Rating:
Exaggerate the Difference: Push those specific features further to create a humorous but recognizable likeness. Key Features and Content
The book is structured to guide readers from basic shapes to advanced full-body illustrations:
Five Essential Shapes: Redman breaks faces down into simple geometric foundations (circles, ovals, triangles) to simplify the sketching process.
Feature Breakdown: Detailed sections explore the nuances of eyes, noses, mouths, and hair, explaining how to alter them while maintaining personality.
Full-Body Caricature: Unlike many other guides, Redman includes instructions on caricaturing bodies and postures, including some sections on human anatomy.
Diverse Examples: The text features a wide range of facial types across different ages, backgrounds, and genders, often pairing a photograph with its caricatured version to show the transformation. Accessing the Book
While you are looking for a PDF, be aware that the book is still under copyright. Official digital and physical copies can be found at major retailers and educational archives:
Borrow Digitally: You can borrow a digital version through the Internet Archive.
Purchase: New and republished editions are available on platforms like Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.
Previews: Sites like Scribd may host user-uploaded summaries or partial previews of the book's techniques. How To Draw Caricatures by Lenn Redman - Book Review
If you locate a digital scan of this out-of-print classic, here’s what you can expect:
Yes—if you value timeless process over trendy results. Redman’s book is not about drawing celebrities or mastering Photoshop. It’s about learning to see like a cartoonist. The "How to Draw Caricatures" PDF (if you find a legitimate copy) is a treasure chest of warm-up exercises, mindset tips, and old-school pen skills.
But don’t get stuck hunting for a file. You can practice Redman’s philosophy tonight with a pencil, a willing friend, and 10 minutes of fearless exaggeration. Clear instructions : Lenn Redgrave's writing style is
Have you ever read Lenn Redman’s book? Or do you know another classic caricature guide? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes. Always respect copyright laws and support artists by purchasing official copies when available.
Lenn Redman's How to Draw Caricatures is widely considered a foundational text for aspiring caricaturists, praised for its practical, step-by-step approach to capturing a person's likeness through exaggeration. Originally published in 1984, the book distills Redman's experience from creating over 200,000 caricatures into a comprehensive guide. Amazon.com Core Concepts and Methodology
Redman’s teaching centers on the idea that every face can be broken down into five essential shapes and their unique relationships to one another. How To Draw Caricatures: Redman, Lenn - Amazon.com
Unauthorized “Lenn Redman PDF” files circulating on file‑sharing sites often contain:
More importantly, purchasing the legal copy (often under $15) supports the Redman estate and keeps valuable art instruction books in print.
Before you search for the how to draw caricatures lenn redman pdf, you need to understand the "why." Lenn Redman wasn't just a caricature artist; he was a philosopher of drawing. He worked at major theme parks (Disneyland and Magic Mountain) and drew thousands of faces.
Most art books focus on anatomy—skulls, muscles, and proportions. Redman focused on personality.
His core philosophy was simple: "A caricature is not a distorted portrait; it is a truth amplified." Redman taught that every face has a "theme." The nose isn't just a nose; it is a "structure of character." The eyes aren't just windows to the soul; they are the exclamation points of emotion.
If you find a PDF of this book, you aren't just getting line art tutorials; you are getting a masterclass in human observation.
Lenn Redman (1912–1985) was not just an illustrator; he was a master caricaturist who worked for major publications and taught the craft for over 30 years at the Famous Artists School. His approach combined technical drawing skill with psychological insight – believing a great caricature captures not just a face, but a personality.
If you manage to get your hands on a digital copy of How to Draw Caricatures, you will find it is radically different from modern "speed drawing" tutorials. Here is a breakdown of its core curriculum: