DRAWING PERIOD COSTUMES

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31161, 10 September 1966, Page 4

DRAWING PERIOD COSTUMES

How to Draw Period Costumes. Arthur Zaidenberg. Abelard-Schuman. 64 pp. Most children enjoy drawing hut often find themselves frustrated by their own inadequacies. The romantic figures of history appeal to them, but all to often their crinoline ladies look like tea cosies and their knights in armour strongly resemble Ned Kelly. In this, his fourteenth book in a series specially written for children, Arthur Zaidenberg shows how to draw period costumes, giving particular attention to the draping of fabrics. There is no unnecessary detail but the styles of dress, from fur-clad prehistoric man to bewhiskered gentlemen of the 1900's are clearly indicated, with brief notes on the need for correct anatomy beneath. To illustrate this Mr Zaidenberg shows simple "exploded” figures which can be easily understood by children of the 10 to 13 age group. Some of the heads of the figures illustrated sit a little awkwardly on the shoulders but the general impression and variety of costumes is good. For subjects of this nature children must copy, but all too often reproductions of historical portraits are indistinct and history books are inadequately illustrated. Here is a book which will undoubtedly

provide them with the sources they require. The author recommends simple media—medium and

soft carbon pencil, conte crayon, pen and Indian ink—jail easily obtainable and well I within pocket-money reach.