Artful Haven

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero

38 Cute And Easy Doodles To Draw
No Drawing Skills Needed

Hi Reader,

I have been the girl with the book in her hand for as long as I can remember.
I always had a book somewhere nearby. It was my quiet world inside the bigger noisy one. And that never really changed.

What changed were the books themselves.

They grew with me. The stories made way for ideas. The ideas made way for art. And somewhere along the way, books about making things became the ones I reached for most. Now I mostly buy and read books related to art

And they are everywhere.

Now... My bookshelves are overflowing… and so are the tables, cabinets, and random corners of my house. It’s mostly art books, drawing books, journaling books and anything that says “hey, let’s make something.” At this point, every cupboard in my house has books in it.

Except the one with clothes.

…For now 😄

So today, I’m sharing 7 drawing books I truly, genuinely love. They are all beginner friendly. One of them is literally how I learned to draw.

1. You Can Draw in 30 Days

This book turns “I can’t draw” into “wait… I actually can.” This was my first drawing book, and I drew every single page. You work through it day by day and you genuinely do improve.

2. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Betty Edwards teaches you that drawing is really about learning to see and once that clicks, nothing looks the same. It's been around for decades and remains one of the most powerful beginner drawing books ever written. Total brain-twist (in the best way). It teaches you how to think and see in shapes. In my opinion this is fundamental in drawing.

3. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook

This workbook is the practical companion for the book Drawing on the right Side of the Brain. It has fun exercises.

4. You Will Be Able to Draw by the End of This Book

Another beautiful promise that this book keeps. Jake Spicer walks you through drawing with such calm confidence that you can't help but follow along. Great for absolute beginners who need someone to just say here, start here, you've got this. As the title says it all. Simple, sweet, and high-five energy.

5. 50 Ways to Draw Your Beautiful Ordinary Life

My newest crush. Full of cute surprises, cutouts, and “aww” moments. This one is pure joy. Lisa Congdon invites you to draw the everyday things your coffee cup, your shoes, the view from your window. It makes drawing feel like a way of paying attention to your own life, which is exactly what art journaling is all about.

6. How to Draw Cool Stuff

This is a step-by-step guide with zero stress, and actually fun. The step-by-step breakdowns are so clear and satisfying to follow. It covers shading, texture, depth, and dimension in a way that feels approachable and exciting rather than technical and intimidating.

7. The Art of Zentangle: 50 Inspiring Drawing Designs and Ideas for the Meditative Artist

This one is for the days when you just need to slow down and breathe. Zentangle patterns are repetitive, meditative, and surprisingly beautiful. This book gives you 50 designs to explore. No artistic experience needed, just a pen and a quiet moment.

Every single one of these books will meet you exactly where you are. They are gentle, generous teachers. They make you feel capable rather than behind.

Soooo… got a favorite drawing book on your shelf? Hit reply and tell me. I’d seriously love to know.

With love,

Salwa

Artful Haven