What great art products. I found that the project books were perfect for not only the budding young artist, but the accomplished artist as well. The books themselves were an excellent resource to explore the materials and methods of the specific technique being covered, and investigate new techniques. Further, each book provides step-by-step demonstrations, helpful tips, and comprehensive instructions for the student, and detailed illustrations take the artist through each step.

Walter Foster also offers kits. These kits are fun in that they include all the supplies needed to complete the project described. For example, a kit such as the Complete Drawing Kit for Beginners – Pencil Drawing, includes the project book, 6 drawing pencils (F, 2H, H, HB, B, 2B), drawing pad, pencil extender, kneaded eraser, sharpener, sandpaper pad, triangle, and blending stump. All of this comes in compact packaging that keeps everything together.

The kits, or any of the books separately, would be a great gift idea for just about anyone you think might enjoy art. As a comparison, I recently purchased several art books for my children. These books were the best I could find, seemed excellent in their coverage of the subject matter, and, coupled with the supplies needed, would serve my children well. Then I saw the Walter Foster products. I wish I hadn’t purchased what I did. What I had was significantly more costly than the Walter Foster products, and then when I added supplies the cost was more than double the Walter Foster cost. We also didn’t like the other books as much as they were significantly larger in size making it hard to take them with you in a backpack or in the car.

If you’re looking for some good art products, I don’t think you’d be disappointed in the Walter Foster line of books and kits. We’ve sure enjoyed them around our home.

-- Product Review by: Heather W. Allen, TOS Senior Analyst, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine