We are longtime fans of Flow magazine and every time creative directors Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst release a new book, we can’t wait to get our hands on it. Their newest title is 50 Ways to Draw Your Beautiful, Ordinary Life and we are so excited to be sharing a sneak peek with you today!

In the introduction from Irene and Astrid, they write “we believe perfection in art is an oxymoron and that truly great artists are the people who simply begin – in order to see what they make along the way.” We couldn’t agree more! Art and creativity are all about imagination and experimentation, and this book really encourages the reader to jump right in and get started! Workbook in style, the book’s samples, inspiration, and step-by-step instructions from all the incredibly talented illustrators is welcoming, encouraging, and so informative.

The book’s lessons are divided into four parts: Home, Garden, Style, and Nature. Readers will have a whole new outlook on their own surroundings after flipping through the book – who knew that everyday objects could be so fun, challenging, and beautiful? Some of our favorite ordinary objects that you draw in the book are hats, laundry, lamps, swim caps, and garden tools! Since so many artists are featured in the book, the lessons are in a variety of illustration styles and use different tools & techniques too.

And we haven’t even mentioned all the paper goodies included in the book! Postcards, paper dolls, posters, tracing paper, and mini booklets are all attached inside the book to match their corresponding lessons. We also especially enjoyed Caroline Buijs’ chapter called “Just Start” about traditional drawing rules and how fun it can be to break them.

If you enjoyed had learn-to-draw books growing up, you’ll be over the moon about 50 Ways to Draw Your Ordinary, Beautiful Life. The sheer number of lessons, artists, techniques, tips, and tricks in the book is crazy, and don’t forget it’s very likely the most beautiful book you’ve seen in a very long time.

We love books and projects that encourage both kids and adults to get creative, and there’s no doubt that this book does exactly that. Little artists will fall in love and be inspired to look at everyday objects in a completely new way, and that’s what we’re all about.

We hope you enjoyed this sneak peek as much as we did! You can get your copy of 50 Ways to Draw Your Beautiful, Ordinary Life here – we think it’s the perfect book to gift others, your kids,  but also yourself, especially when you’re not feeling inspired and need a little help getting back in the saddle.

To see more from Flow, take a look at our other sneak peek into A Book That Takes Its Time and browse their other gorgeous books right here!

Excerpted from 50 Ways to Draw Your Beautiful, Ordinary Life: Practical Lessons in Pencil and Paper by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst (Workman). © 2018.

Image credits:
Page 132: Petra Baan
Page 226: Sanny van Loon
Techniques: Deborah van der Schaaf