Inspiration fresh from the studios of 131 master artists!

A celebration of creative drawing, the Strokes of Genius series showcases standout work from today's top artists. This 8th volume focuses on how artists use texture to bring life and depth to subjects ranging from soulful portraits and expressive still lifes, to beautiful landscapes and pulsing city scenes. Texture plays an essential role in each of these drawings--capturing character, building mood, and paying homage to everyday moments that often go unnoticed.

These pages serve up a tantalizing buffet of tactile impressions, from rough tree bark and silky fur to peeling paint and timeworn fabrics. Complete with fascinating, firsthand insights on the drawing techniques behind the textures, Strokes of Genius 8 offers hours of browsing and inspiration for artists and art-lovers alike. Inside you'll find:

• 139 magnificent works in charcoal, pencil, pastel, colored pencil, scratchboard and pen+ink
• An exciting range of styles and approaches, presented in subject-themed chapters
• A behind-the-scenes look at the tools and methods used to evoke a wide range of natural and manmade textures