Drawing with Mark: We All Scream For Ice Cream/Happy Tails

Massachusetts-based artist Mark Marderosian shows kids how to draw in these two episodes from his public access television program. Each begins with a visit to a location related to the theme of that week's drawings. In “Happy Tails,” Mark heads to an animal shelter, where viewers learn a few facts about pets, while “We All Scream for Ice Cream” begins in a local ice cream parlor. Afterwards, Mark goes to his studio—the “magical attic”—where he teaches against an animated backdrop that features silent winged characters with names like Crystal Cat and Eclipse Doggy, figures who hover about and watch the images evolve. Sketching lightly with a pencil, Mark explains how to master each step as he works. The lessons are filmed from overhead, with an occasional pop-up box providing further explanation on which shapes to use or how to perfect a certain technique. Each lesson contains two parts: the first concludes with a fairly simple rendition, while the second takes a more detailed and challenging approach. DVD extras include a more advanced bonus lesson. Thanks to an upbeat host and thorough step-by-step instruction, Drawing with Mark (the companion volume Drawing with Mark: Dinosaurs/Space is also newly available) is an engaging and inspiring tool for young artists. Recommended. Aud: K, E, I, P. (K. Cruver)