From the book

The novice with a musical instrument is frequently taught to play simple melodies as quickly as possible, well before he learns the most elemental scratchings at the surface of music theory. The resultant self-satisfaction, pride in accomplishment, can be a significant means of providing motivation. And all from mimicking an instructor's "Do as I do." Mimicry is a prerequisite for developing creativity. We learn the use of our tools by mimicry. Then we can use those tools for creativity. To this end I would offer the budding artist the opportunity to memorize or mimic (rote-like, if you wish) the making of cartoons-- cartoons he has been anxious to be able to draw.

Author: Lee J. Ames
Bio:  

Lee Judah Ames (January 8, 1921 -- June 3, 2011 ) was an American artist noted for his Draw 50... learn-to-draw books. He was born in Manhattan, New York. His first job at age eighteen was at Walt Disney Studios. He has since led a career as an advertising artist, fine artist, cartoonist, designer, animation in-betweener, illustrator, and as an artist-in residence at Doubleday. His series of 26 Draw 50... books take a friendly and minimalist approach to teaching drawing while the books often contain no instructional text. He enlisted in the military and served as a second lieutenant during World War II. He and his wife Jocelyn resided in Mission Viejo, California.