"Starter" Books and Videos?

[Minh Thong]

I just ordered Mr. Sanden's book, as well as Mr. Brown's "Eternal Truths for Every Artist" from Amazon and was curious if anyone had feedback about either text.

I am finally working with a drawing teacher to try to really get a handle on the basics as I wait for a student slot with Mr. Edgerton in Greensboro. I want to be as prepared as possible when he has an opening, so I thought I'd work thru a couple books dedicated exclusively to portraiture. I am doing oil skectches along with Helen Van Wyk's book on portraiture once or twice per week. But I wanted to try a different approach (even though I don't know what Mr. Sanden's approach is, no stores locally had a copy).

Any input on either of these books?

Thanks all!

Minh