How to Draw Classic Cartoons

Journey back in time to the era of classic 1920s rubber hose cartoons with this beautifully retro 'how to draw' book.

How to Draw Classic Cartoons features original art by Bill Nolan, the influential American artist and director famed as the creator of the rubber hose style used to animate cartoons such as Felix the Cat, Betty Boop and Popeye.

Instantly recognisable from its curved lines and the elastic-like movements of its animated characters (hence the name 'rubber hose'), this distinctive art style can be easily recreated using simple circles as a starting point.

With original illustrations and words of advice from Nolan himself, this easy-to-follow book will teach you how to draw hands, feet, faces, full-body characters and a whole range of wacky animals.

Featuring elements from Nolan's 1936 book Cartooning Self-Taught, this new book takes a deeper look at his iconic style and how to recreate it.

Also available in the series:
9781910552032 What to Draw and How to Draw It
9781910552711 What to Draw and How to Draw It for Kids
9781910552209 Drawing Made Easy
9781915751492 How To Draw Like Hokusai (May 2026)