An inspirational guide to understanding the human form, this reference book will help artists to draw more compelling and informed nudes
This is an exciting approach to drawing the human body. Divided into three parts, on structure, anatomy, and observation, it introduces a set of principles and develops a treasury of ideas for the artist to follow. While recognizing the importance of observation, it focuses more on a conceptual understanding of the construction of the body in anatomical terms. In doing so, it encourages the cultivation of more informed observation, and accommodates those who work from memory, imagination, and invention. Explanations are provided on the use of light and shadows to express form, as well as the gesture of the figure, through short drawings that analyze the flow of movement through the body. There are also instructions on how to begin with elementary forms that can then be distorted, transformed, and combined, leading to compound forms, and information on the musculo-skeletal form, while also providing a set of tools for analyzing its parts. Superbly illustrated with nearly 200 images, including digital sculptures of human anatomy and concise drawings, this book gives practical instruction to both novice and experienced figure artists, as well as those working within the visual effects and game industries.