Artists of classical Greece and the Renaissance were highly aware of the complexity and great beauty of the human figure, and strove in their artwork to depict the ideal form. This book by an experienced twentieth-century art teacher covers two fundamentals of figure drawing that were equally important to masters of earlier eras – anatomy and perspective, subjects that seldom receive a thorough treatment within the same book. Carefully addressing both topics, the text suggests ways to convey the structure and functions of the human figure, covers elementary principles of drawing, and considers the use of light and shadow. Also discussed are aspects of measurement and the application of such simple forms as the cube, cylinder, and sphere in representing parts of the human body.In describing the relationship between anatomical features and surface form, the chapters on anatomy include drawings of the bones and muscles of the trunk, upper and lower limbs, and the head and its prominent aspects. A final section focuses on accessories, such as eyeglasses and clothing – items which, when worn, virtually become part of the figure’s anatomy. Clearly and concisely written, Anatomy and Perspective will be an important addition to the personal library of anyone interested in drawing the human figure.
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302 reviews for Anatomy and Perspective: The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing
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★★★★★
Mackerel –
The first two sentences of “Anatomy and Perspective: The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing” by Charles Oliver should set expectations straight:
“This book cannot teach you to draw the nude figure. Only constant practice can do that.”
This is not a tutorial book. This is not a handheld guide book. This is not a tracing book. This is a book that can either aide the amateur’s theoretical understanding of the human body or guide the beginner along the process of understanding it. It is not a cheat sheet. It is a reminder that you have to learn and practice; and repeat this process to master any craft.
If you have not already began to think about how light and perspective change, morph, distort, and skew the form of human anatomy, this book will offer methods to do so or at least get you started.
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★★★★★
Giuseppe B. –
Buon libro per chi si avvicina alla rappresentazione della figura umana senza una base scolastica . Il testo, di facile comprensione , fornisce gli elementi basilari per poter approcciarsi alla figura umana
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★★★★★
Roberta Jones –
Great price – impressive book that probably often goes under the radar. Fast shipping too!
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★★★★★
Kevinc6639 –
Bought for my daughter, she wants to learn to draw more. She says it’s very helpful and covers a broad spectrum on sketching
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★★★★★
Anna L. –
La prospettiva interessa ogni disegno ed è una fortuna trovare un testo che affronti lo studio dell’anatomia umana secondo le leggi della prospettiva. Benché forse un po’ datato, il manuale è utile nel suo genere.
Mackerel –
The first two sentences of “Anatomy and Perspective: The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing” by Charles Oliver should set expectations straight:
“This book cannot teach you to draw the nude figure. Only constant practice can do that.”
This is not a tutorial book. This is not a handheld guide book. This is not a tracing book. This is a book that can either aide the amateur’s theoretical understanding of the human body or guide the beginner along the process of understanding it. It is not a cheat sheet. It is a reminder that you have to learn and practice; and repeat this process to master any craft.
If you have not already began to think about how light and perspective change, morph, distort, and skew the form of human anatomy, this book will offer methods to do so or at least get you started.
Giuseppe B. –
Buon libro per chi si avvicina alla rappresentazione della figura umana senza una base scolastica . Il testo, di facile comprensione , fornisce gli elementi basilari per poter approcciarsi alla figura umana
Roberta Jones –
Great price – impressive book that probably often goes under the radar. Fast shipping too!
Kevinc6639 –
Bought for my daughter, she wants to learn to draw more. She says it’s very helpful and covers a broad spectrum on sketching
Anna L. –
La prospettiva interessa ogni disegno ed è una fortuna trovare un testo che affronti lo studio dell’anatomia umana secondo le leggi della prospettiva. Benché forse un po’ datato, il manuale è utile nel suo genere.