Expert drawing instructor and storyboard artist Tom Fox knows exactly how to capture the figure in poses that are both dynamic and true to human anatomy. The book details the central figure-drawing elements and techniques that are essential to every artist of every skill level. From understanding the XYZ axis and basic skeleton, to thinking in 3D space and creating mannequins of all levels of detail, the book deals with everything the reader needs to know before moving on to the figure itself. Tom presents in step-by-step details exactly how to add the muscles and depict truly believable poses.
Every part of the body is presented in detail, with easy-to-follow breakdowns of the torso, arms, and legs, and the often-tricky head, hands, and feet. The author also shares insightful, game-changing anatomy tips, many learned from years of working for major clients in the entertainment industry and teaching others to draw the human figure, both in person and online. This combination of experiences and skills make Tom an outstanding author of this must-have book for artists in all areas of figure drawing.
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GQUENTHEO –
Great! Realmente me ha ayudado mucho a comprender y poder avanzar en aquello que está en mi mente. Gracias por crear este libro
Ellis –
I wasn’t even planning on writing a review but Tom put so much valuable information in this book I had to. The book is much bigger than I expected. I’ve been studying art for about a decade and this is one of the best books I’ve come across on the subject. This book is easy to understand and comprehensive. If you have previous learnings on figure drawing you will pick up on the information on this book rather quickly. He doesn’t go over gesture and has his reasons for it but these same techniques explained in this book can be worked over gesture. I’m pretty sure many future artist will recommend this book and it will become increasingly popular over time and earn a spot as one the best go-to drawing manuals.
Beatriz Alemany Rosales –
Good and helpful. Good quality.
Collins T kortor Jr –
Easy to understand, learn quicker, as someone who likes art with minimal details that show form its perfect, illustrations are amazing(funny ones in there too, but they do not take away from the subject). The anatomy is made simple to grasp. Great book. Thanks, Tom.
Sandra Heraver –
conforme à la description, parfait pour le dessin
Vladyslava –
Excelente livro para quem busca se aprimorar no estudo de anatomia. Recomendo que adquira caso já tenha um conhecimento prévio em desenho e tenha a capacidade de interpretar as técnicas do artista, levar tudo ao pé da letra pode não ser tão efetivo.
Snakker –
Very interesting take on how to learn anatomy and a good idea on how to use this same approach when you basically learn to draw anything from memory in constructive 3D form
It is definitely not a step by step drawing book, but rather a step by step detailed look at how to construct the anatomy and add complexity as you go. Not very straightforward as to “what to do” so some beginners might feel a little lost, but it’s definitely all in there
DB –
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Love it! Great for intermediate artists or beginners who want to learn the forms of the human figure.
MOS –
Awesome resource! Huge impact on my art!
I’ve had this book for about 3 months and spend 15 minutes to an hour drawing from it everyday. It has had a dramatic impact on my drawing!
It is awesome!
The author is clearly is a strong artist, with powerful insight into supporting the learning process. Tom Fox, AKA tomfoxdraws on social media, has developed a powerful approach and course for learning to draw anatomy.
I can also appreciate how it may not meet everyone’s expectations – you may benefit from knowing that it is NOT a book full of highly detailed photographs of anatomy. If that’s what you’re expecting, you may need to adjust your expectations or consider additional resources to meet those needs.
Even if you are looking for a book with details photographs of human anatomy, you may still benefit from
this book. I was a little surprised that it didn’t have photographs of anatomy when I received it, and it took me a while to appreciate the approach.
If another edition of this book is published, readers may benefit from a little more detailed guidance or suggestions on how to enjoy and obtain benefits from this book. It sounds like the author has a strong presence on social media – which I don’t – and I’m curious if tuning into his instagram, TikTok or twitter – may provide some of that guidance.
The short intro does expressers a passion for drawing suggests that investing time in a drawing practice will improve drawing… and be extremely gratifying and result in valuable – and marketable skills.
I started at the beginning, read Tom’s short paragraphs and thoughtfully reproduce the initially simple shapes, that bit by bit, are tuned into more complex forms representing human anatomy. I do a page or two a day, and review earlier sections periodically or as needed.
Initially I tried starting in the middle of the book. I was struggling to draw the mandible from below, so I skipped to the section on the mandible. It took me a little struggling to realize it may be more helpful to start at the start and gradually build my understanding of increasingly complex forms before attempting to jump into something super complex from the start.
That gradual approach has been powerful and fun! Initially It’s not obvious how these exercises are helpful, but I’ve seen huge impact in my drawing – easier to draw more accurate, visually pleasing anatomy, poses and gesture.
It took a little faith, and you too may benefit from starting at the start. Learning is weird and it may not be necessary to understand exactly how we learn in order to learn well. It’s probably enough to seek a teacher that understands the subject and practice practice practice and see what happens.
In summary, Anatomy for Artists; Drawing Form and Pose, by Tom Fox aka tomfoxdraws on socials, is an AMAZING resource from an artist and teacher who stands apart in his ability to support the learning process of drawing.
If another edition of this book is published, some readers would benefit for a little more explicit explication of how to use this resource. Nevertheless, it’s as powerful book and course of study! Thank you tomfoxdraws!
Perhaps in the next edition something like, “there are not many words in this book, but read them all. Start at the start and work gradually towards the back. Reproduce all the illustrations, repeatedly in your sketch book gradually over the course of weeks or months. Check back to previous pages occasionally as needed or periodically for fresh insight as your skills and concepts of anatomy develop. Have faith this will improve your drawing even if you don’t understand why! “
I’m not a master drawing teacher like Tom, but that’s what I’ve been doing and it has been powerful for me! Thanks you Tom!
Noora –
This will comprehensively help anyone master figure drawing- from skeleton to the different groups of muscles- in such a detailed visual explanation that nothing is left unexplained about figure drawing. Its unique simplification of complex anatomy effortlessly makes it accessible to all artists. It emphasizes perspective and dynamic poses toward the accurate likenesses of drawings. It builds up a lot of confidence, strengthening capabilities about depicting humans. It is a must for every figure-drawing hopeful!
Oliver –
This book excels in breaking human anatomy into simple shapes that can be easily applied into 3D. As an artist with an intermediate understanding of anatomy, I found the lessons on foreshortening and framing particularly helpful. If you are a beginner, I recommend starting with “the box mannequin” section and going into specifics from there. However, it’s important to note this book does not have step-by-step instructions and the knowledge shared is dependent on how you utilize it. Overall, I have found this book to be one of the best resources in my collection and I recommend it to anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of the human body.
Vladyslava –
お絵描き初心者には難しい。ポーマニなどで全身を描き写す練習をしていて、なんとなくそれらしいものが描けるようになってから見ないとわからないかも。やはり筋肉だけ、表面だけみても人は描けないから、しんどいけれど本書を真似てからだに叩き込むしかないと思いました。頑張って挑みます、、
DB –
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK TO HAVE AROUND IF YOU ARE AN BEGINNING ARTIST OR ARTIST. IT SHOWS DIFFERENT ANGLES OF THE HEAD AND BODY THAT ARE SOMETIMES HARD TO FIGURE OUT ON YOUR OWN.