This is no ordinary book about drawing portraits, this is a book that may change your life and identity – transforming you into a dedicated artist who draws with passion and skill. Whether you’re a beginner or already an accomplished artist, The Art of Portraiture takes you on a journey of discovery about what it takes to capture the essence of a person with just graphite and patience.
Author and expert teacher Stephen Bauman offers a synthesis of the best lessons he has learned in his career as a student, as well as the most efficient exercises he’s developed as an artist and teacher. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, a touch of self-discovery, and a whole lot of drawing, then you’re in the right place. This book is Stephen’s earnest attempt to share what he’s learned (often the hard way) about drawing portraits. Spoiler alert: There were plenty of awkward attempts, eraser battles, and moments where his ‘likenesses’ were more cartoon than human. But isn’t that the point of learning – to embrace the stumbles and celebrate the breakthroughs?
There are chapters answering questions such as ‘What makes a drawing work?’ followed by practical tutorials on specific techniques, including Value Mapping and Form Visualization, all accompanied by incredible illustrative examples and steps. Ultimately readers can reflect on the transformation they have achieved throughout the book and focus on their continuous growth and improvement. This is a wonderfully deep dive into the messy, marvellous, and occasionally magical world of portrait drawing.
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92 reviews for The Art of Portraiture: A practical guide to better drawing with Stephen Bauman
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Original price was: $28.00.$22.71Current price is: $22.71.
Jollyfolks –
I have followed Stephen Bauman for a few years. I love his sensitive and beautifully rendered drawings that obviously show deep structural knowledge, as well as a connection with the person being rendered. He has a ton of free and paid content on line. You can go from no knowledge to mastery following his teachings. As well practice, practice, practice plus in person schooling if you can. So excited to have his drawing, charts, explanations, philosophy all in this large format book. Amazing examples of step by step rendering and stunning finished portraits. Even the paper it is printed on feels nicely weighted and well though out. This book really compliments my home study and current Atelier training in Austin, TX. Although it would be great – you don’t have to travel to Florence, Paris or New York to access classical knowledge by a great teacher.
Mark Culley –
J’avais précommandé The Art of Portraiture de Stephen Bauman, et je ne suis vraiment pas déçue ! Le livre est magnifique, à la fois riche en contenu et très bien illustré. Il couvre tous les aspects du portrait, du dessin à la peinture, avec des explications claires et approfondies. C’est un guide complet qui permet vraiment de progresser dans l’art du portrait. Un must-have pour les artistes, quel que soit leur niveau !
Jollyfolks –
Great book with beautiful artwork. Lots of good information.
michael McAuley –
It’s incredible! It’s like the textbook you need as an accompaniment to his patreon courses! This book does not disappoint with its in-depth explanations on classical art training. Well organized information. Stephen is a real big-leaguer and he shares his knowledge with the rest of us! If you ever wished you could study at an atelier, if you truly geek-out on academic art, this book will not let you down.
Amazon Customer –
The book is full of real information and insight as to how and why. Just the reading is very helpful. I would expect nothing less from Stephen Bauman.
Marisa Grasso –
Thoughtfully written and organized. 100% focused on graphite so if you prefer charcoal these tips aren’t totally transferable but the core understanding is. Recommended 👍
Lucie –
muito util e bem elaborado, excelente referência para anatomia da cabeça!
Craig Hawkins –
Beautiful art book. I love the design and the way the chapters are laid out.
Wednesday. –
I have many books on portraiture , some ok , some very good but this book is by far and away the best , can’t recommend it highly enough, very pleased with this purchase. Worth every penny !
JAP –
It’s a great book to broaden one’s perspective of drawing, and through the eyes of an incredible portrait draftsman.
S. Silverman –
I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their drawing skills. A great book.
A. Coffey –
Excellent resource for portrait drawing. The drawing examples are beautiful and clearly explain the structure and planes of the face.
EDSONX –
Stephen Baumann is an exceptional teacher who possesses a great deal of skill. He provides details of three methods to approach portraits all of which are useful and give great results all with a slightly different feel. The books are greatly augmented with his free content on YouTube and his Patreon material would (I imagine – as I’m not a subscriber) be even better. Highly recommend for anyone looking to up their game.