The Fundamentals Of Figure Drawing

The ability to draw the human form accurately and competently is a primary goal for many aspiring artists, despite the current trend in the art establishment away from figurative subjects. The book is intended for anyone who wants to discover every aspect of what for centuries was regarded as the real test of an artist's mettle. Renowned teacher and artist Barrington Barber begins his exploration with anatomy, an understanding which is vital if the artist is to handle form and translate what he sees into a believable representation of life. He goes on to look at the whole figure: clothed, drawn from life, in action and in detail. Supported by sections on composition, styles and a step-by-step guide to a final composition, he has once again achieved a brilliantly inspirational art book. Comprehensive, easy to follow and packed with over 300 of Barrington Barber's illustrations, The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing is a must for artists of all abilities.

Of all the genres in art, figure drawing is the oldest. From the figures painted on the walls of ancient caves to modern-day representations of everyday people, artists have always sought to perfect their depictions of family, friends, and others around them. In Drawing Figures, teacher and artist Barrington Barber begins his exploration of this area of art with anatomy and encompasses all aspects of figure drawing, showing you how to make the best of your talents. • Includes information on materials, techniques, and styles • Reviews the human figure in detail • Teaches you how to draw the whole figure, clothed and unclothed • Contains step-by-step drawings and exercises to practise

DIVClearly and concisely written book covers two subjects seldom treated thoroughly in the same volume. Demonstrations of figure drawing include the use of such simple forms as the cube, cylinder, and sphere. 96 black-and-white figures. /div

This internationally bestselling guide covers essential drawing techniques, written by expert practical art author Barrington Barber. The Fundamentals of Drawing is a practical and comprehensive drawing course from beginner to advanced levels. Opportunities for practice and improvement are offered across a wide spectrum of subjects with step-by-step examples to guide you through. Subjects include: • Still life • Plants, nature and animals • Portraiture and life drawing • Perspective and composition The methods used in this book are time-honored and proven, having been practiced through the centuries by art students and professional artists. Barrington Barber brings his invaluable expertise as a working artist and teacher to the task of showing you how to use them effectively to create successful drawings. No matter what your level of expertise, you will find his clear approach encouraging and his way of teaching inspirational.

Throughout the history of art, figure drawing has been regarded as the very foundation of an artist’s education and the center of the art-making process. Bill Buchman’s Expressive Figure Drawing presents the classic fundamentals of this genre, but with a distinctly contemporary twist—celebrating freedom, expressiveness, and creativity. This unique method incorporates more than 30 essential exercises, empowering you to draw the figure dramatically and with confidence, no matter your current level of skill. Filled with step-by-step demonstrations, inspiring images, and insightful text revealing a wide range of techniques and concepts, this book presents new ways to think about the figure and use your materials to free the artist within.

INTRODUCTION In my first book, The Art & Science of Drawing, I teach the fundamental skills required to draw. In this book, I teach how to apply those skills to figure drawing. Figure drawing is one the most challenging but fulfilling drawing practices you can undertake. Drawing the human body puts you in touch with the deepest parts of humanity. A successful figure drawing requires you to understand the body as a functional machine and to be captivated by the body’s intense beauty and expressive nature. I fell in love with figure drawing in my teens and have made it an absolute priority in my life. However, learning how to do it was not a straightforward path. It seems there are an infinite number of approaches to figure drawing, many of which contradict one another. I tried out every method I encountered as I struggled to master the craft. Over the years, I realized there were tried-and-true fundamentals that many of the masters agree upon and use in their own practice. But there also seemed to be significant gaps in the canon of figure drawing tools and techniques. There seemed to be many unanswered questions. So, in addition to learning from others, I began exploring and experimenting with new methods of my own. This book is my best attempt at providing you, dear reader, with a straightforward approach to the fundamentals of figure drawing that is both logical and lyrical. This is the book I wish I had found when I was learning. It contains many tried-and-true methods that have been refined over centuries. It also contains methods of my own design that, if they exist elsewhere, I am not aware of. In this book, I present a complete process for learning the fundamentals of figure drawing. No single book can contain the entirety of knowledge you will need to master the craft of figure drawing, but this book provides the essential, foundational skills and strategies you will need to develop competence. Once you have learned the skills in this book, you will be able to build upon them until you reach mastery.

Life Drawing for Artists teaches a contemporary approach to figure drawing that includes both the familiar poses—standing, sitting, lying down—but also how to capture figures in movement and in more dynamic and engaging positions. Author Chris Legaspi is a dedicated, life-long artist and admired instructor who is known for his dynamic figurative drawings and paintings, and as a successful illustrator in the entertainment industry. Whether you are an aspiring illustrator, art student, or a professional artist looking to develop your abilities, Life Drawing for Artists shows how to build your skills by combining fundamental building blocks, such as gesture lines, shape and design, structure, value control, and edge or line control. You'll focus on different skills while working on both quick timed drawings and longer detailed drawings. The book covers important topics, such as drawing different views, understanding perspective, foreshortening strategies, and how to deal with various lighting conditions. The examples and tutorials explore virtually every pose scenario, as well as many active and dynamic movements. Breathe drama into your figures as you master the fundamentals with this fresh approach to life drawing. The For Artists series expertly guides and instructs artists at all skill levels who want to develop their classical drawing and painting skills and create realistic and representational art.