This classic 1977 book (paperback edition, ©2000), whose foremost author was one of the great artistic anatomy teachers of the twentieth century, is an invaluable instructor and reference guide for any professional, amateur, or student artist who depicts the human form.
Revealing the drawing principles behind one hundred inspiring masterpieces, the book presents work by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rubens, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, and other greats. These superb portrayers of figures knew that the secret of drawing them was seeing how underlying bone and muscle structures mold the body’s surface forms. Readers are shown how to learn from these great examples as the authors guide them through all the steps they would take in a life class or studio working with live models.
Demonstrates a three-step drawing method exploring outline, contour, and the capture of light, volume, and mass. Many of us want to learn ”how to draw“; but as artist Anthony Ryder explains, it‘s much more important to learn what to draw. In other words, to observe and draw what we actually see, rather than what we think we see.
Anatomy for the Artist by Sarah Simblet, with photographs by John Davis, is a valuable resource for students and teachers of fine art drawing. It bridges the gap between anatomical knowledge and artistic representation, particularly enhancing the understanding of gesture and movement in drawing the nude figure.
Comprehensive Anatomical Detail
The book provides an in-depth look at human anatomy, which is crucial for any artist specializing in figure drawing. Detailed illustrations and explanations cover muscle structure, bone structure, and the nuances of different body parts.
Artistic Interpretation
Simblet’s approach goes beyond mere anatomical study; she delves into the artistic representation of the human form. Emphasizes capturing the essence and grace of the human body, not just its physical structure.
Photographic Content
John Davis’s photographs complement Simblet’s illustrations, providing real-life references. These high-quality photographs show the human body in various poses and actions, not only instructively but also inspirationally.
Gesture and Movement
Special attention is given to conveying gesture and movement in drawings, which is critical for bringing life to figure drawings. The book guides readers through translating the dynamism of the human form onto paper, a vital skill for accurately capturing the nude model.
Teaching Resource
This book is ideal as a reference book for students learning to draw from the nude model. It helps students understand the underlying structure of the body, improving their ability to render realistic and dynamic poses.
An excellent companion for live model sessions, this excellent book provides a deeper understanding of what lies beneath the skin. Students can use the book to reference specific anatomical details they observe in live models, enhancing their learning experience.
