Drawing People

November 15, 2003
Teaching the difficult art of portraiture has come a long way since the days when models were often limited to well-muscled white people. Bradley specializes in portraying the clothed figure of all ages, in attire that varies from jeans to togas. The first part discusses proportion, perspective, and value, while the second part considers drawing folds and drapery. The final section offers tips on completing figures, including how to draw faces and hands and special instructions for drawing children. The result is a competent manual by a 25-year veteran of teaching at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. Watson's Life Drawing Class is a rich and dynamic volume on the human form, clothed and unclothed, flabby and buff, indoors and out. Using pencil, charcoal, ink, and watercolor, Watson (Artists Sketchbook) utilizes photographs to complement lessons in balance and proportion, lighting, mood, and composition. These are two fine additions to the field. Large collections can supplement these with more specific works like Chris Saper's Painting Beautiful Skin Tones with Color & Light.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.