Figure Drawing Methods for Artists

November 1, 2017

This figure drawing how-to guide by Boerboom and Proetel, who also collaborated on Drawing Perspective Methods for Artists, is devoted to sketching the human form in an array of styles, focusing particularly on gestural illustrations that can be created quickly with minimal strokes. Proportions, simple anatomical form, facial expressions, and movement are presented through examples rendered in pencil, charcoal, graphite, ink, and watercolor. Variations of each example are shown accompanied by short, simple text explanations of techniques. Readers will find lots of inventive approaches such as drawing mummy-like figures entirely out of looped lines to reveal contour, the authors stressing process, exploration, and enjoyment over finished product. VERDICT A useful tool to loosen up experienced artists and helpful to beginners as well.

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