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Hmnnn ok I guess I have no trouble drawing what I see, my problem is drawing what I can't see. I'm a science major, but not the science of anatomy, so I would like to become intimate enough with anatomy to do things much like your drawing of the human male knee/leg. Where you're able to see within it, as well as outside of it. So I can stop trying to be a perfectionist (especially when drawing from life, it's easy just to sit there with a photo and 'copy' the photo, in real life people are all twitchy!).

• Jenő Barcsay

I have only taken one art class, and the guy who taught it (no names:/) was very very post post modern, and didn't want us drawing anything that resembled an actual person. SooOoo yeah, I guess I want something that's easy to understand, flows really well, and that helps me get past trying to 'copy' the person and allows me to draw the innards and outards of their form. Make any sense? Cypherx, Makes perfect sense!:) 2 books I would recommend: 'Vilppu Drawing Manual' (by Glenn Vilppu - (self-published) About Drawing in a methodical, simplified, but beautiful way. 'Anatomy Lessons From The Great Masters' (by Robert Beverly Hale and Terence Coyle - Watson Guptill, publisher Lots of master drawings, which are great to copy.

Best way to learn, imo. See Erich / El Chief's Anatomy Thread he is doing copies from this book.

Hope this helps.:) Cheers, Rebeccak. Hi Rebecca, this is my first post in these forums (cgtalk).

I followed and now admire your intense activity in teaching and giving feedback to people here. I am just a programmer and drawing for me is a hobby. I took a look on the links to the books you posted and I want to buy one. Can you recommend one for me please? Thanks a lot.

Adiere, Just saw your post.:) I validated it this morning, guess it takes a while to appear.:) At any rate, welcome to the forums, and thanks for the support! I am thrilled that you have found the forums useful, and hope that you will post your work here.:) I would say that if you are a beginner, to try Betty Edwards' classic work, The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (Also be sure to check out this Anatomy Forum list of links for Beginners: (for Beginners: (I recommend most the Beginner's Lounge and the Drawing On The Right Side of the Brain Workshop both of these threads you are welcome to join at any time.

Cheers,:) Rebeccak. Has anybody ever looked at 'Anatomy for the Artist' by Sarah Simblet? I bought the book, and it has been interesting for me to go through. I call it 'mah big book o' nekkid peoples'.

Muah haha!:P At ay rate, here's a link but I would like to hear some feedback from anyone who would like to comment on it. I think it looks pretty good, but being fairly inexperienced at drawing figure anatomy, perhaps someone has a more educated opinion than myself? ANATOMY FOR THE ARTIST (by Sarah Simblet Much appreciated, Meredith. Meredith, I just recently purchased that book, and I have to say that the photographs are beautiful.

I have not read through it yet, however, and would be unable to comment on any of the instructional drawing material there. The book seems mostly a showcase of the photographs, which are certainly worth the money the models are flawless muscular specimens shot in beautiful black and white by an expert photographer in that way, the book seems more like a coffee table photography book than a drawing book, but I'm only judging it as such from the pictures, not the text. I think it's worth having a variety of books, but I would recommend other books for purely instructional purposes or Anatomical breakdowns.

Cheers,:) Rebeccak. Excellent book design and great pics Sarah's work is exceptional copy and instruction is very average but still a worth while book to own I also have her other book 'Sketchbook For The Artist' same story there really great drawings hers and many others great survey of styles and techniques with wonderful examples but not much content in terms of actual HOW TOs and do like both books and would put they on a recommend list. BTW it should be no surprise that I own just about everything out there so feel free to ask! :eek: I'm going to spend a lot of money today:D Currently working out which books to buy here's my 'definite' list so far: Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing from Life: Over 1,000 Illustrations - George Bridgman; Dynamic Anatomy-Burne Hogarth Force:the Key to Capturing Life Through Drawing: -Michael Mattesi Here's some others I want, but may not be able to afford to add the the list: Drawing Dynamic Hands-Burne Hogarth Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters - Robert Beverly What do you think? Any here not worth buying? Or any that a more worth buying then some that maybe arn't as good? Enialadam, Here are the books which I recommend getting in addition to what you are currently purchasing if you can: 'Artistic Anatomy' (by Dr.

Paul Richer - Watson Guptill, publisher 'Dynamic Anatomy' (by Burne Hogarth - Watson Guptill, publisher 'Vilppu Drawing Manual' (by Glenn Vilppu - (self-published) Describes how to break down form simply. Definitely worth getting. Master Draughtsman Series of Paperback Books: (You don't have to buy them all, but I recommend getting the ones on Michelangelo, Rubens, Harry Carmean (Great books because they are cheap, light, and great for copying from, as you will not be concerned about destroying the book they are really instructional devices, more than anything else. I don't know about this one: Force:the Key to Capturing Life Through Drawing: -Michael Mattesi (I've not heard of it, but it certainly doesn't mean it's not good). Cheers,:) Rebeccak. Hi Rebecca I have been following your artistic and anatomy thread for quite some time and since the time I have joined this forum I have been a very big fan of your hardwork and mainly your artistic skils.

I have been drawing for past few months due to the lack of knowledge I have not been able to improve upon my drawing skills especially getting the contours ( human body or any organic form). I have selected a few books from the list u have recomended. Atlas of Human Anatomy For artist (Stephen Rogers) Albinus on Anatomy The New Drawing on the right side of Brain Are these fine for a beginner if not please recommend any other books so that I can improve my figure drawing skills. I am finding it difficult to select books after I have looked into their reviews. And sorry for that long piece of text. Thanks a lot BYE. Originally posted by akumar: I have selected a few books from the list u have recomended.

Atlas of Human Anatomy For artist (Stephen Rogers) Albinus on Anatomy The New Drawing on the right side of Brain Are these fine for a beginner if not please recommend any other books so that I can improve my figure drawing skills. I am finding it difficult to select books after I have looked into their reviews.

Akumar, thank you for the compliments!:) I hope that you will post your work sometime soon to the Anatomy Forum.:) Regarding books, I think that the following list might be better for a beginner: The New Drawing on the right side of Brain Great exercises for the very beginner in drawing 'Vilppu Drawing Manual', by Glenn Vilppu - (self-published) Breaks down form into simple shapes and describes well how to put them back together 'Artistic Anatomy', by Dr. Paul Richer - Watson Guptill, publisher A classic text with clear Anatomical plates (drawings) (perhaps) 'Dynamic Anatomy' by Burne Hogarth Great reference and artist to copy, though I would not recommend drawing in his style ultimately There are many resources here for beginners!: Beginners' Lounge (Resources for Beginners (Hope this helps!:) Cheers, Rebeccak. How about Andrew Loomis books? No one mentioned them here (Atleast I didnt see them). Is there any reason? Or just that they are not up the snuff? I have downloaded all of them and am thinking of following them.

What do you advice? And how do you think this book is? 'Figure drawing without a model' And last but not least, are there anybooks that would help me learn quick gesture drawing? I am a character animator, and although drawing is something i like to do, most of it is used for quick studies in pose and gesture for animation. And usually its exaggerated and cartoony. Are there anybooks that would help me in this line and also with gesture drawing in public? Originally posted by djnaneswar: No one mentioned them here (Atleast I didnt see them).

Is there any reason? Or just that they are not up the snuff? I have downloaded all of them and am thinking of following them. What do you advice? Hi there,:) Loomis is actually mentioned with great frequency on this forum. Someone who has done some incredible Loomis studies and whose thread you should check out is Lyneran: Anatomy Thread of Lyneran (And how do you think this book is? 'Figure drawing without a model' I don't have this book nor have I seen it personally, but it seems to have a good rating on amazon.com (:) And last but not least, are there anybooks that would help me learn quick gesture drawing?

I am a character animator, and although drawing is something i like to do, most of it is used for quick studies in pose and gesture for animation. And usually its exaggerated and cartoony. Are there anybooks that would help me in this line and also with gesture drawing in public?

The established industry drawing for animators master instructor is Glenn Vilppu, whose work you should familiarize yourself with.:) Check out his 'Drawing Manual' and his dvds. Additionally, razz has done a number of lovely Vilppu studies on his Anatomy Thread: Anatomy Thread of razz (Definitely check it out, you can also ask razz how he likes Vilppu's work.:) Cheers, Rebeccak. Hello, for an in-depth look at anatomy, I'd like to recommend the two volumes of the 'Sobotta Atlas of Human Anatomy'.

These are medical student books, but every page is a full colour plate. Being academic books they are pretty hefty, money-wise - each volume cost me £60 - but I've found them to be worth it. Because they are geared towards medicine, many of the plates have no direct relevance to form - internal systems, blood vessels, nerves etc. But I've found that stuff interesting nonetheless. Caution: Don't blind buy online, flick through first. Hello, i just want a quick opinion. I am looking for an anatomy reference book and my friend has offered me his Atlas of (Anatomy for the Artist by Stephen Rogers Peck (since this is my first time trying to buy a book, and i don't have a lot of money, i really want to know if this book is worth it?

(he's selling it at around 22.59 US$, converted.) thanks for any input.:). Hello, i just want a quick opinion.

I am looking for an anatomy reference book and my friend has offered me his Atlas of (Anatomy for the Artist by Stephen Rogers Peck (since this is my first time trying to buy a book, and i don't have a lot of money, i really want to know if this book is worth it? (he's selling it at around 22.59 US$, converted.) thanks for any input.:) I heard this is an excellent book for beginners.

I borrowed Drawing Human Anatomy (by Giovanni Civardi from our library and i think it's a pretty good reference book. Begins with the head and some facial expressions and explains every muscle from top to bottom, with drawings of the human figure at the same time. Thinking of buying an anatomy book, because i think it's a great investment, and will never expire. Any suggestions on which to buy?

I'm between the above and the Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist, which i read is a classic. Hello people of the Anatomy forums! I have recently decided to dwell deeply into the realms of traditional drawing and anatomy studies now that I have still 5 months before I begin my 3D program in modelling and animation. Now, i'm not a true beginner per se, I have had some practice with drawing but nothing very extensive. With that in mind, I thought of buying some instructional books to help my understanding of drawing and a couple of them have sprung to my mind: - Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters - Artistic Anatomy by Paul Richer - Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters.

I also thought of Burne Hogarth's book but it seems like his proportions and shapes are a little bit altered from reality, are they not? In any case, which books do you recommend? And if possible, in what order? (I'm one who likes to finish something first and then moving on to the next). Thanks in advance! Hello people of the Anatomy forums!

I have recently decided to dwell deeply into the realms of traditional drawing and anatomy studies now that I have still 5 months before I begin my 3D program in modelling and animation. Now, i'm not a true beginner per se, I have had some practice with drawing but nothing very extensive. With that in mind, I thought of buying some instructional books to help my understanding of drawing and a couple of them have sprung to my mind: - Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters - Artistic Anatomy by Paul Richer - Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters. I also thought of Burne Hogarth's book but it seems like his proportions and shapes are a little bit altered from reality, are they not? In any case, which books do you recommend?

And if possible, in what order? (I'm one who likes to finish something first and then moving on to the next). Thanks in advance! Hi there, any of these books are fine. I think Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters is a great one to start with but you will be fine starting with any of these.

I might also recommend Glenn Vilppu's Drawing Manual. The book looks interesting, but the model form freedom of teach it's a bit expensive. And i was thinking more about this book: 'Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist' (by Stephen Rogers Peck is it good for me?It's a good book, and I would recommend it. That being said, you will eventually need several anatomy books, as no one book can offer.everything.

That said, I think Peck's book is a good starting point. As for free resources, check out Bridgman online: Also Google Gray's Anatomy, there's an online version of just images as well, as well as just tons of online resources (regarding anatomy. Hi all, I have been studying anatomy from a few books (mostly Bridgman, Richer and Peck, coupled with Vanderpoel) and now I am looking for a good book which help me see the origin of each individual relevant muscle and their insertion. I've found that Bridgman's sketches, though illuminating in some other aspects, are not very helpful with this. And it is hard to understand the origin/insertion of each important muscles in Peck and Richer, because they usually appear together with the neighbouring, and often interlaced, muscles. Would you guys recommend any particular book?

I can think of three books, and would like to hear what you could say about them: One is Eliot Goldfinger's Human Anatomy for Artist's. I know it shows each individual muscle separately, and in great detail, but my feeling is that it also shows too many muscles that are not that relevant when depicting the human figure, and this overload of information sometimes not so relevant information may prove convincing.

The other one is Valerie Winslow's recent Classic Human Anatomy. I haven't been able to look at it, but would be glad to hear people's opinion about it. The last one is 'Albinus on Anatomy', edited by Robert B. Hale and Terence Coyle.

Would you say this book is particularly helpful for what I am looking for? I haven't been able to take a look at it either- I was able to read Hale's foreword to it on Amazon, though, and it sounds promising. Do the plates/descriptions/explanations that follow live up to this promise? Thanks very much! I hope this is an appropriate thread to mention my new book: The Art Model’s Handbook: The Naked Truth about Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists. Figure drawing is a collaborative exercise.

The model can better serve artists by understanding why they draw the human figure and what constitutes and interesting pose. Artists and instructors can have a more productive session by understanding the model's perspective and the standard protocols for working with models. Art Books Reviews senior editor Eileen Morey gives the book 5-stars: “This book is 141 pages of to-the-point information. There’s no fluff, and the author is knowledgeable, experienced, and addresses issues on both sides of the canvas (or sketchpad) If there’s anything missing from this book — from either the model or artist’s standpoint — I can’t see it. And, I’m speaking as a third-generation artist who worked as an artist’s model during her college years.” Only $16.95 on Amazon.com. More reviews, table of contents, and ordering information can be found at http://www.artmodelbook.com/index.htm.

Hi all, I have been studying anatomy from a few books (mostly Bridgman, Richer and Peck, coupled with Vanderpoel) and now I am looking for a good book which help me see the origin of each individual relevant muscle and their insertion. I've found that Bridgman's sketches, though illuminating in some other aspects, are not very helpful with this.

And it is hard to understand the origin/insertion of each important muscles in Peck and Richer, because they usually appear together with the neighbouring, and often interlaced, muscles. Would you guys recommend any particular book?

I can think of three books, and would like to hear what you could say about them: One is Eliot Goldfinger's Human Anatomy for Artist's. I know it shows each individual muscle separately, and in great detail, but my feeling is that it also shows too many muscles that are not that relevant when depicting the human figure, and this overload of information sometimes not so relevant information may prove convincing. The other one is Valerie Winslow's recent Classic Human Anatomy.

I haven't been able to look at it, but would be glad to hear people's opinion about it. The last one is 'Albinus on Anatomy', edited by Robert B. Hale and Terence Coyle. Would you say this book is particularly helpful for what I am looking for? I haven't been able to take a look at it either- I was able to read Hale's foreword to it on Amazon, though, and it sounds promising.

Do the plates/descriptions/explanations that follow live up to this promise? Thanks very much! Brenno Bridgman's books are more for conceptualizing mass and form. (All links below are to some pictures of the books on my blog.) Goldfinger's Human Anatomy for Artist (is a comprehensive anatomy reference book. It shows lots of individual parts in drawings and accompanying photos. What's lacking might be whole figure illustrations. Classic Human Anatomy (by Valarie Winslow is pretty good.

It shows the essentials that contribute to surface form. For the price, it's well worth the money. Another reference book you want to check out should be Human Anatomy for Artists (by Andras Szunyoghy. Very big and detailed illustrations. I can't say about Albinus on Anatomy because I don't have that book yet. But I've seen a few pictures before and they look great. Ok seriously, isnt there some easier book to get started with?

I've got 5 of the books recommended here, all of which got high reviews everywhere I looked. But none of these actually feel like they're really for beginners ( even though some reviews say otherwise ).

Isnt there some book out there that covers a few general things to help you slowly get started on the topic of anatomy rather than covering you in a huge pile of technical terms and details from the start? Because personally I dont feel like any of the books I read are really accessible to the average artist. Hi all, I have been studying anatomy from a few books (mostly Bridgman, Richer and Peck, coupled with Vanderpoel) and now I am looking for a good book which help me see the origin of each individual relevant muscle and their insertion. I've found that Bridgman's sketches, though illuminating in some other aspects, are not very helpful with this. And it is hard to understand the origin/insertion of each important muscles in Peck and Richer, because they usually appear together with the neighbouring, and often interlaced, muscles.

Would you guys recommend any particular book? I can think of three books, and would like to hear what you could say about them: One is Eliot Goldfinger's Human Anatomy for Artist's. I know it shows each individual muscle separately, and in great detail, but my feeling is that it also shows too many muscles that are not that relevant when depicting the human figure, and this overload of information sometimes not so relevant information may prove convincing. Yes, you are wrong. First of all, he shows not all muscles, but only key important ones. He skips some deep muscles which Barchai for example lists. Still I believe Elliot does a better job, as Barchai lists some redundant which do not affect the outer form.

Jenő Barcsay

And yes, you need to learn them all, which Goldfinger lists, if you want to draw/model well. Anatomy courses in our academy of arts take 2 years, one year for bones and the other one for muscles. Sure you can learn it faster as in academy they also learn 10 other courses. So you can memorize all those muscles in several months of learning.

I chose 3 books, which serve me well: Bammes, Goldfinger and Barchai (Barchai just because it's in Russian and I kind of got used to it as used it from the school). I believe Bammes old prints (1982) and Goldfinger's 'human anatomy for artist: the elements of form' are two serious sources for those who are at the level of studying anatomy thoroughly. When I started, I liked form figure drawing books, but then you realize until you learn all the bones and muscles origin and insertion you won't get far.

Still, I believe there's no ideal book, and each person may like different one. Bridgman's books are more for conceptualizing mass and form. (All links below are to some pictures of the books on my blog.) Goldfinger's Human Anatomy for Artist (is a comprehensive anatomy reference book. It shows lots of individual parts in drawings and accompanying photos. What's lacking might be whole figure illustrations.

Classic Human Anatomy (by Valarie Winslow is pretty good. It shows the essentials that contribute to surface form. For the price, it's well worth the money. Another reference book you want to check out should be Human Anatomy for Artists (by Andras Szunyoghy.

Very big and detailed illustrations. I can't say about Albinus on Anatomy because I don't have that book yet. But I've seen a few pictures before and they look great. I have to second your opinion on Classic Human Anatomy (by Valarie Winslow I have this book and it is really really good.

I can't stress that enough. It goes through the skull, torso, arms, hands, legs, and feet picking out the bones as well as showing its structure in front, back and side view in skeletal and muscular forms. I didn't see that anyone had posted this, so I thought I would mention that if you are doing Figure Drawing, the book Figure Drawing: Design and Invention by Michael Hampton ((is an excellent resource, works like a class, and is much used by many in the illustration/concept art industry. It goes into gesture drawing and drawing the figure and is also works through analytical figure drawing which deals with the actual breakdown of anatomy within the figure. I have also found the Force series by Mike Mattesi ((a great resource for animating and concept art, though the style is admittedly looser and less anatomical.