The Artist's Complete Guide to Figure Drawing: A Contemporary Perspective on the Classical Tradition

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. When it comes to drawing the human figure, this means letting go of learned ideas and expectations. It means carefully observing the interplay of form and light, shape and line, that combine to create the actual appearance of human form. The book guides artists toward a new way of seeing and drawing the figure with a three-step drawing method, starting with the block-in, progressing to contour, and finishing with tonal work. Separate chapters explore gesture, light, and form, with examples, step-by-steps, and tips. Lavishly illustrated with stunning artwork, it combines solid instruction with meditation on the art of drawing to inspire artists of all levels.