ART RESOURCES

Figure Drawing Design and Invention by Michael Hampton

This highly-acclaimed book has a very structural and conceptual approach to drawing. True to its goal, it provides the reader with a conceptual framework of how to construct the body from memory and imagination. When coupled with practice on drawing from observation, information from this book will give you a well-rounded approach to drawing the human figure.

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The Vilppu Drawing Manual by Glenn Vilppu

This book begins with very simple ideas like the sphere, cubes, and cylinders and shows how the human figure can be built up using these simple shapes. It has a very gestural approach, but it provides enough instruction on the structural approach to figure drawing. It also provides important tips on how to depict realistic human anatomy and how to shade drawings with direct and indirect lighting. Proportion and perspective are also given a light treatment.

For me, this book is a goldmine of drawing knowledge and inspiration. The great amount of examples will both instruct and inspire any art student to pick up a pen (or pencil) and start making marks on paper. I highly recommend getting this book even if you have to steal it.

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Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist by Stephen Rogers Peck

There are so many anatomy books out there but a lot of them can be overwhelming for the beginner who only wants to know a few bones and muscles here and there. This old book provides just the right balance of information on the anatomy and structure of the human body. The hand-drawn notes are especially helpful in giving the reader visual ideas on how to think about the body’s construction.

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See It, Feel It, Trace It, Draw It by Sheldon Borenstein

This is a short book that provides a sort of cheat code to drawing the human figure. It’s helpful when you simply want a cursory look into the process of drawing the human body or when you’re reviewing concepts you’ve forgotten. It’s not very helpful, however, when you want more information on anatomy.