Reddit reviews Anatomy for the Artist

...and your point is?

Almost all illustrators, and artist use reference material. Hell, there are books published that comprised entirely posed photographic reference for artists. And these have been in print for years.

The Fairburn system

The one that I used while at college.

Please bear in mind, that the fundamental skills of good drawing are universal and when you learn a consistent approach in how to draw the human form well, it doesn't matter what the size, shape, or skin colour of your model is. That's one of the reassuring things about human anatomy: despite differences between individuals, you can learn to find consistencies in structure that will always be there.

Having said that, allow me to share with you my 3 favourite life drawing books, each of which include references for models of various ethnicities.

A book you definitely want to check out is Sarah Simblet's "Anatomy for the Artist" Her drawings are immaculate, but what I really like is that the photos are if equally high quality.

Another example of high quality work is Henry Yan's Figure Drawing Techniques and Tips. These images will blow your mind, he has total mastery of charcoal. This book includes a good range of young and old models, male and female, white, black, and asian.

You might also like Michael Hampton's "Figure Drawing: Design and Invention. Probably the best book I know for showing a progressive approach to skill building using geometry and the best examples of gesture drawings.

Even though I'm white, I share your frustration. I'm always trying to find resources for drawing different ethnicities and find that they are lacking. The books I've recommended are the best I've found yet.

You'd have to toss in a little more money but this book is amazing. They have it listed for $27.19, but it is worth it. Now it is anatomy, but if you apply that with some exaggerated elements you have it knocked out.

http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Artist-Sarah-Simblet/dp/078948045X something like this?

A book called anatomy for the artist

http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Artist-Sarah-Simblet/dp/078948045X

I had it at my college library and it was pretty good.

You do not need a textbook for a drawing course the only text i would even consider would be Anatomy for the Artist but be aware that there are many nudes in this text. Typically i will photocopy important pages from this text that are safe for school and create packets for my students. meaning you would only need to purchase 1 copy of this book and be golden. As far as materials for a typical into to drawing course you would need:

multiple sets of drawing pencils. 4h, 2h, hb, 2b, 4b, 6b and i prefer prismacolor's Ebony jet black pencils.
Compressed and vine charcoal (you could also go with charcoal pencils)
Kneaded Erasers
Gum Erasers
India ink (you can buy this in large bottles which last quite a while)
Cheap watercolor sets
18x24 drawing paper with decent weight (i go through 1 ream a year with my classes)
11x14 watercolor paper (cheap canson pads can be purchased at walmart)
18x24 Newsprint

The teacher will also surely need a paper cutter if they do not have on already and perhaps drawing boards (a class set) if they intend on doing any drawings on site.

Get in touch with Sax or Blick art supply companies and shop around for good pricing.

Hope this helps

Anatomy for the Artist by Sarah Simblet. Helps you better understand how the body is constructed = better drawings

http://www.amazon.ca/Anatomy-Artist-Sarah-Simblet/dp/078948045X

anatomy for the artist

Good anatomy book:

http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Artist-Sarah-Simblet/dp/078948045X/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259882877&sr=1-8

There are trace-paper overlays within this book so you can see where all the bones line up in the body and there are interesting poses and tips. One of the best anatomy books I've ever gotten.

I think I remember that... not sure if this is the book he's talking about but this is literally the illustrators bible:
http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Artist-Sarah-Simblet/dp/078948045X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452621275&sr=8-1&keywords=anatomy+for+the+artist

they make anatomy text books specifically for artists, google turned this up. I guess artistically you would probably mostly care about bone and muscle structures.

This one? https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Artist-Sarah-Simblet/dp/078948045X/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=25L7VOL20RQ3B&keywords=anatomy+for+the+artist&qid=1558800534&s=gateway&sprefix=anatomy+for+th%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Buy this book (or illegally download it)

http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Artist-Sarah-Simblet/dp/078948045X

So I think the previous commenters were right in telling you to use softer lines. When you keep line art in a piece you have to be rather conscientious about your line weight and where you place lines. Lines are a representation of light value.

If you’re not trying to make a character scowl it’s best not to put lines between the eye brows unless they have a prominent wrinkle there. Perhaps if it’s a slight wrinkle a lighter line would do or it could be softly painted in.

Under the nose suffers from the line weight as well it makes it appear like it may be a scar. This philtrum May have been better demarcated with paint or lighter lines.

Your drawing is extremely symmetrical giving it a stiff appearance. Almost like you drew one half and then folded it down the middle to make a carbon copy. This is especially apparent in the bridge of the nose. Average people have slight asymmetry in their face. Little imperfections make a portrait piece great vs good.

Lastly the bone structure is slightly askew. The character being an elf this may be intentional but I would strongly advise more anatomical practice. The orbital vaults in the skull typically don’t extend that far down into the maxilla. The collar bones are also askew and extremely symmetrical.

I think you’d benefit greatly from studying more anatomy, there are TONS of online resources but if you want something tangible this is a good book for like half the price I got it for 🤣

Anatomy for the Artist https://www.amazon.com/dp/078948045X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_W26hDbCFHD828

All in all it’s a good render. The color is where it shines the most. Just keep drawing and you’ll get better and better 👍 Keep up the good work

Feel free to DM me if you want to talk about it.

i think the best is Hogarth's Dynamic Anatomy. i think this because it has a breakdown of anatomical landmarks, using other anatomical landmarks as the reference point. i think anyone should study and memorize these landmarks first.

after that its really down to personal preference.

Anatomy for the Artist is good because it uses photographs.

Anatomy for Artists uses a similar idea behind Hogarth's, except your own body is used more. using yourself as a reference point. this is a newer book. i liked it, it was a very straight forward, 'bare bones' approach. good for beginners.

there are dozens of 'Anatomy for Artists' books. Hogarth's is the classic though. all Hogarth books are great. a lot of younger readers will discard them because they are old and look old. but the information is very strong, and straightforward. the drawings may seem odd, but they are designed in a way to make each individual muscle stand out.

Good book here: http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Artist-Sarah-Simblet/dp/078948045X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397771944&sr=8-1&keywords=Anatomy+for+the+Artist

Another thing is once you feel comfortable with your drawing, take a life drawing class. You can usually take them at any community college where you will draw nude models, it will push you to get outside of your comfort zones because you will be forced to draw complex poses in short amounts of times. Developing muscle memory through speed and repetition will make you better and better.

I still take figure drawing classes even though I've been drawing for over 25 years.