Human Figure Drawing: Drawing Gestures, Postures and Movements Hardcover – Illustrated, 1 Feb. 2014

As an art teacher and a regular attendee myself at life drawing, I can say with confidence that this is one of the best books I have in my collection. Lots of useful information with beautiful illustrations. Will use it both as a teaching aid and as a book to enjoy myself. Thank you.

Just what I wanted.

Superb service. Really happy with book would shop again without hesitation. A+++++

It’s good

Great book with lots of sketches. Useful

Good buy

very good

A very solid and well-illustrated hardback, this isn't a how-to, demonstration-driven book but a fairly well thought out guide to drawing the figure which takes the more expressive, intuitive approach.This is the way I myself like to draw figures - though it won't suit everyone's temperament; the author sets out to convince the reader/student to adopt a loose and informal approach from the outset in order to gain confidence both through observation and the creative use of contour and gesture. Supported by many examples of student and some master drawings, the approach is nicely laid out, encouraging expressive but visually accurate drawing without resorting to the pedantry of overly-precise measurements or the standardised formulae often presented in some guides of this kind. That's not to say that there isn't any attention given to measurement at all, but while fundamentals like proportion, balance and modelling are all addressed, there are no heavy lessons in anatomy or complicated academic exercises.There are 17 chapters in which different topics are discussed; the earlier chapters are, for me, the most interesting and deal with the early process of getting to grips with the subject. Some of the later chapters deal with general figure drawing; topics such as character, age, imagination etc., and there is advice on chiaroscuro, materials and techniques – much of which can be found in other books on drawing.The book begins with life drawing but expands beyond class work; it nevertheless is advisable to either have access to a model or be attending a regular class where you can put some of the suggested exercises into practice. There is a work plan at the end of the book which seems optimistically ambitious.I picked this book up for myself and it would – for me anyway – provide some ideas for structuring the initial phase of a life class or provide some loosening-up ideas for my own drawing. I wouldn't have it as my only reference guide were I starting out figure drawing for the first time, but it does contain some useful advice which may help conquer any fears in tackling the figure; it is probably of most use to students who have the opportunity to attend an organised life class or have gained some experience and wish to develop a more expressive approach to the subject.Do use the "Look inside" feature if it is available.3 ½ stars ideally.