Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #96222 in Books
• Published on: 1991-10-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Synopsis
An innovative approach to artistic anatomy that, rather than depicting muscles and bones, focuses upon the specifics of surface anatomy. Over l70 of Joseph Sheppard's drawings show many different live models in front, back and side views, and in various standing, sitting, kneeling, crouching,

Customer Reviews

Anatomy reference book with beautiful life drawings
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R7ONYZHLI5EH "Joseph Sheppard has been favorably compared to practically every Renaissance master... he is without peer among modern realists for his ability to impart warm verisimilitude to the figure" -- Artspeak Magazine

That's the quote on the back cover. I've my doubts on that comparison but after looking at the figure drawings, yes, it seems the praise is well deserved.

Drawing the Living Figure uses life drawings from models to teach human anatomy. Joseph Sheppard has included 70 drawings of models in different poses, from standing to reclining. Most are accompanied by two diagrams, one for bones and other for muscles, showing how they affect surface form. These drawings are carefully annotated and selective parts are highlighted.

I prefer this book a bit more than Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters, which has a similar teaching style. The difference is here it doesn't include rough sketches, each piece is a refined completed figure drawing. The drawings are detailed, clear and beautiful.

No prior knowledge of anatomy is required to enjoy this book. It's great for beginner to advanced artists as an alternative reference.

(There are more pictures of the book on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

very useful
I found this book particularly useful as a reference guide for checking how a leg should look from a certain angle, or the back etcetera as it gives you a bone structure drawing and a musculature drawing beside the finished picture. I was also pleased with the shading techniques used throughout which seem very complex but very effective for adding shape, shadow and depth. Really good book, I felt inspired!