Drawing the Female Figure

This is a fairly complete guide to the subject of drawing female figures, for artists who already have a general understanding of their materials and media. Starting with the basics of shading, proportions, and drawing sequence, Sheppard moves right into pointers for rendering a wide range of gestures, poses, and anatomical details. The abundant illustrations include about equal numbers of simple sketches and finished pieces. While primarily including monochromatic drawings in pencil, ink, charcoal or chalk, Sheppard's recommendations for realistically portraying the female figure are just as relevant for artists working in acrylic or oil paints. Other recommended books by the same author include: Anatomy, How to Paint Like the Old Masters, and Bringing Textures to Life.

From Front Jacket: [More than 120 tonal drawings. More than 150 line drawings, including diagrams] "Here is a figure-drawing book that shows how to draw the female nude as it really is, not only with anatomical accuracy but with the individual characteristics that make it come alive. More than 270 drawings in line and tone illustrate what to look for in a model, basic drawing techniques, and how to render the female figure with authority and verve. The author, whose previous book 'Anatomy: A Complete Guide for Artists' laid the groundwork by establishing a basic knowledge of human anatomy, now shows how to draw the female figure in line and in tone, in every position and from every angle, including difficult foreshortened views. The author begins by explaining proportions, viewing the figure from front, back, and side, as well as in standing and sitting positions. He then shows how to draw each part of the female anatomy -- head and neck area, upper torso, lower torso, arms, hands, legs, and feet. He shows how to render the forms of the female figure in light and shade, analyzing the shadows, highlights, shadow accents, reflected light, and cast shadows. The author describes effective drawing procedures: finding the 'key' line; capturing the attitude, or pose, of the subject; rendering accents, shadow areas, and highlights. A separate, detailed, chapter is then devoted to each major pose: the standing figure, the seated figure, the kneeling figure, the crouching figure, the reclining figure, the figure in action, and the foreshortened figure. 'Drawing the Female Figure' is a fundamental book for students as well as teachers, beginners as well as professional artists who wish to improve their figure drawing."