The Human Figure

This book is still "standard issue " for masters like Nelson Shanks - and still in the store at the Art Students League in New York. Why? because its one of the best resources out there for people who want to become master artists - Books like "drawing on the right side of the brain' are great for people who want to learn how to draw. But becoming a master is something different (I am not belittling Drawing on the right side of the brain -its a great book) some people find its hard to believe that a cheap edition (and yes I wish the reproductions of the drawings were better) can provide as much 'knowledge' as a slick, more expensive book - its a longer harder path and more challenging - but follow the principles in this book , and copy the drawings (particularly on the head) and you'll be on your path to becoming a master drawer.

John H. Vanderpoel is probably the best artist in the last century to have written an instructional book about drawing. The Human Figure may not always be easy to follow, owing to its having been written over fifty years ago and thus not in a style to which contemporary readers are accustomed, but it rewards patient study with knowledge that is clearly articulated, true and absolutely indispensable to serious artists.This book is a treasure at a time when such information is very hard to come by. Highly recommended.

I consider myself to be a pretty intelligent and patient reader and even I have to admit that the text is really difficult to read. The plates (illustrations), however, are outstanding. If you're advanced enough to be able to study and learn directly from drawings without the aid of much text then you should definitely pick up a copy of this book. I can't think of any other drawing books where you can learn as much for... $ The illustrations in the new Dover reprint actually lose a lot of quality compared to the orginal printing, so if possible try and find an older copy.

One of the finest books available on figure drawing, written by someone who could do it! His advice helps you look at the big picture, rather than getting lost in details. It requires some patience to read, but most worthwhile things do. A real gem!