Undressed Art: Why We Draw

This is an unusual book about how and why so many people follow their child's instinct to draw and as adults gather in groups to draw figures and to improve their skills and understanding of the human form. The author is an artist and a participant in many of these groups and brings great understanding to the needs and feelings of the other artists - as well as to the impulses, motives and feelings of the models. It is well illustrated but is not particularly a "how-to-draw" book but is rather an encouragement to recognize an authentic and deep need for this kind of human response and find the courage to follow this need. Try to get the hard cover: it is bigger and easier to see the important illustrations - which are courtesy of the artist.

A very good read. Light enough to not overwhelm, but deep enough to stir some introspection. I'm just starting figure drawing, so it gave me some idea of what to expect. Enjoyed the view from the models side of the canvas. I also enjoyed Mr. Steinhart's views on "why" we feel compelled to draw and paint.

This book brings together a lot of ideas from many different sources, both past and contemporary, into a wonderfully crafted text. It is informative and a great read at the same time. I don't agree with everything that Steinhart postulates, but he's not strident in his opinions which leaves one with the feeling that there's still plenty of room for discussion. Anyone who loves to draw the human figure should read this book several times.

Out the outset of this book I was unsure of its purpose. Initially filled with too many references to others' writings, theories, and pontifications, I struggled with wanting to continue. But while sitting on a plane and having moved through the opening chapters, I reached a point of no return and unable to put it down. Upon completion and further reflection, I came to reallize that the book is not unlike a drawing - initially the artist (author) is finding his way, refining his line and contour, and in the end providing the form to give it shape, tone, appeal and emotion. One clearly gets the sense that regardless of the creative outlet, the mind processes in the same way - it is who one is more than about what they do or rather, what they do is who they are. This book validates why some of us love to draw - simply for ourselves and hopefully the results may be enjoyed by others. Filled with a lots of anecdotal information on a variety of subjects that relate to the desire to create, I made the mistake of not underlining and making notes in the margins - so I get to read it again.

In this age of photography, there is still a healthy subculture of models and artists who hold drawing the nude figure in the highest regard. Peter has numerous recent interviews with both models and artists in the San Francisco Bay Area. His book covers the experience of the art model particularly well. If you have ever wondered what it is like to get up in front of a bunch a strangers and model in the nude, there are good insights here. Highly recommended.