Figure Drawing: The Structural Anatomy and Expressive Design of the Human Form, 7th edition

Published by Pearson (February 2, 2010) © 2011

  • Nathan Goldstein
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Appropriate for all beginning and intermediate courses in Art, Basic Drawing, Figure Drawing, or Life Drawing.

Providing a concise but comprehensive survey of all matters pertaining to drawing the human figure, this well-illustrated and accurate guide demonstrates the interplay of structure, anatomy, design, and expression in sound figure drawing.  This text shows how the integration of these four factors is essential in drawing the figure in a compelling and lucid manner.

1 The Evolution of Intent
Major Factors and Concepts in Figure Drawing 1
Some Common Denominators 1
The Emergence of Interpretive Figure Drawing 9
2 The Structural Factor
The Figure As a Structure 35
Some General Observations 35
A Planar Approach to Human Form 42
The Interjoining of Planes and Masses 45
Structure and Value 49
Structural Supports and Suspensions in the Figure 52
Structural Aspects of Foreshortening 55
Seeing Shape, Direction, and Edge 60
Structural Aspects of the Draped Figure and Its Environment 65
Suggested Exercises 75
3 The Anatomical Factor
Part One: The Skeleton 79
Some General Observations 79
Bones of the Skull 80
Bones of the Spinal Column 83
Bones of the Rib Cage 85
Bones of the Shoulder Girdle 86
Bones of the Pelvis 89
Bones of the Arm 91
Bones of the Leg 98
Skeletal Proportions 101
The Skeleton in Figure Drawing 105
Suggested Exercises 113
4 The Anatomical Factor
Part Two: The Muscles 121
Some General Observations 121
Muscles of the Head 122
Surface Forms of the Head 124
Muscles of the Neck 129
Muscles of the Torso 132
Muscles of the Arm 141
Muscles of the Leg 151
Skin and Fat 169
Further Observations on Surface Forms 169
Suggested Exercises 190
5 The Design Factor
The Relational Content of Figure Drawing 195
Some General Observations 195
The Visual Elements 201
Line 201
Value 207
Shape 211
Volume 218
Texture 222
The Elements in Action 228
Direction 229
Rhythm 231
Handling or Character 231
Location and Proximity 232
Subdivision 232
Visual Weight 232
Tension 233
Figurative Influences 234
Examples of Relational Activities in Figure Drawing 235
Anatomy as an Agent of Design 242
The Figure and the Environment 243
Suggested Exercises 252
6 The Expressive Factor
The Emotive Content of Figure Drawing 257
Some General Observations 257
The Expression Inherent in the Elements 262
Distortion 268
The Expressive Role of the Medium 270
Examples of Expression in Figure Drawing 273
Suggested Exercises 284
7 The Factors Interacting
Some Examples 287
Differing Formulas 287
The Pathologies of Figure Drawing 310
Perceptual Defects 310
Organizational Defects 313
Expressive Defects 314
The Role of Media in Expression 315

In Conclusion 317
Glossary 353
Bibliography 355
Index 357

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