The Figure: The Classic Approach to Drawing and Construction

by Walt Reed

From previous attempts you may have concluded that drawing the figure is difficult. This book will show you how to reduce complex figures into a variety of basic shapes that are easy to master, helping you to reach your goal of producing lifelike drawings.Tested through years of classroom use, the principles stressed here bring clear insights into drawing the human form. You'll find a logical, step-by-step method for mastering the construction and proportions of all figure types.

First the basic forms are analyzed - the proportions of the various parts and their relations to the total figure. You'll then learn how these parts are connected and how they move and find exercises in drawing the complete figure in any position, engaged in a variety of activities.

Also included are detailed studies of anatomy - examining bone and muscle structure - plus special instructions for drawing such intricate parts of the body as the head, hands and feet. You'll learn:


How relative body proportions change at different ages
How bones and muscles affect the surface of the figure
How to create many types of faces from the same model
How different lighting angles affect facial shadows
How to select the most descriptive pose
"Concentrate on this basic form figure until you can do anything you want with it. Draw it in as many positions as possible," Walt Reed says in his introduction. "Practice of this kind will help train your hand and your mind in the proportions, construction, and relationships of the individual forms so that you will never forget them."

Genres: Art, Drawing, Reference, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Rio R. Islip · Rating 3 out of 5]

[•••] A “figure mannequinization” textbook. Target skill level: Easy(2/5).

This is an extremely straightforward book about drawing the human form by simplifying it into a mannequin. There are of course, many of these in the world, such as the famous Andrew Loomis’s work.

But what makes Walt Reed’s work stand out is the simplicity of it. It is extremely accessible and the best book I know on mannequinization that will not overwhelm a more novice illustrator.

(A caveat: It’s a rather old book, so do beware the occasional scandalizing comment. It was not a deal-breaker for me, but I could see how it may very well be for others.)

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very basic book. I bought it hoping I would be able to learn a lot from it but, I learned more about figure drawing from studying my anatomy books. This book should be a supplement to a book of anatomy geared toward artists. I highly recommend Hampton's Figure Drawing: Design and Invention, or any of Loomis' books over this one, it is just too simple in detail.

[Theo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm just beginning to learn to draw and found this book was interesting to read, and provided a lot of fundamental information in regards to human proportions. However, I found the lack of diagrams to match the textual descriptions very frustrating at times and there was a lack of description on how to move from the basic 'shape' model of the human body to a finer/detailed sketch.

[Gaile · Rating 5 out of 5]

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