The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing : A Practical and Inspirational Course

by Barrington Barber

The ability to draw the human form accurately and competently is a primary goal for many aspiring artists, despite the current trend in the art establishment away from figurative subjects. This book is intended for anyone who wants to discover every aspect of what for centuries was regarded as the real test of an artist's mettle.

Renowned teacher and artist Barrington Barber begins his exploration with anatomy, an understanding of which is vital if the artist is to handle form and translate what he sees into a believable representation of life. He goes on to look at the whole figure: clothed, drawn from life, in action and in detail. Supported by the section on composition, styles and a step-by-step guide to a final composition, he has once again achieved a brilliantly inspirational art book.

Comprehensive, easy to follow and packed with over 300 of Barrington Barber's illustrations, Fundamentals of Figure Drawing is a must for artists of all abilities.

Contents:
Introduction
First Steps to Figure Drawing
Drawing the Whole Figure
Drawing Clothed Figures
Drawing from Life
Composition
Figures in Action
Figures is Detail
Styles of Figure Drawing
Step-by-Step to a Final Composition
Index

Genres: Art, Drawing, Nonfiction, Reference

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Barrington Barber originally worked in advertising and television as designer and art director. Then taught at Ealing Art School. Then practiced as a freelance designer, illustrator, painter at Augustine Studios. He was Head of Art at St James’s Independent Schools. Author and illustrator of Fundamentals of Drawing and about 20 other books for Arcturus Publishing. Now paints, draws and writes about art.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid reference book with clear, casual writing and good example drawings. Very useful. Not always the most modern language used when referring to peoples bodies but when considering bodies as shapes to replicate accurately/artfully it’s maybe tricky not to - a little dated but not terrible. I liked how it was organized, it was concise and readable. I read the whole thing through straight and will probably go through again in chunks while actually doing some of the drawing exercises and refer back as I go. It’s a library book so I only have it for another week or two, but if I ever saw this book for sale I’d buy my own copy to keep as a reference.

[Mohammèd Zidan]

i love it