The Quick Pose: A Compilation of Gestures and Thoughts on Figure Drawing

by Erin Meads

This 230-page book features over 300 figure drawings and quick poses from the live model. Individual chapters highlight topics such as Foreshortening, Light & Shadow, Heads, Drapery, and more, with a stimulating foreword by flourishing artist, Mary Sauer. The Quick Pose includes tips and instructions on making quick decisions while drawing and identifying landmarks to help pinpoint such things as Weight & Balance and Symmetry. These ultimately aid in carrying out speedy, yet beautifully precise gesture drawings. There is great stress on confident line work throughout the book and on the necessity of being committed. Typical class procedures and model setups are also discussed. The artist’s thoughts on figure drawing are presented along with her push towards the importance of getting an accurate feel of the pose rather than a photographic copy of it. Erin writes about how drawing is relatable to life and contemplates on how to achieve that all-elusive balance in getting both an accurate yet intuitive drawing.

Genres: Art, Reference

Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2015

Reviews

[Jamie Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's worth buying the book for the drawings alone, and the insights are fantastic!

[Xavier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Succinct yet informative. I've recently started drawing from live models instead of fun photographs so these concepts and core values have been and will be extremely useful if I can keep them all in my head at once when I put charcoal to paper

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was recommended by my art teacher — such an amazing resource! I took notes and will definitely be using these principles in my figure drawing class tonight. I appreciated the concise, clear writing style & beautiful figure drawings that emphasized the concepts discussed here.

[Ben Kovach · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best book i’ve found on expressive figuration