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Figure Drawing for Artists: Making Every Mark Count
Figure Drawing for Making Every Mark Count is not a typical drawing instruction book; it explains the two-step process behind juggernauts like DreamWorks, WB and Disney. Though there are many books on drawing the human figure, none teach how to draw a figure from the first few marks of the quick sketch to the last virtuosic stroke of the finished masterpiece, let alone through a convincing, easy-to-understand method.
That changes now!
In Figure Drawing for Making Every Mark Count, award-winning fine artist Steve Huston shows beginners and pros alike the two foundational concepts behind the greatest masterpieces in art and how to use them as the basis for their own success.
Embark on a drawing journey and discover how these twin pillars of support are behind everything from the Venus De Milo, to Michelangelo's Sibyl, to George Bellow's Stag at Sharkey's, and how they're the fundamental tools for animation studios around the world. Not to mention how the best comic book artists since the beginnings of the art form use them whether they know it or not.
Figure Drawing for Making Every Mark Count sketches out the same two-step method taught to the artists of DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, and Disney Animation, so pick up a pencil and get drawing. The For Artists series expertly guides and instructs artists at all skill levels who want to develop their classical drawing and painting skills and create realistic and representational art.
That changes now!
In Figure Drawing for Making Every Mark Count, award-winning fine artist Steve Huston shows beginners and pros alike the two foundational concepts behind the greatest masterpieces in art and how to use them as the basis for their own success.
Embark on a drawing journey and discover how these twin pillars of support are behind everything from the Venus De Milo, to Michelangelo's Sibyl, to George Bellow's Stag at Sharkey's, and how they're the fundamental tools for animation studios around the world. Not to mention how the best comic book artists since the beginnings of the art form use them whether they know it or not.
Figure Drawing for Making Every Mark Count sketches out the same two-step method taught to the artists of DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, and Disney Animation, so pick up a pencil and get drawing. The For Artists series expertly guides and instructs artists at all skill levels who want to develop their classical drawing and painting skills and create realistic and representational art.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2016
325 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 22, 2016
Having had the opportunity to view several of Steve Huston's videos, it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to reading this book. Huston's ability to render anatomy, with attention to form, gesture and shadow, is remarkable and I had hoped that this volume would delve into his process.
Although it is a good book, there is nothing of groundbreaking theory contained within. Much of his material has been presented by others, though he does contribute his personal insight on rendering edges and such and these are the teaching highlights within the book.
Perhaps the best feature of the book is at the end of each chapter he presents a Master work by the likes of Michelangelo and Rafael and then breaks it down in relation to the previous teaching. However, there is nothing profound here that hasn't been included in other book on figure drawing. A large percentage of the book is devoted to gestures, not that this is a bad thing, but his anatomical studies are brief. There are numerous pointers contained throughout and they make the book well worth reading. The last chapter of the book was the one that I was looking forward to, as this featured his rendering process for shadows and form, but sadly it was quite brief. I would have preferred the whole book to be on this subject and perhaps we can look forward to the possibility of seeing this in the future.
Although it is a good book, there is nothing of groundbreaking theory contained within. Much of his material has been presented by others, though he does contribute his personal insight on rendering edges and such and these are the teaching highlights within the book.
Perhaps the best feature of the book is at the end of each chapter he presents a Master work by the likes of Michelangelo and Rafael and then breaks it down in relation to the previous teaching. However, there is nothing profound here that hasn't been included in other book on figure drawing. A large percentage of the book is devoted to gestures, not that this is a bad thing, but his anatomical studies are brief. There are numerous pointers contained throughout and they make the book well worth reading. The last chapter of the book was the one that I was looking forward to, as this featured his rendering process for shadows and form, but sadly it was quite brief. I would have preferred the whole book to be on this subject and perhaps we can look forward to the possibility of seeing this in the future.
March 1, 2021
Huston explains the structure of the human body well. I found the sections on hands and feet particularly useful as these are parts of the body that are quite difficult for beginners to draw. I also liked that he included drawing examples from Renaissance masters for readers to work from. One thing to be aware of is that the Kindle version doesn't always have the text and the pictures the text is talking about on the same page, so you'll have to flip between pages a lot. For that reason, I would recommend getting an analog copy of this if you are planning to buy it.
May 5, 2021
I love this book. I have carried it with me for the past two years to study. I was gifted a New Master's Academy membership from my husband during my pregnancy and really enjoyed taking this Author's video lessons online during that time. I really click with his teaching style- I am a person who likes to work from concept to detail (rather than detail to concept) and this has been one of my favorite books to study/practice from. I am so grateful for it!
July 18, 2019
Figure Drawing for Artists is a comprehensive work. It covers all the major areas of the body and how to approach them, often referencing famous works and artists as examples. Certain aspects of Huston's approach feel a little clunky to me, but overall there were many great tips and tricks to take away and this book is a solid text for both newcomers and more experienced artists still looking to improve their figure drawing.
December 31, 2019
I'm not yet an experienced artist. The descriptions while occasionally eye-opening are often nebulous in my inexperience. Phrases like "walk across the form" left me backtracking to see if I had missed something. I expect it's a book I'll be revisiting after getting some more drawing time under my belt.
It'll be difficult keeping all of these ideas in my head as I go to draw but with enough practice maybe it'll be second nature
It'll be difficult keeping all of these ideas in my head as I go to draw but with enough practice maybe it'll be second nature
February 16, 2019
After reading many books lately on figure drawing, I must say this one is surprisingly original. It’s not exactly the classic approach but it gives many new ideas and perfect examples and exercises from the great masters. An excellent book.
March 30, 2020
Great tutorial, he tried to not only instruct technical aspect of work, but also the Idea, as constitution of Art.
February 6, 2023
Really enjoyed this. Huston is one of the few artists today who is awesome as artist and as teacher. Inspirational stuff and lots of great drawings to copy. I like how he simplified his form and the way he organized his highlight and core shadow. There is something so uniquely his that I still don't fully understand how it could look so good.
September 2, 2017
Helpful
A concise and user friendly guide, which offers both classical and contemporary examples of figurative drawing. Steve Huston clarifies many questions raised in other books on this topic.
A concise and user friendly guide, which offers both classical and contemporary examples of figurative drawing. Steve Huston clarifies many questions raised in other books on this topic.
June 12, 2020
Couldn't ask for better.
It's really difficult to practice on my own because there's one one to use as a positive impact on my work but anything is possible if it's wanted bad enough .Thank you Steve Hudson.
It's really difficult to practice on my own because there's one one to use as a positive impact on my work but anything is possible if it's wanted bad enough .Thank you Steve Hudson.
April 1, 2024
Did not finish 35% , might return to it later. Maybe
Definitely in the minority here, I felt this book over complicated something that’s already hard. It was not easy for me to follow the concepts.
Definitely in the minority here, I felt this book over complicated something that’s already hard. It was not easy for me to follow the concepts.
January 9, 2018
I love this drawing book. The artist's own sketches are wonderful, and he is a very humorous teacher. This is one of the best art books for figure drawing.
January 30, 2018
Huston tiene un amplio conocimiento sobre el dibujo. Su libro vale mucho la pena, tanto como sus vídeos.
February 17, 2018
Love his approach, but for a true beginner I’d recommend “Drawing on the Right Side of The Brain.” Steve can be a little abstract if you don’t have fundamentals down first.
November 30, 2018
I will definately get back to this book whenever I can. Great way of teaching, Steve Huston shows how to draw LIFE, not only the human-like anatomically correct mannequines
December 11, 2022
Un libro genial para aprender a dibujar la figura humana. Útil sin importar el momento en el que te encuentres en tu aprendizaje.
January 6, 2024
Great figure Drawing book
November 8, 2024
It felt like studying with an extremely talented friend who guided you through the entire human figure, telling you his secrets and never judging if you get it wrong. Amazing book!
April 23, 2025
Traditional pencilling
Steve Huston emphasised on structure and gesture while you draw. Simple phrasing in breaking down painting techniques. Enjoying the read.
Steve Huston emphasised on structure and gesture while you draw. Simple phrasing in breaking down painting techniques. Enjoying the read.
November 22, 2025
BOOK WORTH READING
I enjoyed reading this book. It was not too long, but full of useful information. Read it. Also apply what you learn from this book.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was not too long, but full of useful information. Read it. Also apply what you learn from this book.
April 16, 2023
Study study study... I've learned about the beanbags and eggs and cogs. Some bigger concepts were lost on me though.
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October 20, 2016s.sajjad.zbiholhossein@gmaile.com
March 28, 2020
Steve's method is easily to understand for budding artist who has been stuck on Figure Drawing.
Feeling confused? try to combine with Proko's or any other mentor approach for Figure Drawing.
Feeling confused? try to combine with Proko's or any other mentor approach for Figure Drawing.
February 20, 2020
could have more content. nice approach to teaching basic techniques. easy to read/follow.
December 15, 2020
Very helpful and an informational approach to drawing!
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December 19, 2021I am working on a 5 feet by 5 feet rendering, and this book helped to refresh my memory of art lessons from my school days—an excellent book for artists wanting to draw or paint people.
June 27, 2023
Idealne uzupełnienie do jego kursów, które można znaleźć w internecie. Uważam, że to jeden z najlepiej nauczających, wciąż żyjących, artystów.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews