Constructive Anatomy (Dover Anatomy for Artists) [Paperback]

George B. Bridgman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Anatomy for Artists | Publication Date: June 1, 1973

This invaluable anatomical reference shows important parts of the human body, both in motion and in repose: hand, wrist, fingers, forearm, neck, thigh, leg, and more. Drawings of bone and muscle structure are also covered in detail. Over 500 illustrations. "Best book on artist's anatomy." — Art Students League News.

Product Details

• Paperback: 170 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486211045
• ISBN-13: 978-0486211046
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,763 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Art > Instruction & Reference > Figure Drawing
  • #42 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Art > Instruction & Reference > General
  • #46 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Drawing > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still the best anatomy book around, July 31, 2003

By 

T. Austin (Van Nuys, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Constructive Anatomy (Dover Anatomy for Artists) (Paperback)

I have nearly ten anatomy books and this is the one I grab for most when I need to solve an anatomy problem while drawing or sketching.

For the most part, Bridgman first simplifies complex anatomy problems into simple structures before exploring the muscle patterns into more complex detail. This allows the artist to see the particular anatomy problem as a proportional mass rather than a complex network of muscle fibers. For me, this makes the human anatomy much more accessible.

For instance, he will take the torso and break it down into simple objects like cubes, triangles, and planes, illustrate them in their proper proportions, and then move forward into to more precise detail.

I find this book not just educational but as a great reference as well.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my Top 3 Bridgman books- great in drawing from memory..., April 2, 2006

By 

"extreme_dig_cm" (Chicago, Il USA, Amazon.com Fan!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Constructive Anatomy (Dover Anatomy for Artists) (Paperback)

Mainly for intermediate-level artists- it's actually *GREAT* for enthusiastic beginners. It has a little bit of *everything* depicting anatomy construction from memory. It's also great for general improvement; a few tips & tricks- an *excellent* reference for all working artists.
This is the book that really turned me on to the genius that is Bridgman. At first glance it may not be immediately impressive, but flip to page 167 for a quick look at his cubed-construction of the head. It's Bridgman's brief but effective treatment of cube-construction in this book that really, really impresses me. Many books *mention* cube-construction for heads; many books show a brief picture or two. But not many show it with the precision & detail that Bridgman conveys in just a few short pages. It deals with figure construction mainly in its parts- for full-figure movement, check out Bridgman's Complete Guide, or his less overwhelming Bridgman's Life Drawing. Constructive Anatomy begins with hands, which in my opinion is the weakest part of the book. (Bridgman's 100 Hands is much, much better.) Arms are next and they're easily among Bridgman's best, although not all the drawings are crystal clear. Many of the BEST drawings in Bridgman's Complete Guide are taken from this book, and his depiction of arms here is definitely among them. The shoulder & neck briefly follow, and are above average in their depiction. Then it's time for that excellent section: the cubed-construction of the head. It's only a FEW pages- I don't want to oversell it. But in my opinion at least, it's worth the price of the book. Individual features follow: eyes, nose, ears and mouth are simply & accurately treated. This is a more *in-depth* book than Heads, Features and Faces- which is mainly a simple introduction to the basics. Maybe the BEST section in Constructive Anatomy involves the Torso. He describes more in a few pages than most books ever do- and with a precision & beauty that few seem to match. The pelvis, legs, knees, feet & toes finish this truly excellent work. If anyone's overwhelmed by Bridgman's Complete Guide, Constructive Anatomy is a simple & effective choice to make- Highly Recommended!
In short: Along with Book of a Hundred Hands & Bridgman's Complete Guide, Constructive Anatomy is currently in my Top 3 by Bridgman.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb content, great price..., February 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Constructive Anatomy (Dover Anatomy for Artists) (Paperback)

One of the few books that I constantly refer to in figure drawing. Although the content was written way back in 1920, the concepts are still as valid then, as now.

The simple pencilled illustrations provide easy guidelines as to where one muscle stops and another begins. This enables one to draw a muscly figure with a few lines and shapes to show bulk and depth, especially with comic book illustration.

Finally, the price is perhaps as great a drawing factor as the content. Some comic book artists swear by Geoge Bridgman's books. You might also want to try some publications by Jack Hamm.