Figure Drawing: The Structure, Anatomy, and Expressive Design of Human Form (5th Edition) [Paperback]

Nathan Goldstein (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0139238638 | ISBN-13: 978-0139238635 | Publication Date: December 16, 1998 | Edition: 5

Providing a concise but comprehensive survey of all matters pertaining to drawing the human figure, this well-illustrated and accurate guide demonstrates the interplay of structure, anatomy, design and expression in sound figure drawing, and shows how the careful integration of these four factors is essential in drawing the figure in a compelling and lucid manner. Focuses on the figurative and abstract considerations of drawing observed or envisioned human forms, and takes a broader view that regard the figure in its context (i.e., draped, nude, partial). Contains figure drawings from old and new masters alike, representing a wide range of styles and themes, and provides a variety of "Suggested Exercises" at the end of each chapter to reinforce issues and concepts under discussion. Fifth Edition include a new chapter ("A Gallery of Visual Resources") containing approximately 45 photographs of male and female figures, plus over 20 additional old and contemporary master drawings.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A comprehensive examination of the ways in which the four basic factors in drawing the figure -- structure, anatomy, design, and expression -- assist and govern each other. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Providing a concise but comprehensive survey of all matters pertaining to drawing the human figure, this well-illustrated and accurate guide demonstrates the interplay of structure, anatomy, design and expression in sound figure drawing, and shows how the careful integration of these four factors is essential in drawing the figure in a compelling and lucid manner. Focuses on the figurative and abstract considerations of drawing observed or envisioned human forms, and takes a broader view that regard the figure in its context (i.e., draped, nude, partial). Contains figure drawings from old and new masters alike, representing a wide range of styles and themes, and provides a variety of "Suggested Exercises" at the end of each chapter to reinforce issues and concepts under discussion. Fifth Edition include a new chapter ("A Gallery of Visual Resources") containing approximately 45 photographs of male and female figures, plus over 20 additional old and contemporary master drawings.

Product Details

• Paperback: 364 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 5 edition (December 16, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0139238638
• ISBN-13: 978-0139238635
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #642,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Figure Drawing Book Ever!, February 14, 2001

By 

Patricia J. Fogarty (Massena, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Figure Drawing: The Structure, Anatomy, and Expressive Design of Human Form (5th Edition) (Paperback)

Recommended text for any figure drawing class, ages 14 to adult. Gives the artist many excellent samples of all mediums. The chapters devoted to basic anatomy are easy to understand and a pleasure to tackle for any ability level. Drawing is broken down into Four well illustrated categories : Structure, Anatomy(skeletal and muscular), Design, and Expression. A "best buy"!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Figure Drawing Class In A Book!, July 2, 2007

By 

W. Johnson "Impatience is the enemy of good d... (Knoxville, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Figure Drawing: The Structure, Anatomy, and Expressive Design of Human Form (Paperback)

Online I did some research to see what books art schools and classes are using this one as well as a few others kept coming up! I am self taught due to time constraints, but I feel that though I didn't have a professor standing over me giving me advice, I could still gain a decent amount of information just by reading and applying the things learned in my drawing. The suggested exercises are invaluable and will take a while if properly done. I suggest using this book only after getting a basic understanding of anatomy, even though this book covers anatomy. Get a strictly anatomy book like Peck's, Richer's, or Goldfinger.