Customer Reviews

Lessons from Michelangelo

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I just spoke to Michael Burban a few weeks ago, and am trying to convince him to release a new version of the book. He says he has learned much since he first wrote it, so the new book--if it ever comes out--should be exciting.

When I was very young, I borrowed this wonderful book from a Brooklyn Public Library. The Author, Michael Burban, was a student of Robert Beverley Hale, and in his footsteps, he taught through dissecting old master drawings. There was no greater draughtsman than Michelangelo. Imagine how much can be learned from when one of the most respected artists of the Students art League, picks apart the drawings of Michelangleo. Lessons from Michelangelo. The drawings are unparalled. Burban, chooses, old and late drawings that span the life of Michelangelo. Burban, starts out by pointing out the very basics of form, perspective, proportion, gesture, then delves into artistic anatomy, and finishes with some thoughts on drapery. It stresses discipline and basics, and doesn't sell any shortcuts. After keeping this book out of the library for quite some time, it was mistakenly returned. I searched the library for months, never to see it again. I ventured to the Students art league in NY, unfortunately Burban was away for that term. I contacted a used book specialist. Nearly two years passed, and I received a phone call, the book was found, the price was twice the retail, 75 dollars, what a deal. It was the easily the best book I ever bought. I love this book, it is one of only a few books which I can say has real sentimental value. In a way it changed my life. I appreciate Michelangelo and his beautiful drawings, in no small part, thanks to this book. I wish Burban would write another book, or at least that this book would see a reprint. If you ever have a chance to buy this book, don't think twice. Its a great book.