Aug 13
This isn't so much a book about how to draw figures as what you can do with them. The biography that came with it tells me that Eddie is also a musician and there is certainly a fluidity and rhythm to his drawings that may or may not be connected. There is also a sense of improvisation that echoes Paul Klee's comment about "taking a line for a walk". None of this matters really, as sources, influences and possible cross-overs have nothing to do with whether the book itself is any good and whether we like the illustrations and can learn from them. On the other hand, when Eddie does what he refers to as "scribble drawings" and creates seemingly random birds-nests from which a shape, then a recognisable figure emerge, I can't help thinking of free jazz. For the uninitiated, someone once described that as sounding "like a pet shop burning down", so I probably won't labour the point.* What's exciting, though, is just how much Eddie is prepared to experiment and how he works with line, tone and perspective to produce figures that have that all-important quality of potential movement. The thing about people is that they're never fully at rest. At any time they can change position, get up or run off, and a really successful drawing encompasses that quality. The other thing this book lacks is anatomy. That's not to say it isn't important, but sometimes we don't have to get bogged down in it and this is one of those times. I love this book for the way it celebrates the human form and, once again, Search Press are right on the button with their choice of author. * For those of you who care, I'm thinking of the moment the melodic figure emerges from seeming chaos in Endangered Species on the Pat Metheny (et al) album Song X. Makes me cry every time and that's not an easy thing to do. Or Morning Dew coalescing out of the free jam, Epilogue on the Grateful Dead's Europe '72.
* Artbookreview.net *
Aug 13
A very practical guide to drawing from life which will be welcomed by artists of all levels of skill. Armer takes the reader through all the stages of organising a life drawing session, different poses and techniques. Particularly useful are the sections dealing with tackling foreshortening and drwing faces, hands and feet. Advice is also given on how long a model can be expected to pose without a break - something artists can find easy to forget. There are several step by step tasks and projects which can be followed in order to develop specific skills such as exercises in line and in charcoal. The illustrations help make it easy to follow the instructions. A good, helpful book which will be useful for both beginners and experienced artists. 3 stars
* Monstersandcritics.com *
Sept 13
Life Drawing is the newest addition to the popular Drawing Masterclass series. Written by artist, musician and designer, Eddie Armer, the book looks at all aspects of life drawing using pencil, ballpoint pen, wax crayons and charcoal. A history of life drawing and details of the materials you will need is followed by advice on setting up a simple pose, and speed drawing, including a challenge to complete gesture drawings in just two minutes. There is good information on line and tone, shading and foreshortening as well as advice on drawing hands and feet. Eddie sets a number of exercises for the ready to try as well as four step-by-step demonstrations.
* Leisure Painter, The *
Aug 13
There is more of the sense of a structured course in this book that there is in previous titles in this really rather excellent series. This is just as well, because figure drawing is a subject that takes a lifetime to master and it is never wise to assume that either you or your student necessarily has a full set of skills. Eddie builds up from a simple pose, explaining line and proportion, before moving on to tone and perspective. This book works through the components of a life study, explaining their construction with admirable simplicity. Both loose and tighter styles are covered, which is useful and adds variety. As a result, less previous experience in the filed is required and the book should be suitable for a broader range of skill levels.
* Artist, The *
Sept 13
You'll either love or hate life drawing when you take your art classes - as it forms a key part of art education. Mastering drawing the human form is considered essential for artistic development. Brush up and hone your skills with this book that is part of a Drawing Masterclass Series. As in an art class, the book shows timed sketches and drawings of the female form in various poses using different media. Find out how to represent tone and line and work with a model. The book includes a short history of life drawing and materials to use. It demonstrates a simple pose, gesture drawings, line, tone and shading, scribble technique, using charcoal, foreshortening, faces and hands and feet. The book is amply illustrated with Armer's sensitive drawings. I like the way the book covers different aspects and types of drawing the figure. There are 10 step by step exercises and projects to build your skills. It is excellent for beginner to intermediate artists. This book offers expert advice, probably more than you would receive on many basic art courses.
* Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *
