Oct 13
You might be forgiven for wondering just how many books one author can wring out of a single subject. I do, and then I'm amazed by how Giovanni manages to come up with a different angle every time, so that I have to recommend the latest title even if I've also recommended all the previous ones. Of all his books, this is perhaps the most comprehensive and the most valuable, both for the beginner and the more experienced artist. As ever, the working method is to concentrate on the illustrations, of which there are hundreds, and to provide explanatory captions where necessary that tell you what to look for, rather than what you're looking at. In this volume, there are also introductory passages that discuss light, shadow and perspective in pleasantly simple ways. Figures, both male and female, are shown in a variety of poses, and both nude and clothed. It's very useful that the clothed and unclothed figures are shown in the same pose so that you can see how the inner structure informs the outer. Giovanni's economy of style, both drawn and written, packs an enormous amount into only 112 pages and this is one of the best books on figure drawing I've seen.
* Artbookreview.net *
Nov 13
'The sketches in this book were made during life-drawing classes to provide students with clear graphic illustrations of certain key issues in the depiction of the human body', says Giovanni in his introduction, perfectly summing up the book. It consists of a clear series of simple line drawings, with explanatory captions, that show both male and female figures in a variety of poses: standing, sitting and reclining, static and in motion. Where clothed figures are shown, the same pose is also shown unclothed so that you can see how the inner shape informs the outer. While the book lives up to its title as an introduction, it is worth saying that it it mainly about shapes and that it would not stand alone as a primer for the beginner. For the more experienced artist it provides not only a handy reference tool, but also clear guidance on how the figure works.
* Artist, The *
Nov 13
If you have been looking for books on figure drawing, you cannot have failed to notice the name Civardi. He is quite prolific and well regarded. This book serves as a technical guide to drawing the human figure. It touches on all aspects, but not in great detail, being an introduction to the subject as the title suggests. There are many poses of female and male figures given in the book, which is fully illustrated with Civardi's work. So you will find, for example, one page on negative space, three pages on tone, two pages on gestural drawing. The book analyses body structure, looks at the skeleton and muscles in brief and works on the principles of good drawing practice - observation, anatomy, proportion, structure, perspective and composition. The whole is a comprehensive introduction to depicting the human form.
* Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *
Jan 14
All too frequently art schools rarely teach students how to draw properly. This book will be a welcome aid to many artists of any level of skill. Giovanni Civardi deals with all aspects of trying to draw the human body - anatomy, proportion, body structure, perspective and composition. He shows just how an artist can observe and study the human body. Throughout the book there are numerous examples of his own work illustrating each point that he makes with step by step instructions where necessary. There are unusual and very helpful sectors included such as how to draw gestures, incorporate light and shade, creating portraits and poses. This is an extremely useful book which deserves a place on any artists bookshelf, to be used as reference or a teaching aid as required.
* Monstersandcritics.com *
Jan 14
This book provides a very hands-on approach to the often difficult subject of life drawing. Giovanni has used sketches made during life-drawing classes to illustrate the techniques he is exploring, so the book works as a masterclass in the subject. The opening chapter deals with observing forms, and Giovanni encourages you to train your eye to assess proportions, using comparisons between individual parts of the body, such as the space between the shoulder blades and the space between the feet, for example, to establish the correct proportions of the figure. Some anatomical lessons follow, before he moves on to analysing body structure, perspective, composition, and static and dynamic poses. There is an interesting section where Giovanni sets exercises that he finds useful for stimulating and strengthening observational skills, such as drawing with outlines only or abstracting the figure or placing the sitter in a setting.
* Leisure Painter, The *
June 14
The detail and proportions are especially good here and a great resource for drawing the human form. This book breaks down the body and is a helpful life drawing class without the need for the model. The poses really go into depth and shows how the body can move. You can feel the movement and motion from the images. One of those books you have on the bookshelf to take down frequently; this is a book to be used.
* Marian Carr, Bradford College *
