Figures and Faces: A Sketcher's Handbook (Dover Art Instruction) Paperback – February 4, 2005

I wasn't expecting the nude how-to’s. My daughter (the recipient) pointed out some of the nude tutorials. Maybe they should change the title to “Figures, Faces and Dongs”. Or at least add an age appropriate rating.Everything seems good and helpful.

Nice Book.

Great Book!

I bought this book many years ago when I was starting out. This was a mistake as it is not a beginner's book. Or at least, not for someone who is new to the basic concepts of conveying 3 dimensions on a 2 dimensional format. If you already understand the basics of form, shading, perspective ie, foreshortening, then you will get the most from this wonderful book.It is not a step-by-step tutorial; although the artist does give instruction. He is no way treats the artist like an idiot. There are none of the wasted pages found in many instructional books. The author assumes you know something of the subject.This is a book I keep coming back to time after time. I must have drawn the examples 100 times. I happen to like the author's style with a pencil and that helps. I bought the hardcover edition and I think if I'd bought it in softcover it would have worn out by now.The book has a conversational tone and jargon is kept to a minimum. This is interspersed with pages of wonderful drawings, done in a fairly traditional style (about 50/50 nudes and clothed) and makes for something that is extremely readable. I think in years to come this will be a classic.The end result is that I am a better artist today because I bought this book. If I lost it I'd buy another.

A reprint of an old classic. Will please the more conservative or classical drawing amateur. Lots of well written text and examples. Figures part is covers all the basics of proportions, gesture and movement. Faces section is OK, but could be beefed up.