Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters: 100 Great Drawings Analyzed, Figure Drawing Fundamentals Defined

Customer Reviews:

Analysis is great.......2007-10-03

I like that he has a full page to show the drawing and on the facing page he has a smaller version with commentary. He places capital letters on the drawing so you can see exactly which line or shape he is discussing.

Definative.......2007-07-13

Robert Beverly Hale was one of the masters in teaching figure drawing. A must for serious students of figure painting.

Not written by an artist..........2007-05-08

Although this is one of the best compilation books of old master drawings
available on the common market, I would not put too much stock in what
the author says. The author is correct in saying that many of these
great artists had to learn and understand anatomy in order to "make it up"
(e.g., a figure of a rearing horse drawn by Titian, impossible to be
taken from life), but he goes overboard in trying to get the student to
learn about anatomy. For example, he says "Please buy some bones". That's right--the way to paint like Rubens is to...buy some bones. I don't think so. Even if you learned how to draw the figure well, after perhaps 10 years, you'd still have to tackle drapery and then learn how to compose your figures in a painting and, well, be an artist. I have learned after much figure drawing study that after a while, "studies are
useless" (Rubens said that also). It is better for the true artist to simply plan painting after painting, and ignore all this wasteful "study effort" as if art is a science. This is not to say any knowledge of anatomy is bad. But you need to know only as much as it takes to know that
a head looks too big, or a shoulder "doesn't look right", esp. if you are already working from life. I have studied anatomy and tried to draw from my memory, and although my drawings have all the attendant parts, you cannot "guess" at how the aspect of a vastus medialis changes when it is in 10 different positions. It's much easier and quicker simply to draw a model from life--it will look more correct, even WITHOUT a knowledge of anatomy. And if you are a figurative artist, you may even want to "clothe" your figures at some point (Watteau made a name for himself for knowing how to do just that) so knowledge of anatomy, although not to be entirely discounted, should run second to drawing from life, having artistic vision, and working on a plan to make a nice painting instead of engaging in hours of fruitless "studies." After you die, do you want to have a bunch of academic drawings with correct anatomy laying around?
Only the art matters. This book, although much better than those awful books which use hack artists as models of excellence, still falls short
of what you really need to do to become a strong figurative painter. And that is, "draw from life". Pose your friends and family and draw them.
That's what the masters did.

This is one of the best books ever!.......2007-01-25

This is a must have book. No matter what your subject matter you can benefit from reading and doing the exercises in this book. I read it with a highlighter and a pen. I don't usually write in my drawing books, but this one was too good to simply read I had to study it. I will be using this in my current class to help me draw people better. Lots of excellent examples. It doesn't matter what you are trying to learn to draw this book helps you think in terms of mass and shape, not legs, arms, faces, etc.

Must have book for all fine art students!.......2007-01-05

Robert Beverly Hale is the undisputed master of not only artistic anatomy, methods of drawing and the masters' techniques; but he is also a master at conveying ideas in clear concise language. He was the best lecturer on artistic anatomy. I attended his 10 session lectures twice before he died. The book reflects much of what he taught in his lectures, so it's the next best thing to having him in the room.

Average customer rating:

Good for Antamoy References
Good book
Practice practice practice
Good book, but lacks in the following.
Excellent content

Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters
Robert Hale , Terence Coyle , and Robert Beverly Hale
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters: 100 Great Drawings Analyzed, Figure Drawing Fundamentals Defined
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ASIN: 0823002810
Release Date: 2000-10-01

Amazon.com

Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters provides an anatomical counterpart to Robert Beverly Hale's classic reference book, Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters. Terence Coyle, who for several years assisted Hale at the Art Students League of New York, kept detailed notes of Hale's lectures and teaching methods. He combined these notes with 100 drawings to illustrate how the great masters portrayed specific parts of the human physique. As Hale points out, master artists such as Rembrandt, Leonardo, and Raphael "absorbed the technical details of anatomy so well that these details could be set down instinctively.... If an artist has to occupy his mind with the task of clumsily grouping the elemental facts of anatomy as he draws, there can be little room left for really important matters--such as the spirit of the drawing and the artist's expressive intent." Coyle provides several examples within the study of each anatomical area to illustrate the variety of styles and methods employed by the masters. The book treats, in order, the rib cage, the pelvis and thigh, the knee and lower leg, the foot, the shoulder girdle, the arm, the hand, and the neck and head. A complete series of anatomical reference plates by Dr. Paul Richer is included. By applying the timeless anatomical principles the great masters have handed down to us, any artist can begin to acquire the means by which to express the "really important matters." --Mary Ribesky

Book Description

This classic book, whose foremost author was one of the great artistic anatomy teachers of the twentieth century, is an invaluable instructor and reference guide for any professional, amateur, or student artist who depicts the human form. Revealing the drawing principles behind one hundred inspiring masterpieces, the book presents work by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rubens, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, and other greats. These superb portrayers of figures knew that the secret of drawing them was seeing how underlying bone and muscle structures mold the body's surface forms. Readers are shown how to learn from these great examples as the authors guide them through all the steps they would take in a life class or studio working with live models.

Customer Reviews:

Good for Antamoy References.......2007-05-13

I will just say that this is very helpful for reference to specific part of the human anatomy. Especially the skeletal and muscular diagrams at the back of the book.

Good book.......2006-11-23

for us amateaur artists who want inspiration to create great works of art. This book shows the details of the human body and how great artists drew from live and dead bodies as they create the greatest masterpieces in art history.

Practice practice practice.......2006-01-20

I took an art class at the junior college and the instructor suggested copying the masters to improve drawing skills. I bought this book and copied every picture. Not only did it familiarize me with many artists I had not heard of but, over time my drawing skills improved dramatically. I am now buying collections of drawings of other artists and copying. I highly recommend the book not only as a reference but also to be used to improve skills. I have an engineering background, not art and this helped immensely.

Good book, but lacks in the following........2004-01-07

Pick up this book if you are looking for a great artistic anatomy reference book. If you are looking for more than reference, however, you might want to look elsewhere. While this book is definitely good, it doesn't give the artist direction in how to draw or depict the illustrations. The text is pretty much straight-forward, usually only noting the parts of the bodies in the images. Second, this book lacks the poetic and great writing of Robert Beverly Hale.

Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters is more of an extra reference book or a supplement to Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters. In that book, Hale really teaches to the reader whats needed to depict anatomy, what steps the artist must take, gives tips on how to become a great or accomplished artist, why the artists of the past were so good, what mistakes beginners of figure drawing usually make, and sooooo much more. It's pretty much an incredible book to have even if you're not into figure drawing.

I think Anatomy Lessons would probably be more highly regarded in my eyes had Drawing Lessons been nonexistent. Anatomy Lessons is great for further reference, if thats what you're looking for though. I probably wouldn't recommend anyone to buy this book unless you already own or have thoroughly read and studied Drawing Lessons by the Great Masters.

Excellent content.......2002-09-29

An excellent book on artistic anatomy. Reading this one book has taught me more than some figure drawing classes. A systematic deconstruction of how the masters of artistic anatomy have integrated their knowledge into some of the greatest drawings of all time. The book goes through the drawings of famous artists, categorized by the region of the body on which the drawings are focused, and attempts to explain how extensive knowledge of anatomy has been effectively applied. It touches on how these artists could create drawings which are more powerful than merely a photographic rendering of the model through their use of anatomy.

Unfortunately, the book is very cheaply bound. Entire leaves have detached themselves from the spine, though I have treated the book very well. My copy has turned into a stack of paper and scotch tape, wrapped loosely in its former cover. Despite that fact, I still consider it worth the purchase.

I have both this book and "Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters." Both are excellent books, but if you must only buy one, get this one. It is the better of the two.

Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters
Average customer rating:
Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters

Manufacturer: New York Watson-Guptil Pub. 1978.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HTNMKO

Average customer rating:
ANATOMY LESSONS FROM THE GREAT MASTERS
Robert Beverly and Coyle, Terence Hale
Manufacturer: Watson Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VGA10C

Book Description

The Bella Coola Valley lies in the misty heart of British Columbia's West Coast, where the Pacific spills into forest-clad cracks in the Coast Mountains. Though the human footprint here is 11,000 years old, it remains modest--about 2,500 hardy souls populate the remote valley.

Nature, by contrast, has thrown herself wantonly upon the area. The waters of the Central Coast are dappled with lush islands and teem with life, including all five species of salmon. To the east and south Tweedsmuir Provincial Park--the largest in BC--sprawls between the coast and the Chilcotin Plateau. Between the sea and mountains, fog shrouds the Great Bear Rainforest, 5 million hectares of old-growth forest, including a protected area twice the size of Yellowstone Park.

The rugged terrain barred road access to the valley until 1953, when the resourceful residents bulldozed their own "Freedom Road" up a dizzying pass that roughly follows the ancient Nuxalk "grease trail" to the Chilcotin.

Along with their concise and knowledgeable accounts of the area's natural and economic history, authors Mike Wigle and Hans Granander introduce you to some of the valley's free spirits, from the Nuxalk to the Norwegians who began farming around Hagensborg in 1894, to the canners and loggers of the 20th century. There's Ralph Edwards, who established a homestead at Lonesome Lake in 1912 and became famous for nursing its swans through hard winters. Rancher and outdoorsman Clayton Mack was guide and storyteller to Hollywood stars. Margaret Siwallace earned academic honours for her translations of Nuxalk lore.

There are two kinds of West Coast travellers: those impatient to make their first pilgrimage to Bella Coola, and those yearning to return to it. Whichever you are, here's your ticket.

Customer Reviews:

What a spectacular book!.......2007-03-18

Wow! We're signed up for a trip to Bella Coola this August, and found this book on Amazon. We've since recommended it to all of our fellow travelers, who are all enjoying it as much as we have. We've read alot on the area, and this book is our favorite. It's very comprehensive, covering everything from landscape to flora and fauna to history to First People. And the photography is stunning. We loved this book!

Customer Reviews:

MY BABY LOVES THIS BOOK.......2007-04-20

This is a really cute book! It was also highly recommended by Oppenheimer. When I first read it to my 3 and 1/2 month old son he started chuckling and chortling out loud in delight. Something instinctive in children just love playing peekaboo but also something about this book because I have another peekaboo book and he never reacted that way with that book. And it's not an annoying book for adults to read. I also paid only $8 cause I saw a special at the store, don't know if I would pay $12 plus shipping for close to $20!

Peekaboo, I Love You (Seedling: Growing with God)

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Peekaboo, I Love You (Seedling: Growing with God)
The De Villiers Family
Manufacturer: WaterBrook Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1400071224
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Book Description

Peek-a-Boo, Where Are You?

When a soft and furry kitten comes to live with him, Seedling is thrilled. But his excited squeezes frighten the kitten into hiding, so Seedling searches through the house for his beloved pet, calling out “Peek-a-boo, I’ll find you.”

This charming story in rhyme captures a child’s delight in playing with animals while teaching the importance of showing love in gentle ways.

Seeds of Faith for a Lifetime of Growth

The earliest years of childhood provide fertile soil for seeds of faith, and the captivating Seedling and Sprout series offers the perfect way to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to the God who created their wonder-filled world. Each book is artfully designed with vibrant, contemporary illustrations and communicates vital truths that nurture young faith.

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Peekaboo I Love You
Bil Keane
Manufacturer: Fawcett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: 0449141748
Release Date: 1982-03-12

Average customer rating:

Peekaboo, I Love You !
lissa
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Binding: Board book
ASIN: B000T6KFA0

Product Description

children's board book by lissa rovetch

PEEKABOO! I LOVE YOU! (Another Treasury of Cartoons from the Family Circus)

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PEEKABOO! I LOVE YOU! (Another Treasury of Cartoons from the Family Circus)
Bil Keane
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UW3K96

Book Description

Crossing the Line is a novel that revisits Montgomery, Alabama, in the 1950s. Author Rob Hinton tells the story of Jasper Burroughs, a young black man who witnesses the Rosa Park incident, and along with his student friends, works to fight the injustice of segregation.

The reader meets a young minister named Martin Luther King and learns of the critical role that King played in the early days of the civil rights movement.

The story's message and the lessons learned by Jasper during this turbulent time are just as relevant today as they were back then. Educational and entertaining, this historical novel is recommended reading for young adults and up.

Book Description

More than two decades' worth of press coverage for the rock phenomenon Led Zeppelin is compiled in this meticulous collection by a noted Zeppelin expert. From their first concerts in Scandinavia to their tragic dissolution in 1980, the history of the disciplined and unprecedentedly mediagenic band is traced from the perspective of hundreds of newspapers, magazines, and music tabloids from around the world. A section on pre-Zeppelin Jimmy Page and appendixes with concerts listed by city, date, and country are included, along with a CD that features an exclusive interview with Jimmy Page.

Customer Reviews:

Decent, but disappointing.......2005-05-26

The Good: It has lengthy interviews with the band, tour dates (and maps!), and press releases from Atlantic and Swan Song.

The Bad:
1) The album reviews and general criticism are never printed, but rather summarized (usually very briefly) by Godwin. He claims that copywrite law prevents such things, but books like Racing In The Streets and All Yesterday's Parties, on Springsteen and The Velvet Underground respectively, have re-printed articles in their entirety. Perhaps it is less profitable to do so? At any rate, this significantly reduces the value of the book as it obscures a crucial history of how their albums were perceived by critics.
2) As the 1970s wear on, it becomes clear that Godwin falls into a familiar trap as regards positive and negative reviews of the band. The positive reviews receive very little qualification while the negative reviews (especially toward the decade's end) are accompanied with statements about how it was fashionable to hate Zeppelin in punk-era Britain. The idea is that Zeppelin deserved the good reviews, but the bad reviews were merely a result of bandwagon journalism and not reflective of a decline in Zeppelin's music. This is so biased that it calls into question the objectivity of the entire book, a fact that might be mitigated if the articles were re-printed in full instead of us having to rely on Godwin's summaries and editing.

Overall, I'm glad I read it as some information is better than none. I do, however, hope a better book comes along someday, one with a better eye for historical detail and accuracy.

Fascinating Information.......2000-03-31

This book reveals a lot, good and bad, about Led Zeppelin. The multitude of interviews provide great insight into the state of the band at that time. Wish there were more pictures, though. A must for all Led-Heads.

A wonderful read for any Led Zeppelin fan!.......1999-04-09

Mr Godwin does a great job here in compiling countless newspaper and magazine articles from throughout the world. It is so interesting to read about the band in articles that are from the various years. Some articles even reveal mysteries that have been around concerning concert dates, and other facts. If you are a Led Zeppelin fan - this book is a must!

Book Description

Throughout the world, there has been much scholarly and general interest in French popular culture, but very little has been written on the subject in English. The authors of this book address that lack in a series of highly readable and well-documented essays describing French life styles, attitudes, and entertainments as well as the writers and performers currently favored by the French public. Several chapters explore French tastes in popular literature and other reading matter, including comics, cartoons, mystery and spy fiction, newspapers and magazines, and science fiction. Film, popular music, radio, and television are also discussed in detail, and influences from other cultures--particularly American "imports"--are assessed. The remaining essays examine French sports, the use of leisure time, the French style of eating and drinking, and relations between men and women and their attitudes toward romantic love. Each chapter provides up-to-date historical and bibliographic information that will enable the reader to pursue subjects of particular interest. Written by an international group of specialists, this handbook offers the benefits of broad coverage, a variety of viewpoints, and solid scholarship.

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