Anatomy for Artists - Books Review

[@williampaquet6573]

I'm a figurative sculptor for over thirty years and have not seen that Goldfinger book but am going to get a copy so thanks for sharing that. I own many anatomy books and honestly the most insightful books I ever procured were from George Bridgman; his understanding of mechanics, form, balance and composition were essential in my growth as a young artist. Thanks for this video and the adult no nonsense presentation. Cheers.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Yes I can imagine Bridgeman being especially good for a sculptor. He's very good on function and mechanics isn't he.

[@tcdrx]

Thank you for the in depth explanation. I ordered the Valerie Winslow edition.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Thanks. Glad you liked the video. I hope you enjoy the Winslow book.

[@daveemerson]

Well done Alan. I have several of the books you reviewed - including Richer and Goldfinger and I find myself getting overwhelmed with information. I don't have the Winslow book but I will pick it up soon. Thank you!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Hi Dave. Glad you found it useful. The Winslow should be less overwhelming and I think the whole feel of it is a little bit warmer, a bit less dry. Let me know your thoughts if you get it. Cheers.

[@daveemerson]

Hey Alan. I did pick up the Winslow book. I love it, very dynamic book. Drawings are fantastic, information is laid out very well. Of all of my anatomy books, this is my favorite and most useful. Probably the only anatomy book an artist would need. Thanks for recommending it.@@alanmcgowanart6321

[@FanPhys]

Great overview of some wonderful books - thank you! My first anatomy book was Sheppard's, which I bought (jings) almost 25 years ago, followed by Barcsay, which like you is where I learned the bulk of my anatomy knowledge. I also have numerous others, like Hampton's, and three of Hogarth's from his "dynamic" series (Figures, Anatomy, Hands). There are of course notable mentions when it comes to general figure drawing, eg. Loomis and Bridgman, but when it comes to pure anatomy I think Barcsay ought to be a staple, a good foundation which can be built upon with any of the others.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Good to hear you sticking up for Barcsay! I think I tend to be a bit down on him just because the design of the book I have is not great, but actually I've got a lot of affection for that book and I think his drawings are really good. They have had an influence on how I think about shading and making form as well as anatomy. Thanks for your comment.

[@ratman431]

I found out the copy of the Barcsay book I have is a revised edition. Put out in 1995.The thing that I dislike about the Barcsay book is the drawings of the heads. Thanks for making the video. I learned a lot. I'll definitely have to read some of the books you suggested.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Yeh, my copy of the book is a bit older than that - from the late 80's. His anatomy drawing is really good I think but I agree, when he gets into faces and some of the figure drawings the stylisation is a bit much. Glad you liked the vid.

[@heartk4696]

Very helpful video, it really helps to understand which book better suits one's needs. Thank you for doing it.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Thanks. I'm glad you found it useful.

[@PM-eoru]

As a young artist wanting to burrow further into art, thank you!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Thanks. I'm glad you found it useful. Good luck with the burrowing!

[@ratman431]

After watching your video. I looked at my copy of the bars cay book. You are correct the descriptive paragraphs are separate from the art. How the book works is each page has Roman numerals at the top. The paragraphs contain Roman numerals that corraspond with the Roman numerals on the pages on the illustration pages.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

I think the fact that the text and images are separated from each other in the Barcsay book makes it more difficult to follow (unnecessarily so in my opinion) - it just adds another obstacle we don't really need. Even worse in my copy some of the labelling is actually incorrect! though mine is an old edition and it may well be that those inaccuracies have been amended in newer printings.

[@RyanParreno]

Very helpful reviews of these books! I see not a lot of people have still checked out Roberto Osti's books, which AFAIK are the newest published on the topic. I'd love to learn what you think about them.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

I didn't know of Osti's work before. I'll check them out. Cheers.

[@mesolithicman164]

Lionel Hampton? Jazz icon and human anatomy expert. News to me.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Multi-talented!

[@Enhancedlies]

A list of the books in the description would be super helpful!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

I take your point! Done.

[@germanluna6518]

Great review. Thank you so much.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Glad it was helpful!

[@camila8ym]

Super useful video! Thanks for sharing!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Thanks. Glad it was helpful!

[@betweenthepanels9145]

The Morpho book series is always quite good as is Anatomy for Sculptors by Uldis Zarins

[@UlfricStromcloak]

I would say Michale Hampton's book s geared towards Concept artists. It playes well for anyone doing character design for entertainment industry. I have taken his class with CGMA. he also publishes his instruction on KZbin from time to time. Great instructor imo.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

I agree that Michael Hampton's book is really good for character design and creating figures from the imagination. Good I suppose for animators and game designers. Good artist.

[@retromograph3893]

Great review, thanks!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Thanks

[@brenturner9231]

Hello, thank you for the video, just to add a bit of unnecessary information, "Paul Richer" is pronounced "Paul Rishé" (like in "cliché"). He was French.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Hi Bren. Thanks for that, that's good info. I guess I was never quite sure how to pronounce it properly! Cheers A

[@hanna5528]

Lovely video, thank you!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AmantesdelDibujo]

WOW …¡¡ ❤❤❤ I want that Amazing collection of Books 📕

[@Mario543212]

very good video. thank you!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Cheers. Glad you liked it!

[@richardbaeyens1313]

Thanks for the sharing. A good book too, is from Roberto Osti The anatomy Humain. ☕👋

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Thanks for the tip. I'll have a look out for it. Cheers, Alan

[@casperwilliams6393]

Thank you so much sir.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Glad you liked it.

[@Die.Trying]

Thanks

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Welcome