Deciding on an art book

[MrMojo]

Well, I decided to get a few good art books as my Christmas present.

Mostly, I am looking for books on figure drawing. Before you spam me with the "middle class bookshelf" link, I just need help deciding which one.


It seems that people think Bridgman's and Hogarth's stuff is the best. But which one would be a better buy?

Looking at both on amazon, Bridgman's art seems more like my type, but I'm intrigued by Hogarth's style as well.

[mtw]

I don't have Hogarth's book, so I can't comment on it, but Bridgeman's figure drawings are awesome. I haven't read much of the book yet, but you can tell he knows what he's talking about.

[geoffd]

hogarth is VERY stylized, hence the name 'Dynamic' Bridgeman teaches mass and form, getting volume and rythym to your drawings. you'll get a lot more out of bridgeman's book then hogarth IMO.
i'd also check out a medical anatomy book as well. grey's anatomy or something similar, that way you can learn the real nitty gritty of the stuff.

[MrMojo]

So, would it be a good idea to get both? I'm thinking of getting the figure drawing/anatomy books at once, but I'm still not too sure about which artist to get. If, for example, I just want my figures to look more realistic, and later worry about the dynamics, would it be a good idea to get Bridgman first?

His books are cheaper for some reason too.


Hmm, is it worth getting the big "Complete life drawing" Bridgman book over the Figure drawing and Anatomy?

[mtw]

Originally posted by MrMojo
If, for example, I just want my figures to look more realistic, and later worry about the dynamics, would it be a good idea to get Bridgman first?
Maybe I have a different definition of dynamic, but Bridgeman teaches rythm and balance. The text for the section is a little short, but his example drawings are very good examples of such, and I think they are dynamic. I would by his book just for the drawings, because I think they're that good.

[MrMojo]

Is it worth it getting both books?

[geoffd]

get the 'Complete Life Drawing' by Bridgman and get a medical anatomy book. don't get hogarth's stuff. my opinion.

[negativespace]

The The Vilppu Drawing Manual (http://www.vilppustudio.com/books.htm). Good book for beginners.

[PeggyChung]

hmm well check this link out if u havnet yet http://www.fineart.sk/index.php?cat=0

edit: oops messed up between the others :P

[AnarchyAo2]

I think that bridman's books arn't mean to be used to develop your style. Its mean't to make a foundation for your style by learning correct anatomy and how it works. I loved Bridman's books because he just doesn't say "The head goes here, and the torso has to be here." He explains it clearly. And since he does explain those rules, you can use them to make a totally new concept for a creature or whatever.