Books - which one to pick?

[KampfHase]

Hi there,

I've been thinking about buying a book about how to draw humans (with pencil), but I'm not sure which one to pick. There are so many of them.
I don't want to buy several books, but just a good one that's worth the money. Do you have any suggestions?
Concerning the book: I'm not a pro, so I'm looking for a book (could call it 'guide') that leads you all the way from the basics up to some advanced technices. I mean, people (meaning amateurs) say that I can draw pretty good, but to be frankly realistic, I never learned any professional technique of
or approach to drawing. Situation is: I draw far better than average but
now, the time has come were I just can't make the next step without professional guidance.
Maybe you know about a book that is considered the 'bible of fine arts' or something?
Or would you recommend to simply buy a good common book of anatomy?
Or maybe both?
I looked at books of Betty Edwards, Stan Smith and Barrington Barber, but I'm unsure of wheather one of them is the right one.

Thanks in advance,

KampfHase

[darkwolfb87]

Hello Kampfhase,

I would recommend Stephen Peck's Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist along with Strength Training Anatomy:

http://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Human-Anatomy-Artist-Galaxy/dp/0195030958/sr=1-1/qid=1170290129/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-1573239-3970800?ie=UTF8&s=books

http://www.amazon.com/Strength-Training-Anatomy-Frederic-Delavier/dp/0736063684/sr=8-1/qid=1170290095/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-1573239-3970800?ie=UTF8&s=books

They work very well together because you learn what's going on under the skin with Peck and all of that structure and anatomy is then put to use in Delavier. You can't go wrong with these two :)

~ Stephen

[Flake]

If you post a sketchthread or some easily accessible work people will be better able to suggest a book appropriate for your particular skill level. (if it's there, apologies, but I couldn't see it..)

I can't see your work but if you already draw like Raphael there is little point in me suggesting Betty Edwards because you know all that already, similarly if you are a bit new then books like the Harold Speed books will likely fly right over your head with a whooshing noise..

There are many good books but most of them are aimed at artists of specific skill levels.

/2p worth.

[the_allejo05]

kamphase well what can i say based on my experience this is the best book i have found (trust me i went with betty edwards and i own peck and all those nice books, bridgeman is strong too,but far too advanced when you know anatomy it will serve its purpose, just like peck,all these books that i own have given a grain of salt to my knowledge )

http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/text-idx?idno=00z303872m;view=toc;c=nietz

If i had to do it again I would start with Chapmans..you might look at it and seem outdated and weird, but it is one of the most dificult in the approach that it takes time and patience.. (we are so used to fast results) and if you have as you say a talent it will challlenge you a lot.. the Loomis books
http://www.fineart.sk/ are a gold mine too, both will complement the other.

I do not deny my great talent at drawing (thank God for it) ,but much effort ,practice (eye and hand )and most of all knowledge of the concepts underlying the science of drawing will lead you the true way.. natural talent will help you tons in advancing quickly but it also has its limitations...(you'll undertand them) oh yeah the books are FREE ,they only promise hard work..:)

[k4pka]

...Speed books will likely fly right over your head with a whooshing noise...

This is very true, although I would still recommend them because they are SO cheap and incredibly informed. I re-read both mine all the time and I never fail to be enlightened at new passages in some way, as my painting experience grows.

[Harold D Carr]

www.drawingforce.com
you can get the drawingforce book there i reccomend it

[CreationEdge]

Stephen Rogers Peck, as mentioned, has a great book. It's not so much technique as it is GREAT anatomical reference for artists. It's probably my favorite art anatomy book that I have (although, I only have about 4 + Bridgman's Complete Guide).

Technique, I haven't really been able to find a book that helps with that. I'd save your money, practice tons, and POST HERE. I don't do that, but I've been through many threads of those who do, and I can see their improvement, whereas I've stagnated.

Honestly, your best bet is using these boards, asking for help when you post a drawing, and studying the techniques of other artists. (ASK them how they do it.) Many of the artists here are not only willing to help, they're PROFESSIONALS.


And if you're looking for anatomy tips as well, make sure to check out Mentler's threads. He's got tons of hints and information. (That guy KNOWS his stuff.)


If you want reference books... Peck, Bridgman, Hogarthe, Loomis... They have some technique, mostly small hints and then reference.

If you want technique... You best bet is to use that book money to buy a couple reems of paper and some pencils, and just fill up every sheet.


Edit: Also, try a link in my sig. None of them are any sites of mine, or friends, but they've all been helpful.

[KampfHase]

Hi there,

much thanks to all of you! Your comments have been very helpful.

I think, I'll have a closer look at Pack's Anatomy; it seems worth the money.
As suggested by CreationEdge, I'll buy a good pen and nice paper, and keep practicing, so that I'll be able to post some of my work here in this forum for further improvement.

Thanks again!
Keep up the good work!
Greets,
KampfHase :^^: