Another book that I stumbled upon by chance a few years ago and now consider my go-to reference for building up the human figure when quick sketching is "The Figure" by Walt Reed.
Written by Walt Reed, a renowned author and art historian, the book delves into the study of human anatomy and the depiction of the human figure in various art forms.
"The Figure" provides valuable insights, techniques, and tips for artists seeking to improve their figure drawing skills. It explores topics such as proportion, gesture, anatomy, and capturing the dynamics and essence of the human form.
The value of this book lies in the simplicity of its illustrations, which facilitates a better understanding of the basic human figure. Each part of the human body is presented as simplified objects, with comparisons of proportions between different body parts. Memorizing this information can be extremely helpful when initially sketching the body form.
Published in 1976 by North Light Books, "The Figure" has been a go-to resource for artists and art students for many years. It continues to receive praise for its depth of knowledge and practical guidance in the realm of figurative art.
