Figure Drawing For Dummies

Your hands-on guide to drawing the human figure and bringing it to life

Want to draw the human body? This step-by-step guide gives you clear instructions and examples coupled with expert tips that show you how to draw the body in a variety of poses. Whether you're a professional illustrator, an art student, or a hobbyist, you'll find the techniques you need to capture the human form.

• Get a grip on the basics — drawing exercises show you how to work with lines, curves, shapes, light, shadows, and blending

• Off to a head start — draw the components of the head, facial features, muscle structure, and hairstyles

• Build the body — examine bone structure and shape, create stick figures, depict muscles, and draw the body in motion

• Strike dynamic and casual poses — from running, jumping, and climbing to sitting, stretching, and more

• Accessorize your figures — draw textures, patterns, and folds, and add basic clothing and shoes

Open the book and find:

• The drawing supplies you need

• How to set up your studio

• The differences between drawing adults and children

• Step-by-step illustrations and examples

• Tips for forming facial expressions

• Advanced drawing techniques, including shading

• How to work with composition and perspective

• Advice on fixing mistakes

• Places to present and archive your work