- This one, however, is probably (no, certainly) not for the complete beginner; indeed, I would suggest that it requires a pretty fair level of experience to really appreciate and benefit from it`s contents.
It is NOT a how-to book with “demonstrations” or prescriptive instructions.
The book is copiously illustrated throughout with black and white drawings and a few photographs; the bulk of the drawings are by John Raynes himself, with some provided by Polly Reynes (who uses a delicate and quite exquisite technique) and a few great master drawings as comparative reference.
The first third or so of the book is taken up by anatomical drawings of the bones, skeleton and musculature – all beautifully rendered – and accompanied by a descriptive text.
The remainder of the book covers those aspects of the figure in the life room the student is much more likely to encounter through a series of drawing projects which consider things like weight, balance, structure, dynamics, light and shade, clothing, movement etc.; it is quite a comprehensive list and again, very well illustrated in a variety of media.
I would suggest that the book will be of most use to the practising artist who has access to a life class or can employ a model; it is certainly filled with useful advice and information – as a professional artist myself, I know a lot of this, but it is useful to go over it again – one can always learn (and re-learn) from a well-laid out and clearly explained volume such as this.
There is a lot to digest, but the projects are presented in bite-sized chunks; the anatomical section looks very technical (and it is) - perhaps of greater value to artists requiring more specific knowledge than the average student - but don`t be put off – the remainder of the book is helpful, clear and easy to follow.