Excellent book to polish one's ability to draw the figure
I love life drawing (from models, not from anatomy books or photos) and while I am very capable of producing lively, instant and strong "alla prima" drawings from the figure, I find it difficult to execute a "finished" drawing, in the classical way, if I wanted to. I find it particularly difficult to render skin tone and shadows in a way that unifies the figure.
I bought this book based on its cover and editorial review, mostly because of the appeal of the classically executed nude and the range of contrast, the skin rendering the author was able to deliver. I wanted to learn more about this.
While I agree with comments from 1 and 2 stars ratings that the title does not reflect the content (this is NOT a "complete guide" to figure drawing as I think it does not take the "want to be" life drawer or the beginner to the level of drawing Ryder is capable of. But it is of a tremendous help and inspiration to the artist who has already a sound knowledge of anatomy and drawing in general. The book describes many tips and hints and techniques which make your drawing move to higher grounds, stand out from the page, the text and directions are VERY CLEAR if you understand drawing.
I have to say that I am a medium experienced artist, and as such I am tired of "how to" books that try and cover every level of technique, starting with info that is often far too basic (what brand of pencil to buy, 2 points perspective) and only touching up on more advanced skills (which by the way are the ones that will make you actually PROGRESS).
While this particular book does mention some basic skills (how to achieve 'tone', variety of lines and hatching methods required to master Ryder's style) and some principles (Ryder bases is method on drawing the contour, then drawing on the inside), the actual level and quality of the teaching and information delivered is exceptional.
One buyer complained about the lack of "how to" (step by step) demonstrations to deliver a particular drawing from the book. If you actually READ the text, you do not need any. Each chaper is a step in Ryder's method. If you read and understand the techinques described, then you internalise the teaching and go and PRACTICE it next time you draw from a LIVE model.
In conclusion, I find this book worth reading and keeping as a reference, but would not recommend this as a "STARTING" book for the beginner. The title is definitely misleading from this point of view.
Review #2
More about the artist than about learning to draw
The artist seems more impressed with his own skill than in helping anyone try to learn how to draw.
The book has beautiful drawings and is a handsome book in general. It shows the authors work in an interesting way.
It is hardly a "complete guide to figure drawing: a contemporary perspective on the classical tradition" as it claims in the title.
Most of the text is empty of real meaning.
I would not recommend it to a friend.
Review #3
Excellent
Read it page to page. Excellent book. I would recommend it to those whom are very interested in the 'Classical' tradition and training to become a serious artist.
