Weekly Photo: Next Up

Bridgeman's Life Drawing Guide by George B. Bridgeman is a little gem that I picked up a few months back for $3.

It isn't a read in the traditional sense, but what sets it apart from most art books that I've come across is that it explains the movement and fluidity of the human body, unlike most art books that have rather stale poses that expect the reader to simply memorize. It also goes into the functionality and physiology of how the human body moves, balances, falls, and relaxes. I also very much like the fact that it doesn't adhere to one specific body type, but instead teaches the reader a variety of realistic builds for both males and females, from muscled to lean to fat.

I absolutely cannot stand art books that only stick to unrealistic "Barbie" body types that look like emaciated mummies. This book absolutely avoids that. The women have reasonably sized breasts and hips, and the men actually have necks.

I 100% recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to draw people. It focuses mainly on how to pose characters, but it also delves into shading, portrait sketches, and drawing flow.

I got about a quarter of the way through it back in March, but unfortunately I had to shelve it to make way for other priorities. But, I've decided to go through it once more with intentions to finish it. Wish me luck!

#nextupphoto