Anatomy for Artists - Books Review

A review of a range of current and classic books on Anatomy for Artists, including works by Robert Beverley Hale, Valerie Winslow, Paul Richer, etc (see full list below).
For information on my upcoming online Anatomy for Artist courses go to www.alanmcgowan.com/section87...
Books I review here - "Classic Human Anatomy" by Valerie Winslow ; "Gray's Anatomy" ; "Anatomy Lessons of the Great Masters" by Robert Beverley Hale ; "Anatomy for the Artist", by Jeno Barcsay ; "Artistic Anatomy" and "Female Morphology" by Paul Richer ; "Human Anatomy for Artists" by Eliot Goldfinger ; The Complete Guide to Anatomy for Artists and Illustrators" by Gottfried Bammes; "The Human Machine" by George Bridgeman ; "Figure Drawing Design and Invention" by Michael Hampton ; "Anatomy a Complete Guide for Artists" by Joseph Sheppard.

[@williampaquet6573]

I'm a figurative sculptor for over thirty years and have not seen that Goldfinger book but am going to get a copy so thanks for sharing that. I own many anatomy books and honestly the most insightful books I ever procured were from George Bridgman; his understanding of mechanics, form, balance and composition were essential in my growth as a young artist. Thanks for this video and the adult no nonsense presentation. Cheers.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Yes I can imagine Bridgeman being especially good for a sculptor. He's very good on function and mechanics isn't he.

[@mesolithicman164]

Lionel Hampton? Jazz icon and human anatomy expert. News to me.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Multi-talented!

[@ratman431]

After watching your video. I looked at my copy of the bars cay book. You are correct the descriptive paragraphs are separate from the art. How the book works is each page has Roman numerals at the top. The paragraphs contain Roman numerals that corraspond with the Roman numerals on the pages on the illustration pages.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

I think the fact that the text and images are separated from each other in the Barcsay book makes it more difficult to follow (unnecessarily so in my opinion) - it just adds another obstacle we don't really need. Even worse in my copy some of the labelling is actually incorrect! though mine is an old edition and it may well be that those inaccuracies have been amended in newer printings.

[@retromograph3893]

Great review, thanks!

[@UlfricStromcloak]

I would say Michale Hampton's book s geared towards Concept artists. It playes well for anyone doing character design for entertainment industry. I have taken his class with CGMA. he also publishes his instruction on UA-cam from time to time. Great instructor imo.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

I agree that Michael Hampton's book is really good for character design and creating figures from the imagination. Good I suppose for animators and game designers. Good artist.

[@heartk4696]

Very helpful video, it really helps to understand which book better suits one's needs. Thank you for doing it.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Thanks. I'm glad you found it useful.

[@ratman431]

I found out the copy of the Barcsay book I have is a revised edition. Put out in 1995.The thing that I dislike about the Barcsay book is the drawings of the heads. Thanks for making the video. I learned a lot. I'll definitely have to read some of the books you suggested.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Yeh, my copy of the book is a bit older than that - from the late 80's. His anatomy drawing is really good I think but I agree, when he gets into faces and some of the figure drawings the stylisation is a bit much.
Glad you liked the vid.

[@camila8ym]

Super useful video! Thanks for sharing!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Thanks. Glad it was helpful!

[@Enhancedlies]

A list of the books in the description would be super helpful!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

I take your point! Done.

[@daveemerson]

Well done Alan. I have several of the books you reviewed - including Richer and Goldfinger and I find myself getting overwhelmed with information. I don't have the Winslow book but I will pick it up soon. Thank you!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Hi Dave. Glad you found it useful. The Winslow should be less overwhelming and I think the whole feel of it is a little bit warmer, a bit less dry. Let me know your thoughts if you get it. Cheers.

[@daveemerson]

Hey Alan. I did pick up the Winslow book. I love it, very dynamic book. Drawings are fantastic, information is laid out very well. Of all of my anatomy books, this is my favorite and most useful. Probably the only anatomy book an artist would need. Thanks for recommending it.@@alanmcgowanart6321

[@hanna5528]

Lovely video, thank you!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@casperwilliams6393]

Thank you so much sir.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Glad you liked it.

[@RyanParreno]

Very helpful reviews of these books! I see not a lot of people have still checked out Roberto Osti's books, which AFAIK are the newest published on the topic. I'd love to learn what you think about them.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

I didn't know of Osti's work before. I'll check them out. Cheers.

[@Mario543212]

very good video. thank you!

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Cheers. Glad you liked it!

[@richardbaeyens1313]

Thanks for the sharing. A good book too, is from Roberto Osti The anatomy Humain. ☕👋

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Thanks for the tip. I'll have a look out for it. Cheers, Alan

[@brenturner9231]

Hello, thank you for the video, just to add a bit of unnecessary information, "Paul Richer" is pronounced "Paul Rishé" (like in "cliché"). He was French.

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Hi Bren. Thanks for that, that's good info. I guess I was never quite sure how to pronounce it properly! Cheers A

[@Die.Trying]

Thanks

[@alanmcgowanart6321]

Welcome