Animal Drawing and Anatomy - Paperback

by Edwin Noble (Author), Art Instruction (Author)

Unlike painters of the human figure, artists reproducing images of animals have to "snatch" their opportunities, notes the author of this excellent how-to guide. He advises beginning artists to take advantage of moments during which the subject is at rest. Acquiring a certain knowledge of anatomy and characteristics of various animals is also essential to perfecting artistic renderings. Explanatory text is accompanied by the author's 233 accurate drawings depicting the relative proportions of a heavy draught horse and a horse trained for fox hunting; as well as studies of cows, dogs, birds, and other wild animals. Students of art will find this book essential in their studies of animal and bird forms.

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No artist, designer, or craftsman can be regarded as fully equipped without a knowledge of natural forms, asserts this instructive volume. "All forms of life offer rich material for design, whether realistic or conventional," it notes, adding that studies from life "of the human figure, the forms of all animals and birds, and of the inhabitants of the waters, and of plants, must precede mastery of the art of design."
With this profusely illustrated guide, beginners can learn the fundamentals of animal drawing, and more experienced artists can find tips that will assist them in refining their skills. Written and illustrated by a distinguished artist and art instructor of the early twentieth century, this volume features valuable insights into reproducing accurate images of horses, cows, dogs, sheep, birds, and wild animals. The explanatory text, highlighted by 233 drawings, offers advice not only on depicting musculature, hair, feathers, and other obvious physical features, but also on such essentials as action, pose, proportions, and character.
Dover (2002) unabridged republication of the edition published by B. T. Batsford, Ltd., London, 1928.