Drawing the Clothed Figure: Portraits of People in Everyday Life

by Giovanni Civardi

Using pencils, charcoal, pastels, pen and ink, watercolours, felt pens and more, Giovanni Civardi teaches how to draw the people around us. He shows how to simplify the human figure, with illustrations and an easy-to-understand section on the importance of anatomy and proportions. Further explanations about tone, shadows and backgrounds give helpful advice on composing drawings with maximum impact. A wide range of techniques are included exploring folds and creases in fabric, dress style, texture, skin tones and perspective. Excellent examples of single figure studies, groups of people and subjects in situations such as the famous square of Montmartre offer lots of inspiration, making this book an invaluable addition to any artist's library.

Genres: Art

64 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2005

About the author

Giovanni Civardi is a sculptor, ritrattista and illustrator.

In parallel with his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brera, he studied medicine and surgery.

Ciondolo for more than ten years, he worked as an illustrator for newspapers, magazines, also making book covers.

He has made numerous personal exhibitions in Italy and abroad.

Author of drawing books for amateurs and aesthetics, he has been a professor of anatomy and drawing of the human body in public schools and private establishments.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author of this book on drawing the clothed figure aimed to inspire and increase an artist's observation skills. He did so by a basic introduction of tools and techniques, proportion, anatomy and drapery. The main portion of his manual is given to examples from his sketches. .
He writes from his experience in drawing from live models, some of whom were unaware in Italian piazzas, others whom he approached or took photos of.
I would have preferred more practical instruction in the actual rendering of the clothed body. It is important to understand the flow of the the creases and folds of the cloth as it falls around the figure. Still, the author achieved his purpose in the book for his drawings and advice do inspire.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't always draw em naked