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Freehand Figure Drawing for Illustrators: Mastering the Art of Drawing from Memory
Draw the Human Figure Anywhere, Anytime
For today’s in-demand comic creators, animators, video game artists, concept designers, and more, being able to quickly draw the human figure in a variety of action-packed poses is a requirement. But what do you do if you don’t have models or photographic reference readily available? In Freehand Figure Drawing for Illustrators , artist and instructor David H. Ross provides an alternative solution, showing you how to master freehand figure drawing without visual reference by using a modern twist on the classic technique of blocking out the human figure in mannequin form. Step-by-step lessons guide illustrators from basic poses (standing, running, jumping) to extreme motions (throwing punches, high kicking). For on-the-go artists, Freehand Figure Drawing for Illustrators allows you complete freedom to bring your figures to life at any time.
For today’s in-demand comic creators, animators, video game artists, concept designers, and more, being able to quickly draw the human figure in a variety of action-packed poses is a requirement. But what do you do if you don’t have models or photographic reference readily available? In Freehand Figure Drawing for Illustrators , artist and instructor David H. Ross provides an alternative solution, showing you how to master freehand figure drawing without visual reference by using a modern twist on the classic technique of blocking out the human figure in mannequin form. Step-by-step lessons guide illustrators from basic poses (standing, running, jumping) to extreme motions (throwing punches, high kicking). For on-the-go artists, Freehand Figure Drawing for Illustrators allows you complete freedom to bring your figures to life at any time.
208 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2015
129 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 10, 2015
"Freehand Figure Drawing for Illustrators" would be better titled "Mannequin Figures from Any Angle." The book mostly provided reference illustrations rather than detailed instructions on drawing a figure without any reference. If you don't have a live model or photo reference, you can use this book to look up a variety of poses from a wide variety of angles (front, back, 3/4, high, low, etc.).
The author provided many reference illustrations: mannequins and parts of mannequins from different angles and anatomy labels for the ear, hand, foot, a full skeleton, and major muscles. He described in step-by-step detail how to draw a head, hand, and foot. He also described in a generalized, "it'll be about here" way how different angles affect the apparent placement or size of various features.
The author assumed a certain amount of previous experience in drawing figures. For example: in his first section, he explained perspective and how to draw a box in perspective. He then gave a two-step lesson: (1) a rotated box viewed from low perspective (2) a fully rendered figure in that box. I was hoping for help in drawing a mannequin correctly into that perspective box or through using perspective lines. That help is never provided beyond a few, brief tips.
The mannequins were all super-hero types (skinny women or muscled men) and many of the references were from extreme angles or of exaggerated movements. From this, I assume the book is really targeted at superhero comic illustrators, and it's probably quite useful for them. But I'm more interested in drawing normal humans in natural poses. I got some useful tips, but it's not really geared toward my interests.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The author provided many reference illustrations: mannequins and parts of mannequins from different angles and anatomy labels for the ear, hand, foot, a full skeleton, and major muscles. He described in step-by-step detail how to draw a head, hand, and foot. He also described in a generalized, "it'll be about here" way how different angles affect the apparent placement or size of various features.
The author assumed a certain amount of previous experience in drawing figures. For example: in his first section, he explained perspective and how to draw a box in perspective. He then gave a two-step lesson: (1) a rotated box viewed from low perspective (2) a fully rendered figure in that box. I was hoping for help in drawing a mannequin correctly into that perspective box or through using perspective lines. That help is never provided beyond a few, brief tips.
The mannequins were all super-hero types (skinny women or muscled men) and many of the references were from extreme angles or of exaggerated movements. From this, I assume the book is really targeted at superhero comic illustrators, and it's probably quite useful for them. But I'm more interested in drawing normal humans in natural poses. I got some useful tips, but it's not really geared toward my interests.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
March 20, 2019
It’s okay
It’s not bad. There’s some good anatomy info in here and some basic ideas. A great deal of the book is concept vs method tho. Want to forshorten? Well, just do it. Want to draw without a live model? Well, just draw a human figure! It’s definitely not geared towards teaching anyone HOW to do something, but what it does offer is sort of common sense. Except the anatomy, which was good...but I’d just pick up a book on anatomy for artists for that.
It’s not bad. There’s some good anatomy info in here and some basic ideas. A great deal of the book is concept vs method tho. Want to forshorten? Well, just do it. Want to draw without a live model? Well, just draw a human figure! It’s definitely not geared towards teaching anyone HOW to do something, but what it does offer is sort of common sense. Except the anatomy, which was good...but I’d just pick up a book on anatomy for artists for that.
May 17, 2021
Some decent poses but I think there are better references out there. The content is good but really it all boils down to practice practice practice.
August 16, 2015
This is a great resource for the artist interested in drawing the human form. My daughter has been drawing people for quite a while now, but they would fall into the anime category. While it is a very different type of drawing, she was still able to gain many helpful tips from this book and broaden her skills. She enjoyed looking through this book at the various illustrations and different poses the characters can take.
My son is no artist at all. I homeschool him and he would rather sit in front of a computer "drawing" than use paper and pencil. While I do think a book like this can give him a new perspective when he draws computer animation, I also think it is helping him to focus on smaller details of the human body. This book has full body drawings that the reader can attempt to copy, but also offers individual eyes, ears, hands, etc. that can also be illustrated. It is perfect for my son, giving him a small challenge but still obtainable with his limited skills.
I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
My son is no artist at all. I homeschool him and he would rather sit in front of a computer "drawing" than use paper and pencil. While I do think a book like this can give him a new perspective when he draws computer animation, I also think it is helping him to focus on smaller details of the human body. This book has full body drawings that the reader can attempt to copy, but also offers individual eyes, ears, hands, etc. that can also be illustrated. It is perfect for my son, giving him a small challenge but still obtainable with his limited skills.
I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
August 24, 2015
This is a fantastic resource for any illustrator. David Ross takes the reader through the construction of a "glass" mannequin (both male and female) in proper proportion and perspective. He takes the reader through various poses and explains the challenges that come with different angles and foreshortening. There is a wealth of great information in this book for the comic book artists and children's book illustrators out there.
I wish the sections on perspective and developing a finished figure had more detail. Those explanations were thin, but overall, this is a great read and a wonderful book for artists and illustrators. I especially like the assignments at the end of each chapter. If you read the book and complete the assignments, you will have a fairly good understanding of how to construct the human figure from your imagination or memory.
Content: It's a figure drawing book, so there are some nude figures, but nothing provocative.
My blog: Batch of Books
I wish the sections on perspective and developing a finished figure had more detail. Those explanations were thin, but overall, this is a great read and a wonderful book for artists and illustrators. I especially like the assignments at the end of each chapter. If you read the book and complete the assignments, you will have a fairly good understanding of how to construct the human figure from your imagination or memory.
Content: It's a figure drawing book, so there are some nude figures, but nothing provocative.
My blog: Batch of Books
September 9, 2015
Drawing freehand and from the memory is a skill that need to sharpen… all starts with white piece of paper, pencil and some 101 knowledge about perspective. Nailing this, plus some human mannequins, and you will be able to draw any character at the angles you wish…
Love the book and the mini lessons. So many references for my future characters. If someone wishes to start drawing “like a pro”, this book is definitely will help with the drawing part.
Now I am gone… to draw some stick figures.
Love the book and the mini lessons. So many references for my future characters. If someone wishes to start drawing “like a pro”, this book is definitely will help with the drawing part.
Now I am gone… to draw some stick figures.
September 6, 2017
Great book. Very enlightening in terms of drawing the human figure. Seriously, if you are an artist who draws people (or human-related things) in action, you owe it to yourself to get this book. Worth every penny.
January 31, 2025
Good Artist, Terribly lazy teacher. This book has very little to offer in substance and is relegated to almost one sentence per page and although It focuses primarily on perspective it isn't handled as well as other books. I can not recommend.
February 2, 2016
good i think the book is best
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews