Artistic Anatomy Glasgow: May 2016

POSSIBLE CORE BOOKS

In order to qualify:
These books have surface anatomy.
Have both the muscles and skeleton fully explained.
Deeper layers explained.

Anatomy for the Artist by Jeno Barcsay
Exceptional anatomical working drawings both surface and ecorche make this anatomy a
cherished favourite. Don't buy the small spiral bound version which literally
squeeks when you turn the pages. It may be more expensive and harder to come by but
get the larger normal bound format.
Unfortunately number identified muscles make this classic work impractical for the
student especially as some of the names are on previous pages.

The Human Figure an Anatomy for Artists by David K Rubins
The sparce clarity of less than a hundred pages is this books strength.If you
prefer to learn by just contemplating the images and only want the essentials this
is excellent. Despite letter identified muscles (though doable unlike Barcsay) it
is baffling why this is not a far more popular core text. Has a good stab at a surface
canon for man and woman.
Inexpensive paperback.

GREAT ANATOMY BOOKS Even If They Don't Qualify

Albinus on Anatomy by Robert Beverly Hale
This is one of the clearest and eloquent works on the subject in terms of the
engravings and is awesome to behold.
Unfortunately number identified muscles make this classic work impracticle
for the student especially since the engravings relate to numbered diagrams
relating to a numbered list.There is no surface anatomy.
Inexpensive paperback to reward yourself when you've learned all the names.

Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist by Stephen Rodgers Peck
From 1951 this is the first modern contribution to really add to the subject.
The three dimensional quality of the images is highly instructive and the
accompanying explainational notes on the form utterly practical.
Has good chapter on facial expressions often left out by other books.
Though a possible core book better as a second opinion reference especially
since it is selective asaposed to systematic in its explaination of the
deeper layers.
Inexpensive paperback

An Atlas of Anatomy for Artists by Fritz Schider
like Peck the three dimensional quality of the images is highly instructive.
The core plates are excellent but the second half of the book has old
fashioned poor quality reproductions. Though a possible core book better as
a second opinion reference especially since it is selective asaposed to
systematic in its explaination of the deeper layers.
Inexpensive paperback

A Handbook of Anatomy for Art Students by Arthur Thomson
Quite thick but small enough for a large pocket or bag this thorough anatomy
is a hidden gem rarely used as a core book as the images are small and the
book is old fashioned in nomenclature and photos. One of the few books to consider
the female form at all. For the serious student this is an excellent second opinion
reference especially if you study when you travel.
Inexpensive paperback

Anatomical Diagrams for the Use of Art Students by James M Dunlop
The most concise but vital anatomy book ever made is now only published in black
and white and is unsuitable for contemporary students being diagrammatic. Despite
this it is still excellent to show the relationship of the skeleton to the surface
anatomy. Best to travel with on public transport but only if you really understand
its just factual and your not feeling the form.
Inexpensive paperback

IMPORTANT ARTISTIC ANATOMY BOOKS That Are Not Atlas

Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing from Life by George B Bridgeman
The stylised drawings might remove this from the Atlas list but once the student
grasps the conceptual aspect of each muscle mass as a plastic form the brilliance
of Bridgman emerges. Not only does he show you how to construct all the nuts and
bolts together he then demonstrates their biomechanical movement.
Inexpensive paperback

Art Anatomy by William Rimmer
From 1877 this is an almost historical curiosity never the less despite its hyperbole
it reveals lines of function and points of rest as its main process. There is a deapth
of knowledge at work which can be useful if you accept the exaggerations as good.
Inexpensive paperback

Any system of proportions should be regarded as an intellectual construct.

Seven and a half heads is still regarded as the most naturalistic but that is just a relative ruler by which you measure your own construct.

Many people who are life drawing use the eight head system since it is convenient to measure the head and compare any variance in the life models actual proportions without the half head complication in the middle of the seven and a half system.

Advanced artists might use the Cranial Index based on a sphere in relation to the back of the Cranium.
The top of the sphere being the top of the head and the bottom being in line with the bottom of the nose.
This has the advantage of being based on the boney reference points which are more stable than moveable navel and nipples in the heads systems.It can also be divided into five eyeballs in diameter.
Also a sphere instead of an oval head has less perspective complications.

Seven and a Half Heads: Richer