Artistic Anatomy Books SECTION ONE

INTRO

In section one I try to give a broad spread of knowledge so that students can gain a wider point of view before arriving at their own choices for what is, after all, a very specialised subject.
It follows that the books at the top of the list in section two could quite easily become the firm favourites of many.

In fact I find both Peck, Schider and Rubins particularly useful as their anatomy drawings are more 3-D than my top section one authors.
Also, Bridgeman has a great constructive anatomy approach I just don't recommend him for beginners.

SECTION ONE

Artistic Anatomy by Dr Paul Richer (translated by Robert Beverly Hale)
The classic text provides a faultless, clear text and plates including a surprisingly rare surface anatomy conception of the male figure.
Inexpensive paperback is essential.

New Artistic Anatomy by Dr Paul Richer (translated by Allana M Benham)
The only serious text on female surface anatomy.The follow on book from the classic core text above.
Fairly inexpensive paperback is essential.

Human Anatomy for Artists (The Elements of Form) by Eliot Goldfinger
The most rigorous explanation of the 3-D internal structure of the human form connected (with demonstration photos) to the surface anatomy.
More expensive hardback for when you decide to really commit yourself to the task long term.
Serious figurative artists should use this as their core reference.

Complete Guide to Anatomy for Artists and Illustrators by Gottfried Bammes (Search Press edit of original German material)
Intelligent analysis of life drawing  grows to become a geometric biomechanic tour de force."Industrial Design" structural drawings sometimes simplify in a superficial way, here it produces deeper insight.Has a couple of my college tutors drawings included so it can't be bad (William C.M. Cadenhead sadly missed).
Fairly inexpensive paperback shows you practical ways of using artistic anatomy knowledge.

Unmasking The Face by Paul Ekman (A Guide to Recognizing Emotions from Facial Expressions)
Once you have memorised the facial muscles this extends your understanding of the subtle emotions expressed on the surface.
You may not need to go beyond the information in Goldfinger on the other hand you might want to explore the "Affects" in depth.
Inexpensive small paperback essential for the specific subject.

Master Class in Figure Drawing by Robert Beverly Hale
Excellent book on the practical reality of using advanced drawing technique with a good knowledge of artistic anatomy.
Fairly inexpensive paperback is the essential guide to realising the drawing of the figure in the round.(poor quality of reproductions).

Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters by Robert Beverly Hale
Explains the finer points of old master drawing technique in a way that can actually be used.
Fairly inexpensive paperback is essential for artistic anatomists.(poor quality of reproductions).

The Human Figure by John H Vanderpoel
An appreciation of the subtle nuances of the human figure's surface anatomy.
Inexpensive small paperback is essential.

SECTION TWO TO FOLLOW.