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Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form
The power of the image of the nude--the expressivity of the flesh--has inspired artists from the beginning. An understanding of human form is essential for artists to be able to express themselves with the figure. Anatomy makes the figure. Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form is the definitive analytical work on the anatomy of the human figure.
No longer will working artists have to search high and low to find the information they need. In this, the most up-to-date and fully illustrated guide available, Eliot Goldfinger--sculptor, illustrator, scientific model-maker, and lecturer on anatomy--presents a single, all-inclusive reference to human form, capturing everything artists need in one convenient volume. Five years in the making, and featuring hundreds of photos and illustrations, this guide offers more views of each bone and muscle than any other book ever published: every structure that creates or influences surface form is individually illustrated in clear, carefully lit photographs and meticulous drawings. Informed by the detailed study of both live models and cadavers, it includes numerous unique presentations of surface structures--such as fat pads, veins, and genitalia--and of some muscles never before photographed. In addition, numerous cross sections, made with reference to CT scans, magnetic resonance
imaging, and cut cadavers, trace the forms of all body regions and individual muscles. Information on each structure is placed on facing pages for ease of reference, and the attractive two-color format uses red ink to direct readers rapidly to important points and areas. Finally, an invaluable chapter on the artistic development of basic forms shows in a series of sculptures the evolution of the figure, head, and hands from basic axes and volumes to more complex organic shapes. This feature helps place the details of anatomy within the overall context of the figure.
Certain to become the standard reference in the field, Human Anatomy for Artists will be indispensable to artists and art students, as well as art historians. It will also be a useful aid for physical and dance therapists, athletes and their trainers, bodybuilders, and anyone concerned with the external form of the human body. With the renewed interest in figurative art today, this will be an especially welcome volume.
No longer will working artists have to search high and low to find the information they need. In this, the most up-to-date and fully illustrated guide available, Eliot Goldfinger--sculptor, illustrator, scientific model-maker, and lecturer on anatomy--presents a single, all-inclusive reference to human form, capturing everything artists need in one convenient volume. Five years in the making, and featuring hundreds of photos and illustrations, this guide offers more views of each bone and muscle than any other book ever published: every structure that creates or influences surface form is individually illustrated in clear, carefully lit photographs and meticulous drawings. Informed by the detailed study of both live models and cadavers, it includes numerous unique presentations of surface structures--such as fat pads, veins, and genitalia--and of some muscles never before photographed. In addition, numerous cross sections, made with reference to CT scans, magnetic resonance
imaging, and cut cadavers, trace the forms of all body regions and individual muscles. Information on each structure is placed on facing pages for ease of reference, and the attractive two-color format uses red ink to direct readers rapidly to important points and areas. Finally, an invaluable chapter on the artistic development of basic forms shows in a series of sculptures the evolution of the figure, head, and hands from basic axes and volumes to more complex organic shapes. This feature helps place the details of anatomy within the overall context of the figure.
Certain to become the standard reference in the field, Human Anatomy for Artists will be indispensable to artists and art students, as well as art historians. It will also be a useful aid for physical and dance therapists, athletes and their trainers, bodybuilders, and anyone concerned with the external form of the human body. With the renewed interest in figurative art today, this will be an especially welcome volume.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 7, 2021
Descriptions use technical language, which would be okay but it does not contain an adequate range of descriptive images in tandem, therefore only useful to someone who already knows anatomy and anatomical language, which in my view is a limited audience. However one unique and useful feature is the cross sectional drawings which provide a novel perspective, but probably not worth the price for just that. It sells itself as the only anatomy art book you will ever need and it is far from that. I wouldn't buy again for the price it is or with the idea that it's going to be a comprehensive art resource.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2013
This is probably the definitive book on anatomy for artists. Goldfinger does an admirable job of presenting all of the relevant material, in such a way, that the artist not only learns how to draw all of the anatomical parts, but possibly even more important - actually understands the inner workings of the human figure. Each of the muscles are presented with three drawings and a photograph relevant to the drawings. The drawings include where the muscle attaches to the bones, the attached muscle (isolated), and then the muscle in the context of the surrounding muscle groups. Then a photo is shown in the same position, to show how the muscle appears (if surface related) on a live model. Each topic is clearly written and adds to the students anatomical understanding. This is not a drawing method - this should be considered as a reference for the serious student.
March 1, 2013
A medical anatomist studies anatomy from the aspect of the healthy biological functioning of the body, and then of its malfunctioning. The artistic anatomist studies anatomy from the aspect of the visual appearance of the body, and then from this establishes a canon of beauty.
An artist includes and deliberately leaves out aspects of the visual body in order to produce the image he seeks to project. Goldfinger's book, in text, drawings, and photographs, gives an artist a wealth of information about those things he needs to know to achieve these goals.
An artist includes and deliberately leaves out aspects of the visual body in order to produce the image he seeks to project. Goldfinger's book, in text, drawings, and photographs, gives an artist a wealth of information about those things he needs to know to achieve these goals.
June 25, 2008
My sculpture teacher says this is the only anatomy book you need. I agree.
October 20, 2017
I absolutely love this book. It clarified every doubt I had regarding anatomy.
I like how this book looks at each individual muscle separately whilst providing a live figure to compare its location under the skin (It's actually pointed out), it also lays a foundation in understanding depth, light and shade for your further studies in anatomy art. Along with this, it provides cross sectional areas too, never thought that would be useful but it really is. The locations of even the underlying muscles on the bones are clearly depicted. This side be side comparison of bones, muscle and live figure is more helpful than one could imagine.
My favorite part are the illustrations in which the muscle prominent under different angles and intensity of stress are clearly showed. This is very important when proceeding to study motion motion.
The drawings are simple outlines, this makes it much easier to understand.
I like how this book looks at each individual muscle separately whilst providing a live figure to compare its location under the skin (It's actually pointed out), it also lays a foundation in understanding depth, light and shade for your further studies in anatomy art. Along with this, it provides cross sectional areas too, never thought that would be useful but it really is. The locations of even the underlying muscles on the bones are clearly depicted. This side be side comparison of bones, muscle and live figure is more helpful than one could imagine.
My favorite part are the illustrations in which the muscle prominent under different angles and intensity of stress are clearly showed. This is very important when proceeding to study motion motion.
The drawings are simple outlines, this makes it much easier to understand.
April 12, 2009
I think this is a pretty good reference guide. Great detail and pics, plus explanation of muscle groups, what happens during movement, age and so forth. Nice edition for any artist library. Does not cover the elegance of drawing, mainly used as a reference book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews