Making anatomy study fun

I have collected so many art anatomy books over the years. Studying the human figure is a never-ending quest for me and probably for most figurative artists. Yet I never open these books regularly. Sometimes I’ll start and absorb a new concept but then let time lapse and forget what I learned. So, in the funky year of 2020, I decided to create a regular sketchbook practice around anatomy study. I used a mixed media journal so I could add washes of watercolor and acrylic and collage, making it a personal, creative practice I looked forward to.

I used a Strathmore mixed media journal but gessoed the cover and added my own writing and sketch.

Here’s a peek at a few pages inside:

Drawing has been proven to be an incredibly effective way to learn and I’m absorbing this material more than if I just skimmed my books. Of course I tried to make this journal aesthetically pleasing but drawing for learning does not have to be pretty. Doodling and rough sketches are all you need.

My learning sources include:

• Anatomy for the Artist, Sarah Simblet. Incredible photography and poetic writing.

• Classics like Constructive Anatomy (George Bridgman), The Human Figure (John H. Vanderpoel) and Anatomy and Drawing (Victor Perard). Dense copy… takes time to absorb them but their ideas have inspired millions of artists.

• Figure Drawing: Design and Invention, Michael Hampton. More modern take on constructive anatomy.

• Books by Juliette Aristides. She has several books about drawing and painting that touch on the human figure. They are all gorgeous books.

• And YouTube videos by Proko and Jazza Artist These guys both break down complex info well such as drawing hands.