Art Anatomy

How to Use This Book

Drawing has been likened to a language that communicates visual forms. Figure drawing uses this visual vocabulary. It also has a vocabulary of terms for human anatomy that is derived from medical science.

No one would think of trying to learn a foreign language by reading a dictionary. Instead, one would begin by learning a few simple ideas. Through memorization, repetition, and usage (even if a little flawed at first), the student gradually attains fluency.

This is the approach recommended here. Learn the material as you would learn the vocabulary in any foreign language, reviewing what you know and adding a few ideas at a time. As for usage, think about these ideas as you draw from life, from memory, and from the drawings of masters. Soon you will be able to identify forms by sight, and you will draw them with confidence.

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