Brian Lee
Fri May 9 18:36:36 PDT 2025
Acronyms in bold are used to refer to books when it is clear from the context.
I’m in the process of creating one page per book with my reviews and other notes.
3dtotal Publishing, ed. Anatomy for Artists: A Visual Guide to the Human Form. Worcester, UK: 3dtotal Publishing, 2021.
If you’re serious about mastering artistic anatomy, this book is your go-to resource. Each pose features a clear illustration overlaid on a reference photo, so you can apply figure drawing tips in real time. For every image, you’ll find three complementary views:
Richer, Paul. Artistic Anatomy: The Great French Classic on Artistic Anatomy. Translated by Robert Beverly Hale. New York: Watson-Guptill, 1986.
Goldfinger, Eliot. Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991. ISBN 978-0-19-505206-0.
This book is a classic “must have” for artists. While it is a superb reference, I don’t think the illustrations are artistically beautiful. I prefer drawings by Paul Richer.
These are my favorite anatomy resources. Learning artistic anatomy is like putting together a giant puzzle—no single book gives you the full picture, but each one adds an important piece. For beginners, this journey can feel overwhelming. How do you know if a book is the right one? Are the drawings clear? Is the information accurate?
For those studying with a skilled artist, these questions are easier to answer. But not everyone has access to a classical fine art school or a well-trained mentor. In my training, I’m fortunate to have Aron Hart in my life and to have discovered many great books.
Like with any passion of mine, I keep exploring new resources. I dive deeper into artistic anatomy, adding book after book to my collection. It takes time and effort, but the journey is incredibly rewarding. I plan to gradually catalog my collection over time.
No single book covers everything, so naturally, you build a collection as you go. Each book adds a new piece to your understanding, helping you see the bigger picture. I hope my favorite resources help you on your journey. As you build your own collection, remember to support the authors who make these books possible—whenever you can.