The human form - Giovanni Civardi

The representation of the human form is one of the most widespread and enduring art subjects in the world. Now, following a long period spent in the shadows of the 20th century's trend towards abstraction, the nude is re-emerging into the mainstream to reclaim its place as a subject both in art and sculpture. Meanwhile, the human form has maintained its central and irreplaceable role in the technical training of artists.

The first part of this book contains practical information and advice on the many drawing and painting techniques that are employed when painting the nude. The second part looks closely at the practicalities of rendering the colours of the skin and advises on colour mixes in a range of painting mediums. Part three goes into further detail, breaking down several approaches to painting or drawing the nude into working stages. Here you will find explanations of the principles to be followed and some tips relating to nude studies in various mediums. The final and largest section of the book contains a gallery of female and male life drawings, each accompanied by a short commentary in which anatomical and morphological points of interest to the artist are discussed.