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The Artist's Complete Guide to Drawing the Head

by William Maughan

Buy new: $24.95 $14.40 Buy used: $16.11

Editorial Reviews

In this innovative guide, master art instructor William Maughan demonstrates how to create a realistic human likeness by using the classic and highly accurate modeling technique of chiaroscuro (Italian for "light and dark") developed by Leonardo da Vinci during the High Renaissance. Maughan first introduces readers to the basics of this centuries-old technique, showing how to analyze form, light, and shadow; use dark pencil, white pencil, and toned paper to create a full range of values; use the elements of design to enhance a likeness; and capture a sitter's gestures and proportions. He then demonstrates, step by step, how to draw each facial feature, develop visual awareness, and render the head in color with soft pastels.

Customer Reviews

The best book for portrait drawing ever!, 2009-10-27
by A. Larson (CO)

This book demonstrates a whole new way of drawing human heads. You don't start with the stupid oval that you fill in with features. You start with the features and then work out from the center. Crazy cool! I have taught drawing classes using the ideas and techniques found in this book and the students (adults) amaze themselves! By far the best portrait book I have found.

Head Review, 2009-10-03
by D. Paige (Indiana)

The item is a text needed for an online class I am taking. It's only been 4 weeks and I have already learned so much. It was a good investment and I will use it for many years to come. It is an excellent resource for head drawing.

Drawing The Head, 2009-08-29
by John A. Kaiser (Washington Township NJ)

This book is extermely well written and very easy to understand.It can be used by the beginner as well as the professional.The author gives many useful tips that can be applied to many phases of art work

The best portrait drawing book, 2009-08-17
by Klaas Van de Moortel (Belgium, Europe)

Excellent book with beautiful examples, all very well executed. This is not one of those books where the author is mostly showing off his skill and you get the feeling you wasted your money on something that didn't fulfill its promise. This book really teaches you, step by step, how to draw portraits. Starting with explanations about the materials you'll need, how to use them and keep them intact. From basic drawing to fully finished portrait and even beyond that, like mixing different portraits together or mixing animals photograpy with real-life portrait drawings.

If you are an artist looking for a REAL portrait drawing book, this is your best choice. It has everything.

Drawing faces, 2009-06-12
by Justine Axiaq

Very good book! Drawing the head is not very difficult but it requires more precision especially when drawing a real person