Irish Splendour: Classic Human Anatomy in Motion ~ Valerie L. Winslow

This highly illustrated reference book provides artists and art students with an understanding of human anatomy and different types of motion, inspiring more realistic and energetic figurative art.

Fine-art instruction books do not usually focus on anatomy as it relates to movement, despite its great artistic significance. Written by a long-time expert on drawing and painting human anatomy, Classic Human Anatomy in Motion offers artists everything they need to realistically draw the human figure as it is affected by movement. Written in a friendly style, the book is illustrated with hundreds of life drawing studies (both quick poses and long studies), along with charts and diagrams showing the various anatomical and structural components. This comprehensive manual features five distinct sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the human figure: bones and joint movement, muscle groups, surface form and soft tissue characteristics, structure, and movement. Each chapter builds an artistic understanding of how motion transforms the human figure and can create a sense of expressive vibrancy in one's art.

Providing ample education on the body's architecture, Classic Human Anatomy in Motion is akin to a college textbook for the medical, science or art student. Valerie L. Winslow opens with a preface followed by an introduction to the history of figurative art being a knowledgeable necessity for all artists. Against white backgrounds and toned paper, the figures are drawn within a variety of media including charcoal, graphite, ballpoint pen, pastels, colored pencils, Conté crayons, watercolor wash, and are highlighted by white chalk. The tome covers thirteen chapters of illustrations, diagrams and charts paralleling lucid explanations. There are transliterated pronunciation guides in each chapter for anatomical references (e.g., abductor pollicis brevis) and vocabulary basics (e.g., anterior, posterior, lateral, dorsal). Winslow closes the large hardback with suggested reading ranging from artistic and medical anatomy, forensics, and kinesiology among others.

Outstanding features are manifested throughout this treasury including the accuracy of depicting your object's eye level, setting up preliminary structures, and creating facial wrinkle patterns and movements of the eyeball. The author breaks down the minutiae of individual aspects such as the many different joint types, the walking and running gait cycles, the expressions and muscle contractions, and the five fat pads surrounding the eye alone. Eight methods are delineated for various approaches to gesture drawing along with both its pros and cons. Ending the text are six exercises of sequential movement.

It is with great appreciation to possess this exceptional addition to my art studio library as a learning reference. Classic Human Anatomy in Motion is a brilliant compilation of instruction, inspirational lessons and admirable artwork. Winslow's drawings are graceful, precise and sophisticated. Beautiful and alluring, they ceaselessly tempt the observer to pick up their favorite medium and set forth their own skills.

Valerie L. Winslow has been painting and drawing the human figure for more than three decades and is an expert in the field of figurative art. She is the author of Classic Human Anatomy and has taught at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, the California Institute of the Arts, and Pixar Animation Studios. She is currently a full-time faculty member and the anatomy coordinator at San Francisco's Academy of Art University. Many of her works are in private collections, and she has won numerous museum awards.