Best Books for Drawing Heads from Different Angles, Including 3/4 Views

Are you looking for a valuable resource to enhance your skills in drawing heads, especially from different angles like the 3/4 view? This article will provide you with some of the best books to aid your artistic journey by improving your understanding of head proportions from various viewpoints.

The Foster Book: A Classic Guide to Drawing Faces and Heads

For those seeking a comprehensive guide to drawing faces and heads, the Foster book stands out as an excellent choice. Timothy K. Foster, an artist and educator, authored a monumental work that covers a wide range of head proportions and views. This 18" x 22" book is packed with approximately 20-30 detailed pages that make the concepts of drawing heads accessible and understandable. Foster’s book is particularly noted for its clarity and the variety of subjects it encompasses, including, but not limited to, the challenging 3/4 view perspective.

How to Access and Utilize the Foster Book

The best way to obtain this book is through online platforms such as eBay or Amazon. Original copies are highly sought after, and the book is not often republished, making it a valuable addition to your collection. It's a treasure trove of information for beginners and experienced artists alike, as its lines and drawings are meticulously laid out and easy to follow. As you delve into the book, you'll gain insights that will significantly improve your understanding and skills in drawing heads from different angles.

Learning from the Masters: Copying Art as a Traditional Technique

Learning from the masters has been a time-tested method used by many artists throughout history. One such example is the impact of copying Michelangelo's sketches, which can still inspire and educate aspiring artists today. During my teenage years, I acquired a book containing Michelangelo's sketches and diligently copied them. My art teacher was impressed by my efforts, which underscores the importance of this technique in honing your skills.

Hands and Faces for the Artist: A Photo Collection for Inspiration

For those who prefer visual references, the book "Manuel de Mains et Visages Pour l’Artiste" (Hands and Faces for the Artist) by Dessain and Tolra is a treasure trove of inspiration. Although I couldn't find the English version, the photographs in this book are a gold mine for artists looking for reference material. Unlike a traditional text-heavy book, this volume focuses on the visual aspect, providing numerous photos of various facial and hand poses from multiple angles. These images offer a practical and visual aid for drawing, making the book a practical tool for artists to use as a reference.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer a detailed text-based guide or visual inspiration, there are many resources available to help you improve your skills in drawing heads from different angles. From the Foster book to copying the works of masters, and the helpful photo collection by Dessain and Tolra, each resource offers unique benefits. By utilizing these resources, you can refine your technique, build confidence, and create more realistic and expressive drawings.

Keywords

drawing techniques head proportions 3/4 views

About the Author

As an SEO expert, my goal is to help you find the most valuable information and resources to enhance your creativity and skills in drawing. If you have any further questions or need more recommendations, feel free to reach out.