Anatomy for artists

I’ve talked before about my ongoing interest in anatomy study. A quest pursued through books and life drawing. In general, I’m comfortable with self directed study – actually more than comfortable – it’s probably my preferred way to learn. I can go as fast or as slow as need be and work through as many different books as I feel I need to until whatever-it-is clicks. And I like books. A lot. Anatomy however has been something of a hurdle for me – sitting staring at the intricate pictures in Stephen Peck’s Atlas of Human Anatomy simply made me feel overwhelmed. Even trying to draw them didn’t help much. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a great book – probably the best book on the topic for artists. However it’s a *reference* book not a learning tool.

I also tried Bridgman, Loomis and Vanderpoel. I read them, copied the drawings and followed the suggested exercises. Sometimes several times. Until I thought I got it. My drawing improved a bit but I still didn’t feel I understood the nuts and bolts. I haven’t actually given up on any of these books, in fact, I’ll be returning to them as follow up exercises.

Follow up to what? I decided that what I needed was a course. College level, several semesters, intensive, directed study. Unfortunately I couldn’t find one in Perth… certainly not one I could get to or afford the time for – since I’m studying full time already.

I looked around the net. Read reviews. Asked friends. The result was a fairly even division of fans between two teachers – Hal Reed and Glenn Vilppu. Both have produced a series of videos – each about 14 or so – covering everything from the head to the feet. Now any set of 14 videos isn’t going to be cheap – so buying both was not an option. Certainly not all at once. (Thinking about it – they’re less than a course or workshop… and in my humble opinion better.)

The decision was made for me by finding I could borrow the Vilppu set from a friend and then buy the Hal Reed set myself – I get to return the favour too. Now, after the fact, I’m thinking that I’ll be saving up for the Vilppu set too because they are so different.

Glenn draws everything – fluidly and beautifully adding the muscles to action figures and naming them as he goes. He’s in demand for teaching animators – even Disney brings him in – but his background is as a painter too. He’s fun.

Hal on the other hand is more serious. More to learn. More muscles. More serious tips. He draws some, points at charts and points at casts. Over and over again. Forcing the names to sink in. And as I discovered on the second video he also has a gorgeous young body builder as a model! (Woo hoo. Hey – I’m married – not dead…)

I really couldn’t choose one over the other. Glenn has loosened up my drawings – Hal has given them muscle. Glenn first, then Hal. Maybe. Ultimately they both have a lot to offer and for me I really think it’s the repetition that is making it sink in. Anatomy is a complex subject – with a lot to learn and remember. The videos for me have made all the difference. And now the books make sense too.

Amanda