Heads, Features and Faces

Helpful approach to difficult area by expert instructor who puts emphasis on anatomy as well as perspective and planes. Almost 200 drawings plus text and examples from works of Vermeer, Hals, Rembrandt, and others.

One of the most difficult, neglected areas of art study is the correct rendering of heads, features, and faces. This volume, prepared by an expert in the field, is devoted to just that. With clear and concise text, almost 200 excellent illustrations, and an overall life-drawing approach, the book provides valuable guidelines on how best to portray heads, features, and faces.

There is no better instructor to turn to than George B. Bridgman. He brings to the subject both his expertise as an artist and his fifty years' experience as a lecturer and teacher at the Art Students League of New York. Throughout the book, he places as much emphasis on perspective and planes as on anatomy. You'll develop a more precise understanding of each feature, the head and face in general, the relationship between features, and the relationship between a specific feature and the head or face. Mr. Bridgman's consideration of the head includes such topics as the head at eye level and below eye level, planes of the head, and round and square forms. Four features—eye, nose, mouth and ear—are dealt with in detail. Sections on light and shade, comparative measurements, and principles of cube and oval construction enhance the scope of the book. The finely executed drawings complement the textual material, illustrating all important concepts.  

Of special value is the author's inclusion of the work of famous portrait artists. Vermeer, Hals, Rembrandt, Reynolds, and LeBrun made portraiture a master art. You'll be able to study, up close and at your leisure, the qualities that let their work achieve the status it did.
Unabridged republication of the original 1932 edition.