The ultimate visual reference of figure drawing, with over 900 illustrations, the majority in full colour Photographic reference gives guidance in depicting the most difficult poses and features An invaluable sourcebook for anyone interested in depicting the human figure A must-have for amateur artists, fine art students, and graphic designers

Simon Jennings trained as a graphic artist and is a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London. In addition to his professional experience of design and graphic art in New York, Chicago, and London, Simon Jennings has had a lifelong interest in painting and the visual arts and has taught at several British art schools, including the Royal College of Art. He has conceived, designed, and produced many art and design titles including the award-winning Collins Artist's Manual, Collins Art Class, and Collins Artist's Colour Manual, The Ways of Drawing Series, and Vincent Van Gogh: The Complete Self Portraits.

THE HUMAN MACHINE; Anatomy for the artist, Skeleton, bone, muscle physique, The skull, Anatomy of the hand, Ideal proportions, Divine proportions and golden section, Body Shapes, Pictorial reality, Foreshortening, Balance, symmetry, weight, Manikins and reference, Traditional reference, Drawing from casts, STARTING POINTS; Sketchbooks, Clothing, props, and costume, Models at home, Young models, Models in groups, The naked model, Working with models, IN THE LIFE CLASS; A day in the life class, Observation and interpretation, Variety and stimulation, Methods and materials, The experience of charcoal, LIFE CLASS FIGURE REFERENCE; Model reference payments, Male standing, Male stepping and kneeling, Male under tension and throwing, Male squatting and floor poses, IN THE STUDIO; Posing the female form, Reflections, shapes, volumes, Body maps, two-minute study, Life in colour, 30-minute oil sketch, STUDIO FIGURE REFERENCE; Female standing, Female twisting, Female walking and running, Female foreshortened, Female sitting, Female recumbent, Female sitting, Female kneeling and stretching, HANDS AND FEET; Shape and proportion, Palms, thumbs, and fingers, Fingers and nails, Geometric shape, Forms and volumes, Hands in action, Gripping, Everyday hands, Hands and character, Older hands, Skin and surface, Gloved hands, Hands and arms: holding and folding, HANDS REFERENCE; Opening, clenching, pointing, Relaxing, separate digits, Gestures: playing, pleading, Holding scissors, glasses, cups, Using a knife and fork, HEADS AND FACES; The portrait, Eyes, Nose, ears, and mouth, Hair and features, Complexion, ART DIRECTIONS; Stencil cutout, Figure in three dimensions, Found images, Powerful colours, Collage REFERENCE; Glossary of materials, Index, Acknowledgments