Drawing the Head and Hands & Figure Drawing (Box Set)

Gorgeous presentation and box set of two influential drawing instruction books, receiving these is like seeing these books from the 1940s and 50s intact, with an elegant slipcase to tuck away and protect them when not using. I’ve been around long enough to remember when these books were impossible to find at reasonable prices. I’m glad that time is over with these stellar reprints. There was serious care taken in reproducing the original hardcover case bound book designs here, with full-color dust jackets and uncoated interior pages like how it was all intended to be shown (I have had two of Loomis’ other books, Creative Illustration and Fun with a Pencil, so I’m familiar with how they were done previously). You can tell the Loomis family probably had a big say in this reprinting because you don’t see artifacts these days so carefully reproduced and corners not being cut, so kudos to them and Titan Books for prioritizing quality and durability, thereby guaranteeing Mr Loomis’ art instruction wisdom is available for today and future generations to come.

The rave reviews are true; there’s a lifetime of outstanding technical-artistic “realism” expertise offered to the reader in the Loomis books. Loomis knew how to phrase, illustrate and structure his material with such clarity and depth that these books are unequalled even now. In short, he was a consummate professional illustrator who could really teach. I am a bit incredulous of the way practically every page is loaded with “the good stuff.” No watered down content that wastes your time; turn a page, get smarter. (I exclude the stuffy, pedantic phraseology of the Introductions, although the actual content there can be good) The material is so ingeniously presented that you can even gain insight on techniques you already employ, just by way of Loomis’ unique illustration or apt phrasing. The books all together are overwhelming, but worth it: page after page of the proverbial lightbulb going off over your head. It’s a good trip. Yes, there are some dated, non-feminist or non-diverse cultural relics of the 1940’s, but it’s not mean-spirited; IMHO if you can handle 1940’s and 50’s movie classics (think “Casablanca” or “It’s a Wonderful Life”), you can handle the Loomis books. I take this perspective as a multi-cultural, feminist liberal, creative professional. Of course, opinions will understandably differ, but I think we shouldn’t dump these books because of the 1940’s cultural angle. Loomis seems like a nice guy inspired to teach his hard-earned expertise, and he was a great illustrator. Personally, I love his drawings, and I had a lot of fun going through all of his books......even if the female nudes always wore 1940’s Hollywood high-heels. Haha! To sum up: if you’re looking for solid instruction in realistic drawing techniques, this Loomis book (and the series of books) is worth your investment of time and money. It’s true especially if you don’t have much of either and need to target only “the good stuff.”

Great books. I think I now have all of the Andrew Loomis drawing books. If you want to buy these for children, you have to be advised to go to a library and preview them for age appropriate content.

amazing quality

Great set, arrived in bubble wrap. Thorough instructions with concise but eloquent text. A lot of the theory of drawing is interesting even to a non artist.

Profuse and beautiful illustrations, but lots of text and hints with good advice from years of being there and getting it done. It used to be that many students studied in order to work their way into a decent income by being a figure artist. That's not how it happens now, but for the figure artist it's still the same lessons that can lead to many different niche specialties for the same talent and skill. This is the world of imagination where the same skills can emerge in many new media. Andrew Loomis impressed me by making it clear that "seeing" will lead to developing those artistic skills. (If you can't see it to begin with, then how can you possibly draw it?) These 2 books are extensive and can probably teach you everything you need to know to get started. The rest is up to you!

I actually love these and the box they come in is so cute and makes a great display piece. Very informative, I have seen my art improve, but also it’s not as instructive as I wish it was. A lot of it is just completed pictures, which hey this was made way before the internet so picture references were not so easy to come by. I get why they’re there but I do wish some things were broken down more. The one that’s the head and the hands, really is barely the hands at all no joke it’s like three pages of the whole book. But these came in great shape, nice big paperbacks, happy I have them.

I was pleasantly surprised. The pages are made of the finest paper that I have ever encountered. Illustrations of the drawings look like photos almost. It’s even got a few pages in the back of the book (blank)for notes.But as for me., I’m careful to treat it gently.And of course all of the information.Listen up.This is where all of the unanswered questions are. I am so relieved to be getting my answers to drawing.This was well worth the extra few dollars.A wise investment for anyone who wants to learn about drawing heads, and hands and poses and getting them correct .From the the moment I opened one of the 2 books, I was able to start drawing. I had hit a learning brick wall and these two books are the sledgehammer. I’m happy again If I can understand the material then anyone can. Thanks to the artists that advised me to make this purchase.

Magnifique coffret, les dessins sont magnifiques, on peut voir la sensibilité de pression du crayon. Superbe édition! Les livres sont grands.

Receive the sealed whole package. A simple package design with the most famous Andrew Loomis on the basic technicalities of drawing human head, hands and figure drawing.

Let the learning begin. I've heard about Loomis for many years and indirectly learned a thing or two from his methods but here I am saying yes to embracing a new chapter in my art journey. So glad I found these books.

I bought the book for my daughter who can draw. I can't draw and the book probably would not help me but my daughter was instantly using it. The drawings look very good in the book and there are many explanations for how to start drawing. I am just not talented like my daughter is (and she asked me to buy the books so I trust them to be very good books).

Very good book and the method taught is still relevant today