My family is full of architects and artists, and as an result there are many art-related books and magazines in the living room of my house’s bookshelf. One of these books is an anatomy book, titled “Figure Drawing” by Ata. Here and there I would go through the book for drawing references. But as I did so encountered statements like the one above.
So, if your in the mood for a good laugh, let’s see some of Mr. Ata’s quotes. I have written the quotes in order of first to last page, and written their chapter titles.
Eyes
“Ladies have prettier peepers then men as a rule, and they can enhance their long lashes with make-up. This helps to make the drawing of their eyes a little bit easier”.
“Alas, when we become older it all changes. See figure (A4) your keen observation will take in the bags, lines, straggly eyebrows, and thinning lashes. No, it’s not an illustration of your author’s eye; his is much worse”.
Lips
“The artist who draws people resembling mutant creatures from a black swamp might have a future in horror comics but not as a sought-after portrait specialist. Maybe your in-laws do look like monsters to you but there’s no need to depict them so. Be kind to your victims and they could be good to you!”
“If you use yourself as a model, as Vincent Van Gogh did many times, it will help you to have two or three mirrors handy. If you don’t own more then one mirror don’t worry; you are following in the footsteps of the now-famous poverty-stricken impressionist. But there is no need to lop off an ear just ye—we shall be studying these bits in the next chapter. Wait until then!”
Hands
“Be Handy” (subtitle in the section about drawing hands)
“You probably don’t need telling that there is a big difference between the soft, usually beautiful hands of girls and the rough, blunt-fingered hairy paws of men”.
Arms
“Ladies, of course, come first, so I will start on their lovely flowing lines. Members of the fairer sex have more flexible elbows then men so we can see them in poses which fellows can’t equal”
“Ladies, bless them, expose their arms and legs far more then chaps, but you must still learn how to use a pen or pencil to depict material, as part of your apprenticeship”.
Torso and Big End
“When we were children our elders said “sit up straight” or “stand up straight”. They were impossible requests because the human spine is curved, as you can see from may illustrations”
“Getting out to draw the revoulting peasants is lots of fun”
Legs
“Stockings are supposed to be making a come back aganist tights. Did your author hear three cheers from the older lads?”
“We’ll have no lolling about, drinking cups of tea, or watching TV during this important stage of your rapid progress. However, you may pause to whistle a happy tune before setting about the assignments below!”
Foot
“Most of us have a favourite pair or two of shoes; those depicted happen to be mine—worn out and the despair of repairers far and wide!”
And that is the final quote! If you want to see more blogs like this one tell me below in the comments. I could also compile a list of odd books or strange science facts. The following is an example:
Or if you’re more interested in seeing some anatomy sketches, you can check out my instagram. Have a great day, and remember to be handy, whether you’ve got beautiful or rough, hairy paws.