Book Summary: "Drawing Heads & Hands" by Andrew Loomis

"Drawing Heads & Hands" by Andrew Loomis is a comprehensive guide aimed at helping artists master the intricate details of drawing these challenging aspects of the human anatomy – the face and hands. The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of drawing heads and hands:

The Big Ideas presented to the world in this book:

1. The first step toward getting a soulful likeness of a person is mastering the positioning and proportionality of features.

2. The best way to mastery of positioning and proportionality of features is intentional practice.

3. Subtle, personalized adjustments in accordance with the unique positioning and proportionality of features carefully observed relative to the norms within the subject you are drawing will help achieve the soulful likeness most artists aim for.

   
   

The book has five sections plus an introduction and conclusion:

• Short Chat with the Reader…

• Part One: Men’s Heads

• Part Two: Women’s Heads

• Part Three: Babies’ Heads

• Part Four: Heads of Boys and Girls

• Part Five: Hands

• Farewell to the Reader

Each section emphasized the following concept to one degree or another and relates them to each section. Each section is filled with copies of hand drawn images completed mainly by the author along with ideas relating the drawings to theoretical concepts outlined therein along with detailed descriptions of practical application.

Understanding Structure: Loomis begins by breaking down the basic structure of the head and hands, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying forms and proportions. He provides detailed explanations and illustrations to help artists grasp the fundamental concepts.

Proportions and Measurements: In this section, Loomis delves deeper into the specific proportions and measurements of the head and hands, offering practical techniques for achieving accurate depictions. He covers topics such as the placement of features, skull structure, and hand proportions.

Facial Features: Loomis provides in-depth guidance on drawing various facial features, including eyes, noses, mouths, and ears. He offers step-by-step instructions and insightful tips for capturing the nuances of expression and personality.

Head Angles and Perspectives: This section focuses on drawing heads from different angles and perspectives, teaching artists how to maintain proper proportions and perspective even when the head is tilted or turned. Loomis offers techniques for visualizing and constructing heads in three-dimensional space.

For more detailed information related to drawing the human head check out this brief post outlining the Ball and Plain method Loomis offered the world.

Hands in Action: Loomis tackles the challenge of drawing hands in dynamic poses and gestures. He covers topics such as foreshortening, hand gestures, and the anatomy of the hand in various positions. Practical exercises and illustrative examples help artists master the complexities of hand anatomy and movement.

Rendering and Detailing: In the final section, Loomis explores techniques for rendering and detailing heads and hands, including shading, texture, and adding depth and dimension to drawings. He offers guidance on refining linework and adding finishing touches to bring drawings to life.

Overall, "Drawing Heads & Hands" by Andrew Loomis serves as a comprehensive resource for artists looking to improve their skills in drawing these essential elements of the human figure. With its detailed instructions, insightful tips, and practical exercises, the book equips artists with the knowledge and techniques needed to confidently tackle the challenges of drawing heads and hands with precision and expression.

Favorite Quotes:

“Our thoughts, our emotions and attitudes, even the kind of lives we live, register in our faces.”

“Let me begin by saying at the beginning that to draw a head effectively is not a matter of “soul searching” or mind reading. It is primarily a matter of interpreting form correctly in its proportion, perspective, and lighting. All other qualities enter the drawing as a result of the way that form is interpreted. If the artist gets that right, the soul and character are revealed.”

“Every head is an individual assemblage of shapes, lines and spaces.”

“Art, however, is not the justification of correctness. Art is not always perfection. Let us say art is truly a form of expression, and full expression cannot be limited by formula, but only guided toward greater meaning and truth.

“Perhaps not aspect of drawing is accompanied by more confusion and provided with less adequate material for study than the drawing of the hands. Much of the trouble is caused by searching for material instead of using the material you have available, because your own two hands are the best source of information available.”

“The most important point in the head from which to build the construction of the face is the point immediately above the bridge of the nose, between the brows. This point remains fixed and is indicated by the vertical line of the nose and the crossline of the brow.”