Hands, Faces and Figures (Painting Solutions)

"Painting Solutions - Hands, Faces and Figures" starts by outlining the basic techniques involved in drawing and painting the head in various positions and in the right proportions. The reader learns how to mix lifelike flesh tones, portray eyes, mouths and hair, light a portrait and, above all, achieve a good likeness. The book goes on to demonstrate how to draw and paint figures, again starting with getting the proportions right and then dealing with such problems as avoiding foreshortening, capturing the nuances of hands and injecting life and movement into the portrayals. Much of the information is presente din a question-and-answer format. The final chapter shows how careful attention to such factors as composition, lighting, colour and tone will help to increase the expressive potential of a painting, with guidelines on planning picture composition, posing a model and hints and tips on creating atmosphere and mood. It is illustrated throughout with drawings, diagrams and step-by-step demonstrations, including finished paintings by a wide cross section of artists.