Book Review Summary: Drawing the Head and Figure: A How-To Handbook That Makes Drawing Easy

Introduction

Drawing the Head and Figure: A How-To Handbook That Makes Drawing Easy is a comprehensive guide that simplifies the process of drawing people. Written by Jack Hamm, an accomplished artist known for his Christian-themed artwork and editorial cartoons, this book offers step-by-step procedures and hundreds of illustrations to help readers improve their figure drawing skills. In this article, we will explore the author's background, analyze readers' views on the book, and summarize the reasons for both recommendations and not recommendations.

About Jack Hamm

Jack B. Hamm was an artist who studied and taught at the Frederic Mizen Academy of Art. He was recognized for his Christian-themed artwork and editorial cartoons, as well as his books on drawing technique. Hamm started drawing at a young age and attended the Frederic Mizen Academy of Art. After finding success in cartoons, he pursued ministry at Baylor University from 1945 to 1948. Hamm's work drew praise from diverse individuals, including "Peanuts" creator Charles M. Schulz, Norman Vincent Peale, and FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. By the end of his life, his artwork could be found in over 25 books.

Analysis of Views

Simplified Techniques: Readers appreciate the book's simplified techniques that make drawing people easier. The step-by-step procedures and numerous illustrations provide clear guidance for beginners.
Outdated Style: Some readers note that the book's style may be outdated due to the fashions and hairstyles depicted. However, they still find it valuable as a reference for improving their figure drawing skills.
Plentiful Illustrations: Readers praise the book for its extensive use of illustrations and drawing tips. The inclusion of anatomical landmarks and proportion guides makes it a helpful resource for artists looking to master figure drawing.
Practical Guides: Many readers appreciate the practical guides to drawing certain muscles and features provided by the book. The use of grids for finding features and checking proportions is particularly helpful.
Timeless Subject Matter: Despite the outdated style, readers agree that figure drawing itself is a timeless subject that remains relevant today. The techniques taught in the book can be applied to modern hairstyles and clothing styles.

Reasons for Recommendation

Affordable and Informative: Readers recommend the book for its affordable price and wealth of information. They appreciate the plentiful illustrations and practical tips that help them improve their drawing skills.
Great Quick-Start Guide: The book is highly recommended as a quick-start guide to figure drawing for beginners. Its concise instructions and easy-to-understand language make it accessible to artists of all skill levels.
Helpful for Semi-Realistic Sketches: Readers find the book particularly helpful for semi-realistic sketches and graphic novel illustrations. The practical guides to anatomy and muscle structure make it a valuable resource for artists seeking to add realism to their portraits.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Basic Content: Some readers feel that the book is more suitable for beginners, as it covers only basic lines and shapes. They recommend it only for those seeking a quick introduction to figure drawing without delving into advanced techniques or improving their drawing skills.
Limited Focus on Lighting and Shading: While the book provides useful explanations and formulas for drawing people, some readers feel that it lacks a focus on lighting and shading techniques. They suggest that artists looking to improve their realistic drawings may need to explore additional resources for these aspects of figure drawing.

Conclusion

Drawing the Head and Figure: A How-To Handbook That Makes Drawing Easy by Jack Hamm is a valuable resource for artists looking to improve their figure drawing skills. With its simplified techniques, plentiful illustrations, and practical guides, the book offers a comprehensive introduction to figure drawing for beginners while also providing valuable insights for more advanced artists seeking to add realism to their portraits. While some readers find the book's style outdated or lacking in advanced techniques, others appreciate its affordability, accessibility, and helpful tips for improving their drawing skills. Overall, this book serves as a great starting point for artists looking to master the art of figure drawing.