Rating: 
Summary: An in depth study of figure drawing
Review: This book is loaded with information that goes beyond just drawing the human figure. As a trained Medical Illustrator I have had the unique priveldge of dissecting the human body and studying its contents and movements for over thirty years. I have yet to come across a collection of thoughts and instructions as complete as those contained between the covers of this book. Mr Ryder has a way of breaking down the approach to drawing the human figure that keeps the construction of the whole, or the parts, together at all times. The book is sectioned into three areas of awareness, the Block-In, the Contour aand Drawing on the Inside. Each section builds on the other. The drawing examples are very well presented. I have found myself reading pages two and three times in order to make sure that I fully comprehend what is being described. Repeated reading has nothing to do with the way the material is presented; I just want to make sure I comprehend every word of what he is presenting. What he has to say is very important and worth taking the time to read. I then actually put the techniques to work in my sketch book. The results are outstanding. Throughout my career I have wondered off into areas of artistic adventures that have altered my focal point as an artist. I have discovered that there are missing links in my training. Mr Ryders approach has helped restore that focus. I strongly feel that this book should on the shelf of any artist interested in drawing the figure or portraits. As with any book, the words are only as good as the reader is willing to put them to use. Mr Ryder has done a wonderful job of organizing his thoughts and feelings about drawing the human figure. You will not be disappointed in adding this book to your collection.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for advanced and beginning students alike
Review: This book is the most comprehensive one I've read to date, along with "Keys to Drawing".
It breaks down Ryder's over-the-top work into a simple drawing process which consists of an envelope (4-5 lines) that encapsulates the form, then a rough block-in to act as the basis for a detailed contour, and then scanning across the form as you start to draw out and push in the shapes themselves, utilising your knowledge of anatomy (which I suggest you get other books for, like Loomis, Villpu, Hogarth, Hale and Bridgeman).
You will find alot of valuable info about checking for tilt, relationship of shapes, non-parallelism (i.e. nothing in nature is parallel), behavior of light and shadow, pathways of form, gestural current, etc.
There's not much more to say other than, if you have the cash, you probably won't regret spending it on this great assembly of text, pictures and sound advice.
Rating:
Summary: One Of The Best Books On Drawing
Review: This book was very insightful on drawing in a style that gives you leverage on how to do it with feeling...reading this book gave me some direction on how to do it with passion..with some art books don't do..all thumbs up on this one..any book you should own on drawing should be this one...It help me in every way....A very special artist
Rating:
Summary: Not For beginners
Review: This is a great book but definitely not for beginners. Eventhough I'm a beginner and will not get to this book for a while it's great to see what is possible with pencil and paper. This book certainly has increased my enthusiasm to pursue my skills in drawing and to achieve what is so nicely represented in this book.
Rating:
Summary: A classical and classy drawing book
Review: This is a high quality book and you will notice that the more you read it. It contains very good drawings, it won't knock your socks off, but it will capture your attention. It is about drawing from life and everything centers on the ability to see and capture figure form, contrast and light/shadow. For anyone searching for the classical drawing of the figure, get it and read it.
Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking....
Review: This is an exquisite book. The drawings are utterly fabulous, but the text and "teaching illustrations" are also outstanding. The author has such a friendly and accessable way of writing, his text is a joy to read. Every bit of it has value - no fluff here. I even learned a lot from his drawing material recommendations! (I have been pretty settled on what drawing papers I use, but after reading his chapter on it, I went out and got new drawing pads!) It's an absolute treasure. The artwork is brilliant, and gorgeous. A must-have for any library.
Rating: 
Summary: Great for shading guidance
Review: Tony Ryder is perhaps one of the most talented American artists in Modern Realism. His oil paintings of figures, portraits, and still life are brilliant, but he is also a skilled technician in figure and portrait drawing using pencil. This volume, "The Artist's Complete Guide to Figure Drawing: A Contemporary Perspective on the Classical Tradition", is, in my opinion, a good choice for those who want to improve their figure drawing technique. The book describes Tony Ryder's protocol for pencil drawing of figures: block-in, contour, and drawing on the inside with an understanding of gesture, light, shadow, and form. This method is extremely painstainking and requires great patience: according to Ryder, he spends an average of twelve three-hour sessions for each complete drawing (i.e., 36 hours per each finished drawing!). The book also contains dozens of his excellent, inspiring figure drawings of models from diverse ethnic groups. However, this book is not for those new to drawing: it lacks the lesson plans and exercises needed for beginners. If you are a real beginner to drawing, perhaps you should start with Betty Edwards' "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain".
Rating:
Summary: a good book on figure drawing techniques using pencil
Review: Tony Ryder is perhaps one of the most talented American artists in Modern Realism. His oil paintings of figures, portraits, and still life are brilliant, but he is also a skilled technician in figure and portrait drawing using pencil. This volume, "The Artist's Complete Guide to Figure Drawing: A Contemporary Perspective on the Classical Tradition", is, in my opinion, a good choice for those who want to improve their figure drawing technique. The book describes Tony Ryder's protocol for pencil drawing of figures: block-in, contour, and drawing on the inside with an understanding of gesture, light, shadow, and form. This method is extremely painstainking and requires great patience: according to Ryder, he spends an average of twelve three-hour sessions for each complete drawing (i.e., 36 hours per each finished drawing!). The book also contains dozens of his excellent, inspiring figure drawings of models from diverse ethnic groups. However, this book is not for those new to drawing: it lacks the lesson plans and exercises needed for beginners. If you are a real beginner to drawing, perhaps you should start with Betty Edwards' "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain".
Rating:
Summary: A Must-have for Every Artist
Review: Tony Ryder's book is, hands down, superior on the market, both in terms of his extraordinary illustrations and beatuifully articulated text. In my experience, it is uncommon to find both done equally well. Although Ryder's examples are specific to portrait and figurative work,the pronciples of careful observation are relevant to every subject matter. While there are many art-related texts on the market today, there are painfully few devoted to drawing, which is amazing to me, since it is the underpinning of every aspect of representational art. This book is as absolute for every serious artist's bookshelf.
Rating:
Summary: The Best How To Draw Book
Review: Tony's book The Artists Complete Guide to Figure Drawing is full of beautiful illustrations and directions on how to draw the human form. It's written in a way that makes it easy to visualize what he's teaching. This book is really a treasure I find myself referring back to it all the time. The instrucions are specific the steps are methodical. Its easy to understand but it does take practice. I really love the way Tony illustrates how to draw the human figure and fill in with specific directions to complete a beautifuly renderded form. His examples and metaphores are unique. I can actually pretend that I'm in class and hear his voice. The drawings are incredible there is something new to discover every time you turn the page. This book is the best I've read on how to. It's a must in every students library and it's worth every penny. Thank you Tony for a great book.
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