Human Anatomy for Artists

A gallery of human musculature reference images for the artist. Large, clear, colorful anatomy illustrations, these are unlabeled so there's no text to get in your way. Click the image for a larger view.

Don't miss these anatomical studies by renowned fantasy artist Frank Frazetta. It just goes to show - you don't need expensive courses, mannikins or materials - just a borrowed anatomy text and a dimestore notebook!

A short quicktime movie of a human skeleton running, a project from Stanford University's graphics lab.

Caution: Nudity. Unsuitable for viewers under 18. This extensive collection of reference photos are well-photographed, if rather static poses, that will be useful for those without access to a live model. Also includes hair reference photos, facial expressions and mediaeval costume.

Gray's Anatomy is the definitive text on the subject, and now you can access it online. Scroll down to 'Surface Anatomy and Markings' for some pages of particular interest to the artist.

Wesley Norman PhD, DSc, produced this systematic study of human anatomy. While some information is superfluous to the artist, there are many interesting images and diagrams that make it well worth a look.

Caution - many people may find these images disturbing. An online gallery of the Bodyworlds Anatomy exhibition with loads of additional information and discussion about the exhibition and related issues.

Attend human antomy classes for artists with two expert lecturers, drawing from real human specimens at the University of New South Wales. Not for the faint-hearted, but valuable anatomical training for those interested in drawing the human body.

Slightly gory color anatomical drawings show the muscles and tendons of the lower leg and foot from various viewpoints.

A human anatomy drawing lesson at WetCanvas covering the anatomical structure of the head and neck, including the eyes.

Excellent graphics show the structure of the eyeball along with a photo of the eye. Note how the highlight is reflected off the curved transparent cornea, not on the flat, coloured iris itself.

This clever quicktime movie shows how the bones relate to surface detail of the hand by morphing from hand to skeleton.

Drawing the head and neck - anatomical studies and points to observe when drawing the head and neck