Charles Bargue - Drawing Course

This unique volume is essential reading for any serious student of academic drawing and painting. Gerald Ackerman offers invaluable insights into understanding and modeling the human form; he also explores the taste and philosophies that inform classical realist art. The color plates are gorgeous, with superb reproductions allowing you to learn through observing and copying the images, applying the concepts in the text.

This book is a mix of art instruction and history, presenting Charles Bargue's complete drawing course, annotating it with technical information for the student, and explaining the tastes and philosophies of its time.

The Bargue - Gerome course aims to teach the drawing skills of classical realism, accurate, sculptural, beautiful without being decorative. Ackerman's notes are practical and specific, noting such points as how a particular form has been observed and simplified, and discussing the handling of particular poses.

The Drawing Course isn't, as its name might imply, a set of sequential lessons, but a provision of resources and information. Some readers may find it difficult for this reason. The organization needed for a book with full-page illustrations - such as the separation of plates and text - can make navigation of the book awkward initially, and some fundamental information - such as the method of cast drawing and sight size drawing - is at the back of the book. This should not put off the serious student. Be aware that, if using this text for self-instruction, you'll need to be confident enough to gather information and apply it to your own drawing practice. This caution aside, the thorough notes in this text are written in a highly readable and informative style, offering invaluable insights into academic drawing technique. <br> Available from the <a href="http://www.daheshmuseum.org/shop/index.html#ex">Dahesh Museum Shop</a>.