Carving the human figure
Perhaps the most glorious of all artworks, and certainly of all sculptures, are those celebrating the human figure. And yet many sculptors, even the most talented woodcarvers, lack the thorough knowledge of the body's structure essential to carving the human form successfully. Highly renowned sculptor Dick Onians offers a thorough grounding in the necessary skills. Basic anatomy, both male and female, is explained, with separate sections detailing how to carve the most difficult and prominent body parts, and clay modeling is used to graphically demonstrate how bones, muscles, and fat contribute to the outward shape. The emphasis is on carving in wood, but sculptors in stone and other media will find the information equally valuable. Dozens of color photographs show both finished pieces and works in progress. Stylized and abstract sculpture, the use of drapery, and the particular challenges of relief carving are also considered in depth. The result: carved images that come alive in your hands.