Modelling and Sculpting the Human Figure (Dover Art Instruction) by Edouard Lanteri, Art Instruction
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Book Reviews of Modelling and Sculpting the Human Figure (Dover Art Instruction)
Book Review: Used it for modelling chocolate sculpture
Summary: 4 Stars
I used this book to learn how to sculpt realistic human faces and heads out of modelling chocolate. I found quickly that while it has great depth of information in terms of muscular structure, I was able to skim that for the pertinent details relative to my project and skip the rest. I appreciate that Lanteri took the time to list all of the names of the different facial muscles, but I didn't need to learn them in order to work my project.
The advice about using different lighting, the breakdown and order of construction of facial elements, emulating hair, and other instructions were extremely helpful. At a meeting of my local cake club, I did a demonstration of how I made the head on my award-winning Wolverine cake based on Lanteri's book and told everyone that this book is a vital manual should any of them wish to attempt to construct a realistic human sculpture.
The instructions for clay translate well to modelling chocolate, so I highly recommend this book for any cake artist looking for tips on how to branch beyond cartoonish figures.
That being said, where it fell short for me was the assumption that I'd have the subject in person before me in order to use calipers for measurements. Since Hugh Jackman hasn't yet seen fit to come to my kitchen to be measured, I had to go by a series of images found online. I recognize that Lanteri's book predates using Google Images for sculptural inspiration, but I really could have used a lot more advice on translating two-dimensional images into a three-dimensional form. I tried to wing it on my own via lots of measurements and ratio calculations, and got close, but not quite right.
All in all, I recommend it to those who have varying levels of experience but a high level of patience and willingness to go slowly and practice. The instructions should work well for a variety of media including clay, modelling chocolate, polymer clay, or anything else that can be kept soft for long-term working.
Book Review: A difficult choice
Summary: 4 Stars
Boy! Buying this book has been a difficult choice. The information is essential to anyone working with human anatomy and sculptural form, however, you have to wade throught information written in a very dated, pedantic manner. Professor Lanteri's comments are in the classical form and written so long ago (his copyright is 1902 - 1904) that an interpreter might be needed for the younger sculptor. I almost returned the book because it isn't something to sit down and read in one or two sessions. This isn't a simple 'How to . . .' book, but if you are a serious sculptor, and willing to work your way throught the exaggerated writing style, you'll realize what a gem it is. It is really the most comprehensive book of sculpting the human figure I've ever read. I only wish the book had been printed in larger format so the illustration notes would be easier to read.Book Review: Good for a start.
Summary: 4 Stars
Trying to learn art in a town where no "REAL" art doesn't exist is difficult, but this books goes into the basics of how to expertly form some curiousities as can be difficult without an instructor. All in all it could have used more examples, but it's a great bookBook Review: Very good course material
Summary: 4 Stars
A very good course material for beginners and a perfect reference for the professionals. easy reading from cover to cover.Book Review: TOO MUCH CLASSICAL
Summary: 2 Stars
A to much classical style for my taste. There is an extreme rigour, out of date nowadays. Besides, it presents few photos and hands and feet are forgotten!