Anatomy Sketchbook - Drawing Lessons Using the Human Figure

Edward Gazsi brings decades of figure drawing experience into “Anatomy Sketchbook – Drawing Lessons Using the Human Figure.” As an award-winning freelance illustrator and art instructor, Mr. Gazsi has compiled within this book a comprehensive collection of his thoughts, teachings, and artworks. The volume is wonderfully illustrated and contains two hundred and twenty-three artistic plates for the viewer’s enjoyment. The study of the human figure is the foundation of the book’s content. Figure painting and drawing are considered the most difficult of disciplines for the serious artist to conquer. It is widely acknowledged that the human form contains an inexhaustible realm where the artist can express his skills and imagination. Gazsi has devoted his life to perfecting the representation of the human figure in his art. The resulting artwork contained in the book is an expression of Gazsi's approach which showcases the grace and dignity found in the human form. Amazingly his sketches are reminiscent of those done by the Old Masters, whose work he has studied and emulated throughout his life. Two hundred of his drawings, many of which contain multiple figures, serve as examples that aid in the understanding of anatomy and the drawing process. Sixty thoughtful lessons accompany the sketches. Each lesson is intended to help both the student and professional to further their artistic pursuit of excellence. The teachings reveal Gazsi’s proven working methods, which have been essential to his success as an internationally known artist. The book shares his knowledge of artistic anatomy and reveals what he really “sees” when he sketches. The extensive introduction contains twenty-three of Gazsi’s finished figurative works. These detailed acrylic paintings represent in summary his demanding and exacting approach to all his work. Most of his paintings take several weeks to complete. As to his career, Mr. Gazsi is an award winning illustrator. He received a coveted gold medal for his “Alice in Wonderland” illustration from the New York Society of Illustrators’ annual exhibition. His works have been have been chosen several times for the Society’s annual, international exhibitions. He has also won a number of gold and silver medals for his figurative work in the two most prestigious art exhibitions held in the USA. Many of his miniatures are featured in the introduction. Gazsi started his career as a medical illustrator. The largest medical advertising agencies in NYC were among his clients. As his reputation grew, National Geographic Magazine recognized Gazsi’s abilities and commissioned him to illustrate eight featured articles. In the second half of his career he branched out to the areas of book covers and children’s illustrations. He has three fully illustrated books with HarperCollins; “Kimbo’s Marble,” “The Snow Queen,” and “Seven Ravens.” The books are beautifully detailed with each complex illustration taking up to three weeks’ effort to complete. He has also done a number of pieces in the fantasy and sci-fi area. In addition to everything else Mr. Gazsi has been a sought after drawing and anatomy instructor. He has shared his artistic knowledge with hundreds of interested students. The lessons in the book encompass the essentials that have made him a successful illustrator and fine artist. If you want to improve your general drawing abilities, this book will be of great help, especially as Gazsi teaches the benefits of using the "mysterious" right side of the brain as you draw. If the figure is the focus of your artistic expression, the author’s clear approach to the human form’s subtleties and beauty will be both educational and inspiring. If you just enjoy the simple pleasures of sketching, this book will bring many rewards to enliven that dynamic process. Once you are on the road to accurately drawing the figure, you will be amazed how the other horizons of art will open to you. Welcome to a life-long journey of figure drawing!