Andrew Loomis Drawing the Head and Hands

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 · 5,693 ratings  · 64 reviews

Start your review of Drawing the Head and Hands

(More pictures of the book on my blog)

This is the second Andrew Loomis book that publisher Titan Books has reprinted. Just like Figure Drawing for All It's Worth, this is a large format hardcover with a dust jacket. The production quality is excellent and it's a faithful reprint of the original content.

There are 5 parts to the book. The first 4 parts covers the drawing of head for men, women, babies, kids and teenagers. The last part is on drawing hands. The instructions are insightful and simpl

(More pictures of the book on my blog)

This is the second Andrew Loomis book that publisher Titan Books has reprinted. Just like Figure Drawing for All It's Worth, this is a large format hardcover with a dust jacket. The production quality is excellent and it's a faithful reprint of the original content.

There are 5 parts to the book. The first 4 parts covers the drawing of head for men, women, babies, kids and teenagers. The last part is on drawing hands. The instructions are insightful and simple to follow. Illustrated examples are beautiful.

The section on drawing hands is not a lot but I guess still adequate enough. If you want a good book on drawing hands, check out Drawing Dynamic Hands by Burne Hogarth.

It's great that this classic is reprinted because everyone can own one now. This is a great companion book to figure drawing books. Highly recommended.

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Jul 21, 2020 Darjeeling rated it it was amazing

Grab it here bois:
https://archive.org/details/andrew-lo...

Nice introduction to the method here from a solid YouTube artist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EPNY...

This book is all over YouTube rn, and for good reason.
Still working my way through it, so this review is a work in progress.

I'm an idiot for not having read this sooner.
That's not the only thing that makes me an idiot, but it's one of the things.

p19 - 'There must be a genuine basic motive behind any genuine effort ... Search quietly an

Grab it here bois:
https://archive.org/details/andrew-lo...

Nice introduction to the method here from a solid YouTube artist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EPNY...

This book is all over YouTube rn, and for good reason.
Still working my way through it, so this review is a work in progress.

I'm an idiot for not having read this sooner.
That's not the only thing that makes me an idiot, but it's one of the things.

p19 - 'There must be a genuine basic motive behind any genuine effort ... Search quietly and thoroughly for this basic motive, because if it is powerful enough, it will give your efforts the strength to withstand discouragement, disappointment, disillusionment, or even seeming failure.'

p103 - 'Let us say that art is truly a form of expression, and full expression cannot be limited by formula, but only guided toward greater meaning and truth.'

I disagree very strongly with the authors closing recommendation that one attend an art school. In fairness, he recommends that one attend a 'good' art school, the problem being that there may not be any of these left if one wishes to actually learn how to draw, rather than throw poop at a canvas and call it 'art'.

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Feb 12, 2015 Patrick rated it it was amazing

There is a reason why Andrew Loomis is deemed one of the best artists on teaching the fundamentals of drawing. I've been exposed to his work for a while, but it was only until recently did I decide to read one of his books.

Not only does Loomis break down the fundamentals of drawing, he explains WHY they are relevant and also adds great knowledge and experience on applying that knowledge to the working life of any artist. Given that a lot of his work has been built upon other artists after him,

There is a reason why Andrew Loomis is deemed one of the best artists on teaching the fundamentals of drawing. I've been exposed to his work for a while, but it was only until recently did I decide to read one of his books.

Not only does Loomis break down the fundamentals of drawing, he explains WHY they are relevant and also adds great knowledge and experience on applying that knowledge to the working life of any artist. Given that a lot of his work has been built upon other artists after him, his advice might feel a bit outdated. But this is still a great book to keep around for anyone who is looking to improve their sensibilities and understanding of drawing.

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Nov 01, 2008 Chicochan rated it it was amazing

Absolutely the best resource for learning to draw the human figure.

Dec 15, 2013 Clayton rated it really liked it

This is the fourth Loomis book that I've read, and I'd have to admit it's the least essential one that I've read yet. That's not to say that there is nothing of value here (not to mention more beautiful art by Loomis), but in terms of nuts and bolts drawing instruction on the subject of hands and heads, there isn't as much information to learn as you might get from "Creative Illustration" or "Figure Drawing."

I'd recommend this book, but only if you've already started an Andrew Loomis section in

This is the fourth Loomis book that I've read, and I'd have to admit it's the least essential one that I've read yet. That's not to say that there is nothing of value here (not to mention more beautiful art by Loomis), but in terms of nuts and bolts drawing instruction on the subject of hands and heads, there isn't as much information to learn as you might get from "Creative Illustration" or "Figure Drawing."

I'd recommend this book, but only if you've already started an Andrew Loomis section in your library first.

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Jun 16, 2015 JordanDunn rated it did not like it

I think this book is a really good book for people who want to learn how to draw hands and heads and I like this book because it helps me get ideas of drawing and I really like the person who explains this.
I chose this book because I'm interested in art and drawing.
I learned how to draw head and hands from this book. I think this book is a really good book for people who want to learn how to draw hands and heads and I like this book because it helps me get ideas of drawing and I really like the person who explains this.
I chose this book because I'm interested in art and drawing.
I learned how to draw head and hands from this book. ...more

Oct 12, 2017 Helsean K. rated it it was amazing

I love Loomis' books! They always offer in-depth understanding of every drawing subject! Portraits in this book are fascinating and I've not seen a book so detailed as this one on drawing different age groups. Highly recommended for portrait artists who don't want their works to look photographic, but at the same time beautiful in an artistic sense. I love Loomis' books! They always offer in-depth understanding of every drawing subject! Portraits in this book are fascinating and I've not seen a book so detailed as this one on drawing different age groups. Highly recommended for portrait artists who don't want their works to look photographic, but at the same time beautiful in an artistic sense. ...more

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andrew is amazing,, he helped me alot

Apr 03, 2021 Aja rated it liked it

Recommends it for: beginner artists & those returning to art

Pretty good overview of how to draw the face and hands from basic shapes and perspectives as well as looking at said parts in different stages of life. Great for beginners and those who want to go back into art in drawing portraits and hands, if they're into that.

However, one drawback was that some of the writing may be a bit dated, though it is in the context of drawing people, it seems, with commercial art in mind. Another was in the lack of diversity of features with muscle or fat on the hand

Pretty good overview of how to draw the face and hands from basic shapes and perspectives as well as looking at said parts in different stages of life. Great for beginners and those who want to go back into art in drawing portraits and hands, if they're into that.

However, one drawback was that some of the writing may be a bit dated, though it is in the context of drawing people, it seems, with commercial art in mind. Another was in the lack of diversity of features with muscle or fat on the hands (though fortunately not on the face for at least elderly people but it could have been shown for younger people) as well as good depictions of non-European descended people. Much of the rules for various heads and facial features would still apply that area, and it could have been applied well by Loomis, a professional artist. I can't judge Loomis' beliefs just by his books 100%, but it's not that he couldn't be able to pull it off, either.

On that note, I'll at least refer to this book to get refreshed again on drawing faces with more confidence on that note.

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I think it's a basic must-read for all artists that start with "Loomis method", but at the same time... I have more questions about this method and I didn't find answers in this book. I understood some things by practice and now I can say I can use it well, but this is definitely NOT the only one book you should read and go through if you wanna draw well, head, hands, whatever. I think the more you practice, the more you will understand and it's good to have a starting point like this book at ha I think it's a basic must-read for all artists that start with "Loomis method", but at the same time... I have more questions about this method and I didn't find answers in this book. I understood some things by practice and now I can say I can use it well, but this is definitely NOT the only one book you should read and go through if you wanna draw well, head, hands, whatever. I think the more you practice, the more you will understand and it's good to have a starting point like this book at hand. ...more

4.5\5
I love this one, it's very detailed and explains matters very efficiently albeit not hard to understand.
The only critique that I have for this book is that you can definitely tell it's an old one, given how only the men have facial expressions whilst the women tend to stay still, smiling, and docile. That being said, if you were to make a "must-have" art book list, this one hits one of the top spots.
Would highly, highly recommend! 4.5\5
I love this one, it's very detailed and explains matters very efficiently albeit not hard to understand.
The only critique that I have for this book is that you can definitely tell it's an old one, given how only the men have facial expressions whilst the women tend to stay still, smiling, and docile. That being said, if you were to make a "must-have" art book list, this one hits one of the top spots.
Would highly, highly recommend! ...more

Sep 29, 2020 Rachel King rated it it was amazing

The most comprehensive guide to drawing the head. I have not read the "hands" part yet as this is an area I feel more competent in. The only drawback is that the general guidelines provided are for white Americans, as Andrew Loomis was a draftsman that worked primarily in advertising in the 1950s when this was written. He does however make suggestions for adjustments that are useful for drawing faces from a wide berth of backgrounds. I refer to this book often when out of practice. The most comprehensive guide to drawing the head. I have not read the "hands" part yet as this is an area I feel more competent in. The only drawback is that the general guidelines provided are for white Americans, as Andrew Loomis was a draftsman that worked primarily in advertising in the 1950s when this was written. He does however make suggestions for adjustments that are useful for drawing faces from a wide berth of backgrounds. I refer to this book often when out of practice. ...more

This book helped me in my animation classes, understanding the hands and the proportion of the head in general. I always struggle with hands, but this book was very useful to practice in my sketchbook. Always practice drawing your own hand.

I still struggle with perspective drawings of humans, but I can always open the book and look for references of the perspective of the head and face

Apr 17, 2019 Reeda Booke rated it it was amazing

I love to draw, but always had a problem with hands (and feet, to be honest). This book is a fantastic resource and a big help in helping me practice and refining my drawings as a whole.
Definitely recommended for all artists out there!

an excellent guide that does exactly what's described. i greatly appreciated the figures and essays and think that they've all helped improve my art. would definitely recommend for all artists who draw people and characters often. an excellent guide that does exactly what's described. i greatly appreciated the figures and essays and think that they've all helped improve my art. would definitely recommend for all artists who draw people and characters often. ...more

Feb 24, 2018 Joellen rated it it was amazing

Andrew Loomis is one of my favorite illustrators. His teaching methods are some of the best in his class.

Jul 21, 2019 kel rated it it was amazing

A must-read for those hoping to improve their art skill. Great tips and methods inside.

received a couple of loomis books as a birthday gift, & i practically inhaled this one. what a timeless style with timeless advice.

Sep 04, 2020 Donna rated it it was amazing

I will definitely read more of his books. So helpful and genius in his concept.

It's a good book but it's very dated. Photos aren't on the same pages as the text. It'd be nice to have clearer step by step drawings.

Jul 03, 2021 Andrey rated it it was amazing

Great instruction and very clear pictures to reproduce, great place to get a good understanding of drawing portraits

Extremely useful information. It's not a book I can read once and absorb completely. I have no doubt I will continue to return to it as I become more adept at drawing heads and hands.

My only complaint is that many of the descriptions not accompanied but drawn examples were not intuitive. I found myself reading and re-reading sentences trying to understand exactly what he's trying to convey about line tone proportion and angle.

It's inspired me to try more construction and measuring before diving

Extremely useful information. It's not a book I can read once and absorb completely. I have no doubt I will continue to return to it as I become more adept at drawing heads and hands.

My only complaint is that many of the descriptions not accompanied but drawn examples were not intuitive. I found myself reading and re-reading sentences trying to understand exactly what he's trying to convey about line tone proportion and angle.

It's inspired me to try more construction and measuring before diving into a drawing, although I think this takes some of the heart and spontaneity out of it.

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Essential reference for any illustrator.

Jan 12, 2012 Lau rated it it was amazing

This is one of Loomis' books that I was never able to locate a physical copy of and always wanted. One of the biggest challenges for me is drawing hands and I look forward to having this reference to work with.

Working with the Loomis Estate, Titan Books has created a facsimile of the original publication. The content is beautifully printed and the quality of the volume imparts a gravity to compliment the sense of genuineness - it is almost like having an early edition.

As always, Loomis' methods

This is one of Loomis' books that I was never able to locate a physical copy of and always wanted. One of the biggest challenges for me is drawing hands and I look forward to having this reference to work with.

Working with the Loomis Estate, Titan Books has created a facsimile of the original publication. The content is beautifully printed and the quality of the volume imparts a gravity to compliment the sense of genuineness - it is almost like having an early edition.

As always, Loomis' methods are clearly presented and easy to grasp; his shared insights reflect a philosophy that is still valuable today.

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Dec 24, 2014 F.P. rated it it was amazing

At least several fabulous drawings of gorgeous male faces and heads. I love reading this book just for that.

The plane-by-plane breakdowns for human faces are very useful, and the part I have the most trouble rendering correctly. I've seen contradictions across books, as if the human head isn't consistent lol.

But, I'm probably going to stick with this one's instruction. I must stop relying on a library copy and get my own copy.

At least several fabulous drawings of gorgeous male faces and heads. I love reading this book just for that.

The plane-by-plane breakdowns for human faces are very useful, and the part I have the most trouble rendering correctly. I've seen contradictions across books, as if the human head isn't consistent lol.

But, I'm probably going to stick with this one's instruction. I must stop relying on a library copy and get my own copy.

...more

Sep 20, 2012 Serge Pierro rated it really liked it

Thanks to the likes of Alex Ross, Andrew Loomis's series of books are starting to get the notice they deserve. Here he tackles heads, and to a lesser degree hands. I prefer Hogarth's books on both subjects better, however, Loomis excels at rendering each in tone. His tonally shaded heads are outstanding. Although the look is "dated", the material contained within in is tremendous. Thanks to the likes of Alex Ross, Andrew Loomis's series of books are starting to get the notice they deserve. Here he tackles heads, and to a lesser degree hands. I prefer Hogarth's books on both subjects better, however, Loomis excels at rendering each in tone. His tonally shaded heads are outstanding. Although the look is "dated", the material contained within in is tremendous. ...more

William Andrew Loomis was an American illustrator, author, and art instructor.

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Andrew Loomis Drawing the Head and Hands

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