Drawing the Head and Hands & Figure Drawing Box Set - Essential Figure

Our review of this boxed set finds it ideal for art students and practicing illustrators who want a rigorous, classical foundation in figure work. Collecting Drawing the Head and Hands and Figure Drawing for All Its Worth, the set gives one complete, continuous course in anatomy, proportion and posture; the single biggest reason to buy is the way Andrew Loomis organizes complex observational techniques into clear, repeatable steps that progress from basics to full compositions.

Key Features

• Two classic volumes: The box set combines focused instruction on heads and hands with a comprehensive treatise on the full figure so students can study related problems together.
• Step-by-step illustrations: Heavy use of diagrams and progressive drawings helps learners move from simple construction to lifelike poses with visual clarification at every stage.
• Compositional guidance: Figure Drawing for All Its Worth walks through proportion, movement and placement so artists can compose believable figures in scenes.
• Practical anatomy: Loomis emphasizes surface landmarks and simplified forms so readers can translate anatomical knowledge into drawing decisions quickly.
• Timeless teaching style: The books present a clean, realist approach that has influenced generations of illustrators and remains directly applicable to observational practice.

Who It's For

This set is best for beginners with dedication to practice and intermediate artists who want a structured curriculum for mastering the human form. Students who prefer visual, example-driven instruction and stepwise progression will find Loomis especially effective in transforming basic shapes into convincing figures.

It is less suitable for those seeking modern photographic references or anatomy written in clinical detail; medical illustrators or those who need exhaustive muscle charts should pair this with contemporary anatomy resources.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, progressive instruction that helps build drawing skills from basic construction to complex compositions.
• Extensive art content and illustrations that demonstrate the techniques being taught in context.
• Excellent value as a box set, combining two complementary volumes for a complete figure-drawing course.

Cons

• The books reflect a classical, realist approach and do not focus on modern photo reference or digital techniques, which some learners may also want.

Specifications

Our Verdict

This Andrew Loomis box set is a high-value, time-tested course in figure drawing and an excellent core resource for serious learners. It pairs focused studies of the head and hands with a broader treatment of the full figure, making it a practical, instructive purchase for anyone committed to improving observational drawing and composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are both books included in the set?
Yes, the box set contains Drawing the Head and Hands and Figure Drawing for All Its Worth.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, the books start with fundamental construction and progress into more complex compositions, making them suitable for dedicated beginners and intermediates.

Do the books cover anatomy in detail?
The focus is practical anatomy and surface landmarks for drawing; readers needing exhaustive clinical anatomy should consult specialized anatomy texts.