Andrew Loomis was an American artist, author, and illustrator who is best known for his instructional art books. Born in 1892, Loomis began his career as a commercial artist and eventually became a successful illustrator, working for clients such as General Electric and Coca-Cola.
In the 1930s, he began writing and illustrating a series of instructional art books that would become hugely popular among artists.
Loomis’ books cover a wide range of topics, including figure drawing, portrait drawing, and illustration techniques. They are known for their clear explanations and practical techniques, as well as for Loomis’ ability to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps.
Some of Loomis’ most popular books include “Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth,” “Creative Illustration,” and “Successful Drawing.” Despite being out of print for many years, Loomis’ books continue to be highly regarded by artists and are often sought after by collectors.
The Loomis Method of Drawing
The Loomis method of drawing is a technique developed by Andrew Loomis for constructing the human head and figure at any angle. It involves the use of simple forms and measured landmarks to accurately depict the proportions and perspective of the subject.
To begin, the artist starts with a basic shape, such as a sphere, to represent the head. From there, lines are used to divide the sphere into sections, with the horizontal line representing the top of the head and the vertical line representing the front plane of the face.
From these divisions, the artist can then add in the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using simple shapes and careful measurements to ensure accurate proportions.
The Loomis method can also be used to draw the entire human figure, with the head serving as the starting point. The artist can use the same techniques of dividing the head into sections and adding in features to construct the rest of the body, paying attention to the relationships between the different parts of the figure and the overall sense of perspective.
Overall, the Loomis method is known for its emphasis on accurate proportions and perspective, as well as its practical techniques for creating dynamic compositions.
It is a useful tool for artists looking to improve their figure-drawing skills and create more realistic and believable representations of the human form.
Key Takeaways From the Loomis Method
The Loomis method of drawing is known for its emphasis on accurate proportions and perspective. Andrew Loomis believed that understanding these concepts was essential for creating believable and lifelike representations of the human form.
In his books, he provides detailed explanations and examples of how to measure and place the different parts of the face and figure in relation to one another, as well as how to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface.
Another key takeaway from the Loomis method is the importance of understanding light and shadow. Loomis believed that a good understanding of these elements was crucial for creating depth and realism in a drawing.
In his books, he provides practical tips and techniques for depicting the way light falls on the face and figure, as well as how to use shadow to create a sense of form and depth.
Finally, the Loomis method offers practical techniques for creating dynamic compositions. Loomis believed that a well-designed composition was essential for creating visual interest and impact in a drawing.
In his books, he provides tips and techniques for creating dynamic compositions, such as using diagonal lines and triangles to lead the viewer’s eye around the drawing and creating a sense of movement and flow.
Overall, the Loomis method provides a wealth of useful information and techniques for artists looking to improve their figure-drawing skills and create more realistic and believable representations of the human form.
The Continuing Relevance of the Loomis Method
Despite being out of print for many years, Andrew Loomis’ instructional art books continue to be highly regarded by artists and are often sought after by collectors.
This enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless nature of Loomis’ teachings and the practicality of his techniques. Many contemporary artists credit Loomis’ books as a key influence in their own work and continue to use them as a valuable references for improving their figure-drawing skills.
In addition to their enduring popularity, the Loomis method remains relevant in contemporary art education. While there are many different approaches to teaching figure drawing, the Loomis method is still widely taught in art schools and workshops.
Its emphasis on accurate proportions, perspective, and dynamic compositions is considered fundamental knowledge for any artist looking to develop their skills in this area.
Overall, the Loomis method continues to be a valuable resource for artists of all levels, and its teachings remain as relevant today as they were when the books were first published.
Comparison of Andrew Loomis’ Instructional Art Books
| Book Title | Subject | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth | Figure drawing | Emphasis on accurate proportions and perspective, practical techniques for creating dynamic compositions |
| Creative Illustration | Illustration techniques | Techniques for creating dynamic compositions, understanding of light and shadow, use of color and value |
| Successful Drawing | Drawing fundamentals | Fundamentals of perspective, proportion, and composition, understanding of light and shadow |
| Drawing the Head & Hands | Portrait drawing | Techniques for drawing the head and hands, understanding of light and shadow, creating character and expression in drawings |
| Fun with a Pencil | Drawing basics | Basics of drawing and illustration, techniques for creating dynamic compositions |
| The Eye of the Painter | Color theory | Understanding of color theory, techniques for creating color harmony in compositions |
FAQs
In addition to figure drawing, Loomis’ books also cover subjects such as portrait drawing, illustration techniques, and color theory.
No, Loomis’ books are no longer in print. However, they can be found online through various sources, such as the links provided in the discussion above, or through second-hand booksellers.
There are many instructional art books available today that cover similar topics to Loomis’ books. Some popular options include “How to Draw” by Scott Robertson, “The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards, and “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards.
No, the Loomis method is just one of many approaches to learning figure drawing. There are many other techniques and methods for learning how to draw the human form, and what works best for one person may not work for another. It is important for artists to explore different approaches and find what works best for them.
While the Loomis method is primarily focused on drawing the human figure, the principles and techniques outlined in Loomis’ books can be applied to drawing other subjects as well. The emphasis on accurate proportions, perspective, and understanding of light and shadow are applicable to many different subjects.
Conclusion
The Loomis method of drawing is a valuable technique developed by artist and illustrator Andrew Loomis for constructing the human head and figure from any angle.
It involves the use of simple forms and measured landmarks to accurately depict the proportions and perspective of the subject.
The Loomis method is known for its emphasis on accurate proportions and perspective, as well as its practical techniques for understanding light and shadow and creating dynamic compositions.
Despite being out of print for many years, Loomis’ instructional art books continue to be highly regarded by artists and are often sought after by collectors. The Loomis method remains relevant in contemporary art education and is still widely taught in art schools and workshops.
For these reasons, it is highly recommended that artists study and apply the Loomis method in their own work. By understanding and applying the principles and techniques outlined in Loomis’ books, artists can improve their figure-drawing skills and create more realistic and believable representations of the human form.
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