If you’re having trouble
drawing hands, Eddie
Armer recommends the
box approach, which
dates back to the early
16th century.Eddie explains how best to capture feet in a variety
of poses, using multiple drawing techniques.Veteran British fantasy
artist Wayne Reynolds
draws Nissa Revane,
Vastwood Seer.M
T
agic: The Gathering has
gained an army of
approximately 20 million
players since its inception
26 years ago. Documenting some of
the game’s rich history is Rise of the
Gatewatch, which collects a number
of Magic’s first-ever Planeswalkers
character designs.
Aimed primarily at Magic fans, this
undersized hardback, which measures
19x15cm, is divided into sections thathe complex makeup and
expressive nature of
human hands and feet can
make them challenging
parts of the body to depict
accurately and authentically. Drawing
Hands & Feet by Eddie Armer, whose
career in figure drawing spans more
than four decades, combines a series
of workshops and written theory to
help artists master the art of
illustrating both.Magic: The Gathering – Rise of the Gatewatch
Drawing Hands & Feet: A practical guide
SIZE MATTERS This visual guide celebrates the history of the world’s first
trading card game by showcasing notable characters from Magic’s MultiverseFIRM GRIP In less than 100 pages, this comprehensive guide provides all
the expertise you’ll need to help you draw hands and feet with precisionfocus on key characters. Each section
starts with a short biography before
revealing at least a dozen illustrations,
some never-before-seen, of the
characters through the ages. The work
of high-profile artists is on show,
including Wesley Burt, Karla Ortiz,
Raymond Swanland and Jason Chan.
For those unfamiliar with the game,
the contents will make little sense.
However, the volume and quality of art
showcased makes it an effectiveThoughtful and clever in its
approach, this guide is formatted in a
way that lends itself well to novices
and more advanced illustrators alike.
The practical elements come in the
form of step-by-step guides, which
are arguably some of the most
informative anatomy breakdowns
we’ve ever seen, due largely in part to
the detailed illustrations clearly
depicting each step.
The written theory is just as
comprehensive, with the first 30 pages
of the book featuring easy-to-read and
helpfully illustrated advice on the best
materials to use, backdrops and
lighting, and the bone and muscle
structure of the hand and foot. You
have to get past quite a lengthy,
somewhat indulgent introduction and
personal history initially, but both
provide insight into the author’sinspiration resource for any artist with
an interest in fantasy character art.
Because much of the art was
originally designed for and printed on
small playing cards, it would have been
great to see it on a much larger scale.
But we’ve no doubt die-hard Magic:
The Gathering fans both old and new
will fully appreciate this revealing trip
down memory lane.RATING +++
extensive experience and obvious
passion for life drawing, which can
only be a good thing.
An excellent, highly affordable
resource that will go a long way to
helping you draw realistic-looking
hands and feet.RATING +++++
Editor Eric Klopfer Publisher Abrams ComicArts Price £16 Web http://www.abramsbooks.com Available NowAuthor Eddie Armer Publisher Search Press Price £13 Web http://www.searchpress.com Available NowInspiration Books