Anatomy Learning Resources for Artists (Courses, Books, Models, and References)

[Joshua Jacobo]

Note: There are many courses and resources on the NMA site that incorporate or deal with anatomy since anatomy is inseperable from representational art. So in this list I have narrowed by focus that primarily focuses on human or animal anatomy.

NMA Courses & Lessons:

Human Anatomy for Artists

This course by famed art anatomist Rey Bustos is the best place to begin your study of human anatomy. Take this course by following long taking notes of everything Rey shows you in a sketchbook. This anatomy sketchbook can be a resource that you use and improve on for the rest of your career!

Build Your Own Écorché

Now that you have draw all of the anatomical structures, there is no better way to reinforce your anatomical knowledge than to build a 3D anatomy model, traditionally called an ecorche or “flayed figure.” You can follow along with Rey Bustos in this course using Scupey clay or work digitally in software like ZBrush. If you are not able to sculpt at home, you can also follow along with this course by drawing and taking notes.

The Dynamic Anatomy Figure in Clay

The most advanced figure anatomy course at NMA so far, this course produced in 2014, walks you through the process of sculpting a dynamic pose anatomy figure not from the inside out, like you did in Rey’s last course but from the outside in from planes, to the surface muscles. You can do this course traditionally in clay or digitally. In this course you will work from the NMA Dynamic Anatomy Figure 3D model which allows you to orbit the figure, move the lighting, change the material, and take real world measurements in a variety of scales. Note: This course is not complete so if you begin it you must finish the arms and neck on your own using the principles you learned but referencing the 3D reference provided.

Anatomy of the Head & Neck

This is the first part of the late legendary illustrator and educator Mark Westermoe’s Frank Reily Drawing Method Course. In it you will draw the head and neck from different angles. This is an excellent starting point for learning head and neck anatomy and it is complimented by planes, abstract rhythms and more content throughout the course that builds on the first anatomical portion. Here is the link to the full course.

The Skull

The study of the skull is a vital component of the traditional Russian training method. In this lesson Iliya Mirochnik takes your understanding of the skull to a much deeper level. Learn the planes changes, anatomical names, and each of the individual bones of the skull. Practice drawing the skull from many angles with the NMA skull 3D scan.

Muscles of the Face

In this next part of the Russian Academic course Iliya Mirochnik uses our unique scans of real cadavers prepared by famed art anatomist Eliot Goldfinger to teach you the underling muscles of the face. You will work from the 3D scans as well as reference images to master your understanding of these structures

The Skeletal Neck & Shoulder Girdle

In the next lesson in Iliya’s Russian Course, he will use photographs of our real skeleton as reference to help you understand the real anatomical structure of the neck and shoulder girdle. This is a great course for really taking time to understand the complex structure of this area. The anatomy of the shoulder girdle is one of the most important areas to master because it is not easily simplified and it is very complex and mobile.

The Anatomy of the Figure 1 2 3 4

These four lessons from the Russian Drawing course cover the skeleton and real anatomy of the body using real skeletons as well as the Eliot Goldgfinger Cadaver scans. You will be working from photographs and these interactive 3D scans to learn the real anatomy of the figure. This is a great advanced way to master the material especially if you have already done the most basic courses.

Anatomy of the Masters

If you skipped Rey’s Anatomy lectures (don’t!) still be sure to check out this lesson on how the Old Masters used anatomy in their works. It’s an inspirational eye-opener and will help you understand how anatomy can be used in art.

Introduction to Animal Anatomy

Expert Animal Draftsman Joe Weatherly shares his simple and constructive approach to animal anatomy focusing on the 3D structures and the variations between species.

3D Anatomy References:

NMA Anatomical Head Model

Created by Yours Truly & New Masters Academy, this 3D educational model shows the detailed anatomy of the skull, skeleton of the neck, and muscles of the face including some glands. It also shows a fleshed out face of a woman. This sculpture was years in the making and it is medically accurate. All of the layers measure out based on scientific data of depth cues and ther average measurements for a living human (rather than simplified anatomy or a casting or scan from a death person). There is a ton of useful information here. This face is also used in the NMA Planes of the Head

The Dynamic Anatomy Figure

Created by New Masters Academy, this unique 3D reference shows you a dynamic heroic posed flayed figure, or Écorché. This model has several layers including the continuous planes of the body, the skeleton, and the muscles. You can orbit the model, change the lighting, and even take real world measurement from it.

Scan of Real Human Skull

This is a scan of a real 3D skull that you can use to practice drawing the skull from any angle. This is an invaluable tool especially if you don’t have a real skull of your own at home. Even if you do it’s much easier to draw the skull from any angle using this tool. To get to it go to this lesson page in the link then browse to the 3D Models tab.

Anatomy Photo References:

Anatomy Books:

NOTE: I AM STILL WORKING ON THIS POST. CHECK BACK SOON.

• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
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• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by Joshua Jacobo.
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[JOYCE SMITH]

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