[PaoloPuggioni]

Visualizing muscles seems very nice.
Are there many pictures inside? (as dumb as this question might sound). By the Amazon preview it seemed mostly text bu I'm sure it's not the case.

For Anatomy then I recommend

Anatomy for the Artist

and

The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing

The first one is really good, although I'm still looking for a book with models other than super muscular guys and fit women.
I'd be happy to find something with other body-shapes, like skinny adolescents, old people (depending on the age muscles and bones get modified), different body wights from really skinny to overweight and so on.

[EmilyFiegenschuh]

Originally Posted by PaoloPuggioni

Visualizing muscles seems very nice.
Are there many pictures inside? (as dumb as this question might sound). By the Amazon preview it seemed mostly text bu I'm sure it's not the case.

Oh, yes, the entire book is pretty much all photos other than the first chapter or so. Basically, they've drawn the muscles that affect the appearance of surface anatomy directly on the (nude) model. Then, you get two pictures of each pose, one with the muscular anatomy drawn on, and one without, so you can compare the two and understand the appearance of the muscles in each pose. It's best to use to gain an understanding of the way muscles look when the body is in a variety of positions, but it's not really a "hardcore" anatomy book.

[PaoloPuggioni]

Ah interesting!
I'll put it on my Wishlist.

I should have never opened this thread lol

For drawing, I would recommend books by Barrington Barber;

-The fundamentals of Drawing
-The fundamentals of Figure Drawing
-The fundamentals of Drawing Landscapes

They are very good quality books, suitable for any skill level, theres something to learn for everyone. They are EXTREMELY cheap (and brand new) on Ebay. They are great additions to any library.

[matt_baldwin]

Dover Publications

You should have a look at this link. Dover Publications has been around for ages, they print the Bridgman Books. There's an absolute ton of info and the prices are ridiculously cheap. Go to Anatomy for Artists, Art Instruction, Dover Art Library and Fine Art/History of Art. There are a few duds (Monet paint by numbers? meh), but they are worth a look.

[Marlee]

As far as inspiration goes

The Landscapes - Richard Schmid was an excellent buy for me. It seems pricey but the actual book is invaluable.

For instruction..

Figure Drawing : Design and Invention - Michael Hampton is brilliant for learning construction and anatomy

Vilppu's drawing manual is great for construction and design as well.

[Barten]

Hi ! I foundthat outside of inspiration I keep going back books about techniques or perspective.

[Nicolay]

Not an instructional book, but highly inspirational:

Paul Bonner: Out of the forests
http://www.amazon.com/Out-Forests-Ar.../dp/1845767055


If you like watercolour, John Howe's fantasy workshop book is superb!:

http://www.amazon.com/John-Howe-Fant.../dp/1600610102

A blog that has high inspirational value, as well as some instructional value ... and really pleasant authors:

Muddy Colors
http://muddycolors.blogspot.com/

Thats all from me

[mostars]

I use several books and very happy with results.

[mostars]

these books I use, the covers images are in attachment and link to website is here:

http://www.wix.com/neopoprealismpress/intro

good luck!

[Tsib]

The Skillful Huntsman, Framed Ink, and Exodyssey are a must, also all of the andrew loomis serie is really interesting to understand all of the basis for drawing. Spectrum is really nice too for inspiration and to keep you informed with what have been done in the industry each years, same as exposée, but 1/4 of the price, I personnaly prefer spectrum..

[WRG-Art]

You said you were planning to get Massive Black Vol1, have you had a look at the rest of the ballistic publishing collection?
There's instructional and inspirational books, there worth a look.