Watts On Bridgman: Torso Front and Back Paperback – October 19, 2020

I just got this book, so this is an initial response from a beginners perspective. I have the Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing From Life, 5th Edition. As a beginner, I have found that the best way to learn from Bridgman is to actually draw the images as seen from the book. Then it is a bit easier to understand, for me anyways. So, what this Watts on Bridgman book does is takes that to the next level by showing you how to build on that from the Bridgman book. And it uses three alternative techniques to do the drawings, being with charcoal, pen, and white pencil on black paper. Jeff encourages you to try one of the other techniques after you have completed a drawing using one technique, to help you cultivate a more thorough understanding of the process by thinking outside the box. The book presents Jeff Watts personal take on the drawings from the book, showing how he uses his knowledge to make the drawing his own. Also, the book gives an alternative with posed pictures of real life people mimicking the poses in the Bridgman book. To make you think even more outside the box, the book looks at and presents similar poses from Frank Frazetta, who was heavily influenced by Bridgman. The QR codes in the book work smoothly to take you to a cut version of the class. In order to get the full version, you have to sign up for the course. I may take the full online course later on, but I should be able to get by with the cut versions for now, just to get myself up to par to justify taking the full online course. If you are serious about learning from the Bridgman book, get this book. It seems to be a perfect expansion of the Bridgman book. It will get you thinking outside of the box, and if you put in the work, it should help you develop your own personal style to figure drawing.

This book is gorgeous! My copy just got here today and I’ve been completely swept off my feet. The drawings are absolutely stunning! The QR codes embedded throughout the book work flawlessly and are such a genius concept for a book like this. You literally get to watch the instructor walk you through the demonstrations, which is so incredibly helpful. I’ve always wanted to love Bridgman but I’ve never been able to grasp his instruction. This book here is everything I’ve been missing: crystal clear drawings complete with reference photos and actual instructor commentary and demonstrations. Holy smokes, where has this book been my whole life??!! Just flipping through the pages, I can already feel new life being breathed back into my motivation for tackling Bridgman figure drawing. I cannot wait to draw through this book!! Right after I finish drooling all over it that is. But seriously, if you’ve ever wanted to learn Bridgman, get this book. It is now essential reading on the topic.*Do keep in mind, this book is “volume 1: TORSO” so don’t expect to touch much on arms or legs or anything. With that being said, there is enough instructional and reference material to work with that for me at least, it will keep me busy a good looong while.**also, don’t forget to pick up a copy of Bridgman’s Complete Guide to Drawing from Anatomy. This book makes reference to pages in the specific edition of Bridgman shown in the attached photo. The page numbers do not match the more recent edition, which is the one I have so I’ve been sort of hunting around to find the right images. Not a huge deal, but I did go ahead and order the corresponding one to make it easier on myself going forward. Just keep it in mind! Happy drawing!

This book is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in studying figure drawing, specifically focusing on the male torso. I've taken many classes at Watts Atelier and I highly recommend it, the online school is also excellent. Watts on Bridgman-Torso is similar to a class you might take there, it is more instructional than his other books I've seen. This book not only shows the finished drawings in detail, but quality photo reference images for them as well, which is extremely helpful to study from. A whole book dedicated to the torso seems like a lot, but it's covered thoroughly in many angles which makes for a great study guide. This is my favorite book Jeff has released so far. Thanks Jeff! Looking forward to the next book in the series.The only con I'd say is that the title doesn't specify that it's just the male anatomy, I assumed it would also cover female form as well, which it doesnt. Maybe that one is coming in the future, and if not, there's always Figure Drawings of Jeffrey Watts vol.2 Female Quicksketch. Either way, this book is so good that it deserves those 5 stars anyways.Highly recommend buying this book for anyone studying figure drawing.

This is one of the best art instruction (and overall art) books I’ve ever purchased. Why? Because the quality of the drawings and clarity of the images is superb, and every bit of text has a strict and limited purpose.What this book fundamentally does is clarify the cryptic and sketchy line drawings of George Bridgman. Bridgman, the legendary art instructor, is the driving force behind the anatomy and shape design of your favorite superhero’s and other fantasy/sci fi/ fantastical characters. Trying to learn from Bridgman is tough because the books available were never intended to be as such. Rather, they are compilations of his lectures and demos and whatever else survived him.Enter Jeff Watts, owner of the Watts Atelier. Jeff is a true living master especially when it comes to the figure. He will forget more about anatomy than most of us will ever know. Jeff believes heavily in studying from Bridgman but also recognizes that it’s not practical due to the existing quality of Bridgman content.This book closes that gap and finally makes Bridgman with a bit of Jeff thrown in more accessible and more fun. Jeff is especially influenced by Frazzetta (who was influenced by Bridgman) so that is also incorporated. And with QR code’s throughout the book taking you to demos, the added value is over the top amazing.This book was a labor of love and we are all the better for it.

I've always loved Bridgman, even though his books are cryptic at best. Jeff does an awesome job drawing and emphasizing and clarifying what's going on here. Invaluable information Jeff has uncovered from decades of teaching figure drawing.Really looking forward to the rest of these. He recommends you also have Bridgman's Complete guide to drawing from life to refer to.This is my own personal opinion with anything Bridgman, you're gonna get the most of out of if you're already on your way with the basics. Do you know the skeleton? Have you started studying muscles and anatomy? If no, it might be a better place to familiarize yourself with those first. My recommendations are Loomis figure drawing for all its worth (tried and true) and accompany it with an atlas of anatomy (peck or goldfinger, I prefer the latter).Though I will say regardless of level Jeffs drawings are always a pleasure to look at and an inspiration for any level of artist.Great work Jeff! Looking forward to the next one.-Jordan