The first ~20% of the page content is an introductory chapter introducing the tools, materials, and concepts for human portraiture. The authors cover the choice of materials and how to use them, learning to translate what you actually see to the page, a little bit of composition theory, some perspective studies, and troubleshooting potential problems using the example of characteristic ratios in a child's face.
At each lesson, important points and potential problems are highlighted in sidebars along with clear illustrations of the points being discussed. The book is lavishly illustrated. The chapters following the introduction cover heads and faces from different viewpoints, general portraiture including drawing from a reference photo and highlights and realistic hair, lighting, and more. There are also lessons on full body portraiture and a special treatment of children.
Nearly all of the tutorials have multiple illustrations which contrast the steps from outline sketch through contour and shading. I do not personally feel that this is a beginner guide though there are certainly lessons which can be used by artists of all levels of expertise. This would be more suitable to the mid-level to advanced artist looking for more specific study in portraiture. I liked that the art styles shown in the book come from several different artists, showing a range of styles. I also appreciate that there are numerous different treatments of light and shading at different positions from full face forward to three quarter profile to full profile.
This would make a great support and resource text for classroom or library settings, and also for the artist's (or would be artist's) home library.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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