---
product_id: 7844549
title: "The Figure: The Classic Approach to Drawing & Construction"
brand: "walt reed"
price: "¥6838"
currency: JPY
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.jp/products/7844549-the-figure-the-classic-approach-to-drawing-and-construction
store_origin: JP
region: Japan
---

# The Figure: The Classic Approach to Drawing & Construction

**Brand:** walt reed
**Price:** ¥6838
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Figure: The Classic Approach to Drawing & Construction by walt reed
- **How much does it cost?** ¥6838 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.jp](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/7844549-the-figure-the-classic-approach-to-drawing-and-construction)

## Best For

- walt reed enthusiasts

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- Trusted walt reed brand quality
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## Description

The Figure: The Classic Approach to Drawing & Construction

## Images

![The Figure: The Classic Approach to Drawing & Construction - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-5MflaJYL.jpg)
![The Figure: The Classic Approach to Drawing & Construction - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kTbJ9YUhL.jpg)
![The Figure: The Classic Approach to Drawing & Construction - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41uZ0C0NSCL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Constructive Figure Drawing : Start To Finish
  

*by G***M on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 19, 2010*

This is a very easy to use, clear and practical guide to constructing the figure from imagination."Classic approach" here simply means the methods that have been handed down from the Masters of the renaissance, where art and science came together. For instance, ideas of perspective, which are analytical and mathematical, were applied to art to create realism.Similarly the constructive approach is based somewhat in the lines of geometry, and attempt to reduce all objects and forms to be a composition of a few basic forms. This resulted in the usage of sphere, box, cylinder etc. to construct any three dimensional figure, including of course the human figure. There were no hard and fast rules as to what these basic forms were. Some would use cones, cuboids etc.This book is a very clear exposition on the use of constructive approach to drawing the figure.The Figure is analyzed using the basic forms first, to get a sense of proportion, relationships etc.The idea of using two glasses (glasses with which we drink water etc.) as the two parts of the body: the upper torso and the pelvis, is amazingly an effective tool, in studying the relationship of these two major forms of the figure. same is done to study the upper and lower arms, upper and lower legs.The book aids in seeing the figure as made up of these simple forms, which results in clear understanding of the underlying structure which is easy to cast into memory, and can be applied both in life drawing as well as drawing from imagination.There are parts of the book that deals in details about the body and the movable parts. the possible movements of individual parts, in relation to the others, such as how much the arm can swing, or the degree of freedom of each part of the leg, are invaluable lessons, that are very explicitly laid down using the simplified figure.Eventually the book takes us to an application of anatomy, though not a anatomy book, this teaches how to use a simplified skeleton to setup the figure and move towards more realism.If we go through this book, one can be assured of getting a "solid" understanding of the figure, in very simplified terms yet powerful enough to create stunningly realistic figure from imagination.One would learn from the book, apply this knowledge when drawing from life or photo reference, and then internalize that knowledge and start creating figures purely from imagination.Walt Reed was part of the amazing Famous Artists School of the 50-60s. The Figure drawing lessons in those courses are pretty much what is contained in this book. I would think this book contains a bit more than those lessons, more reference images, and more instructions.This is a must have in the figurative artist book shelf.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Spheres, cubes, and especially cylinders= success...
  

*by E***M on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 24, 2006*

Easily one of my favorite-ever figure books(!)-If you've ever seen the bestselling 
  
How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way







  
  
    , a major teaching that stands out is its emphasis on spheres, cubes, and cylinders when learning to draw anything & everything, including the human figure. Well this is *exactly* what Walt Reed's The Figure is essentially all about.The teachings here were developed in & represent the Famous Artists School, and the figure basics here are really excellent yet seemingly standard fare. I've even seen some of these principles repeated by recent Japanese animation & comicbook instructionals. Yes, these principles are definitely great; it's the style & way these principles are communicated that makes this book seem a little bit dated, which may be why this isn't currently more popular. Reed's instruction here is presented with a combination of work by various artists and black & white photos of nude models, giving this entire effort a very mixed-media effect in its overall design. It was created in 1976, updated in 1984, and while the photos are generally well done, the models here look very much to be from that time, and maybe even earlier. Also included: drawings, etchings, paintings & sculptures; all by various masters in the history of western art. Add to this the book's physical dimensions- 9" x 12" x 1/2"- and this is really not a simple looking how-to-draw type book. Yet the teaching here really *is* simple & effective! It's basically about building the figure with cylinders, although spheres & cubes are depicted as well. My favorite aspect of the book is Reed's own drawings & instruction, which demonstrates the simplified figure accompanied by a wealth of helpful hints, tips & tricks. These instructions are also shown along with the photos of models to help reinforce principles by drawing from life. Hands & faces get special attention. We even get a little on basic light & shade and a section on figures in action! Usually, it's books that present a unified look & style, like the ones by Bridgman and Hogarth, that tend to look a little more timeless in my personal opinion. Yet Walt Reed's The Figure is fantastic in its actual *effect*, and that's really, basically the most important thing. It's a worthwhile book to add to anyone's collection!P.S. Parts of this book were included in an 8-1/2" x 11" x 3/8" compilation entitled 
  
Basic Figure Drawing Techniques







  
  
    , edited by Greg Albert. This compilation is printed on better quality paper, and includes material from 5 figure books. In my opinion Reed's contribution is the best. Also- Another great, 5-star work for beginners: Jack Hamm's excellent 
  
Drawing the Head and Figure







  
  
    . Highly recommended!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Basic forms and structure
  

*by J***E on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 9, 2010*

This book covers the basic structure and form of the figure for beginners.  It shows a relatively simple way to construct the figure and simplifies the hands and feet.  It doesn't include technique and also should include more proportions (it touches on proportions here and there, but not in depth).  Overall I think this is nice introductory book for you to get started drawing the figure.

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*Product available on Desertcart Japan*
*Store origin: JP*
*Last updated: 2026-02-09*