Life drawing has from the early Renaissance formed the basis of many of the great paintings of the western world. In this lucid and practical guide from Magna Books, artist and sculptor Viv Levy shows even the most nervous beginner how to get started in life drawing. the Beginner's Guide to Life Drawing contains a lively and thought-provoking text and specially commissioned artwork in both colour and black and white by the author. Together these form a step-by-step guide to setting up the subject, planning the page, choosing the medium and making the first mark, and --most important -- recognizing and coping with mistakes. Topics covered include line, colour, light, drawing from the nude and the clothed figure, and abstracting form and seeing pattern. With over 120 illustrations showing both the historical development of life drawing and its rich and varied interpretation by contemporary artists, The Beginner's Guide to Life Drawing provides an invaluable and fascinating introduction to a rewarding and popular subject. Viv Levy trained in ballet before studying at two prestigious London art schools, St Martins School of Art and the Royal College of Art. She has exhibited widely, both as artist and sculptor, and in 1989-90 was Henry Moore Fellow at the Wimbledon School of Art. She teaches at a number of art schools, including the Royal Collegeof Art.