Portrait and figure studies need convincing hands and feet to really come alive, but they can be hard to get right. Drawing and Painting Hands and Feet is the only book published that demonstrates, step by step, how to tackle these notorious trouble spots, the most difficult parts of the anatomy for any artist to draw. First, readers are led through a unique series of helpful drawings and diagrams that illustrate the interactions between the bones, muscles, and skin of the hands and feet. Next, an extensive array of sketchbook exercises, practical examples, and hands-on diagrams help build up confidence and expertise for more detailed artistic studies. Finally, eight step-by-step illustrations detail surefire ways to paint convincing hands and feet with pastels, watercolor, acrylics, and oils. ...deserves a place on library shelves...Fairley's book concentrates on those troublesome extremities--hands and feet. Sketchbook exercises are followed by eight detailed painting demonstrations in watercolor, oil, and other media. Fairley then continues on to portraits in which variations in age, skin tone, composition, mood, and movement are integrated...highly recommended for serious artists and comprehensive library collections.--Library Journal, July 2001