Andrew Loomis drawing books are best suited to artists who want structured instruction in drawing people, heads, hands, and visual fundamentals. Drawing the Head and Hands focuses on portrait-related subjects, while Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth is the most direct choice for studying the human figure. The box set combines two Loomis titles, and Successful Drawing offers a broader subject. The beginner course below is a non-Loomis alternative for readers who want a daily, step-by-step format.
| Book | Best For | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing the Head and Hands | Portrait and hand drawing | Hardcover |
| Head and Hands & Figure Drawing Box Set | Two core Loomis subjects | Hardcover set |
| Successful Drawing | Broader drawing study | Hardcover |
| Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth | Human figure drawing | Hardcover |
| The Complete 30-Day Drawing Course for Beginners | Daily beginner lessons | Paperback |
Drawing the Head and Hands
This hardcover by Andrew Loomis is best for artists who want to focus on heads and hands rather than begin with a general drawing course. Its subject makes it a direct match for portrait practice, character illustration, and improving drawings of expressive features.
Why it was selected: It covers two challenging, closely related subjects in one Loomis title. Choose this if portrait drawing is your main priority. Its focused scope is also its limitation: readers seeking a broad survey of drawing topics may prefer Successful Drawing or the box set.
Head and Hands & Figure Drawing Box Set
This hardcover box set combines Drawing the Head and Hands with Figure Drawing. It is best for buyers who want Loomis instruction on both portrait subjects and the human figure in one selection, rather than choosing only one topic.
Why it was selected: It brings together two relevant Loomis titles for readers building a focused figure-art library. Choose this if you want both areas covered. Because it is a set, it may be more than you need if your immediate goal is limited to heads and hands or figure drawing alone.
Successful Drawing
Successful Drawing is an Andrew Loomis hardcover for readers who want a broader drawing book rather than one centered specifically on heads, hands, or figure drawing. It is best for artists comparing Loomis titles and looking for a wider starting point within his work.
Why it was selected: Its broad title makes it a useful contrast to the more specialized books in this list. Choose it if you do not want to focus exclusively on anatomy or portrait subjects. Avoid it if you are specifically looking for a book devoted to figure drawing or head construction.
Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth
This Andrew Loomis hardcover is best for readers whose main goal is drawing the human figure. Its title distinguishes it from the head-and-hands book, making it the more direct choice for studying figure drawing as a subject.
Why it was selected: It is a dedicated Loomis title for figure artists and pairs naturally with the head-and-hands book for broader anatomy-focused study. Choose this if full-figure drawing is your priority. It is a specialized option, so it may not suit someone seeking a beginner course across varied subjects.
The Complete 30-Day Drawing Course for Beginners
This paperback by Nolan Ashcroft is not an Andrew Loomis book, but it is a relevant alternative for beginners seeking a daily lesson structure. Its title describes step-by-step lessons covering faces, figures, animals, three-dimensional objects, shading, and landscapes.
Why it was selected: It offers a different learning format from the Loomis hardcovers and may suit readers who want guided practice across several subjects. Choose it if daily lessons and broad beginner topics matter more than studying Loomis specifically. It is not a substitute for a Loomis title if your goal is to read his work.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Andrew Loomis Drawing Book
Which subject do you want to draw?
Match the book to your main subject. Choose Drawing the Head and Hands for portrait-related practice, or Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth for a book focused on figure drawing. The box set brings both subject areas together. Successful Drawing is the broader option among the listed Loomis titles.
Should you choose a single book or a box set?
A single title is the more focused choice when you already know what you want to study. The box set is better for buyers who want both head-and-hand and figure-drawing subjects in one purchase. Check the included titles before selecting a set so its contents align with your learning goals.
Are you looking for a beginner course?
The Loomis books listed here are identified by their specific drawing subjects, while the non-Loomis paperback explicitly presents itself as a 30-day course for beginners. If you want a daily lesson sequence across varied topics, compare that format with the more subject-focused Loomis options.
What edition and format should you check?
The supplied product listings identify the four Loomis selections as hardcovers and the beginner course as a paperback. Before ordering, review the listing details for the exact edition and format. The product names alone do not establish whether a particular edition differs in layout, page count, or included material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Andrew Loomis book is best for drawing heads?
Drawing the Head and Hands is the most direct choice in this list because its title specifically names heads and hands.
Which Loomis book focuses on figure drawing?
Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth is the dedicated figure-drawing title among the listed books.
What is included in the Loomis box set?
The listed set is titled Drawing the Head and Hands & Figure Drawing, combining those two Loomis subjects.
Is the 30-day drawing course by Andrew Loomis?
No. The listed author is Nolan Ashcroft. It is included as a beginner-oriented alternative, not as an Andrew Loomis book.
Which book is best for a broader drawing starting point?
Successful Drawing is the broadest-titled Loomis option in this selection. Choose it if you do not want a book focused only on heads, hands, or figure drawing.