Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Force summary
Mike Mattesi
Brief summary
Force by Mike Mattesi is a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying the concept of force in drawing. It provides practical techniques and exercises to help artists create dynamic and expressive figures with a sense of energy and movement.
Table of Contents
Force
Summary of key ideas
Understanding Dynamic Figure Drawing
In Force by Mike Mattesi, we are introduced to the concept of dynamic figure drawing. The author starts by explaining that the human body is in a constant state of force, with muscles and bones working together to create movement. He suggests that artists should not just draw what they see, but instead, they should capture the essence of the forces that create the pose.
Mattesi introduces the idea of forceful lines, representing the energy and direction of the body's movement, as opposed to static lines that simply outline the body. He advocates for the use of these forceful lines to bring life and energy to a drawing, and explains how to implement them in different parts of the body.
Mastering Forceful Lines
Continuing in Force, Mattesi delves into the specifics of creating forceful lines. He provides detailed instructions on how to draw these lines to represent the body's movement and discusses how they can be used to depict weight, balance, and tension. The author also emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying anatomy of the human body to effectively apply forceful lines in figure drawing.
Further, Mattesi introduces the concept of 'force shapes' - simplified, geometric forms that represent the body's mass and the direction of its forces. He explains how these force shapes can be used as a foundation for figure drawing, aiding in capturing the dynamic essence of the pose.
Applying Force to Dynamic Poses
In the subsequent part of Force, Mattesi demonstrates how to apply the concept of force to various dynamic poses. He provides step-by-step instructions on how to analyze and interpret the forces at work in different poses, and how to use forceful lines and shapes to capture these forces in a drawing.
The author also discusses the importance of understanding the narrative behind a pose, and how to convey this narrative through the use of forceful lines. He encourages artists to think beyond the physical appearance of the pose and to consider the emotional and psychological forces at work.
Advanced Applications and Further Exploration
In the latter part of Force, Mattesi explores advanced applications of the force concept. He discusses how force can be applied to different styles of drawing, such as animation and comic art, and how it can be used to create more expressive and impactful figures.
Furthermore, the author provides insights into the creative process, discussing how to draw from imagination and how to push the boundaries of force to create more stylized and abstract figures. He also encourages artists to continue exploring and experimenting with force, emphasizing that it is a concept that can be continually refined and developed.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Force by Mike Mattesi provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying the concept of force in figure drawing. The book’s emphasis on capturing the dynamic essence of the human body and its movement makes it a valuable resource for artists looking to infuse their drawings with energy and life. By embracing the force, Mattesi encourages artists to move beyond mere representation and to capture the true spirit of the figure.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Force about?
Force by Mike Mattesi explores the concept of force in art and animation, teaching readers how to infuse their drawings with energy and movement. Through practical exercises and insightful analysis, the book offers valuable techniques for creating dynamic and compelling artwork.
Force Review
Force by Mike Mattesi (2017) is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of artistic anatomy and dynamics. Here's why this book is a gem:
- Illustrations provide in-depth insights into the concept of force and its application in art, offering a fresh perspective on traditional drawing techniques.
- The book encourages readers to experiment and push boundaries in their artwork, fostering creativity and growth in artistic skills beyond basic anatomy studies.
- Its emphasis on expressive movement and energy in drawings brings a dynamic and exciting element to the learning process, ensuring that artistic exploration remains engaging and stimulating.
Who should read Force?
Artists who want to improve their figure drawing skills
Students and professionals in the fields of animation, comics, and illustration
Individuals interested in learning about the concept of “force” and how it applies to art
Categories with Force
Book summaries like Force
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Force FAQs
What is the main message of Force?
The main message of Force is understanding and applying the concept of force in art and design.
How long does it take to read Force?
Reading Force takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Force a good book? Is it worth reading?
Force is a valuable read for artists and designers looking to enhance their understanding of dynamic art. Worth the time for creative insights.
Who is the author of Force?
The author of Force is Mike Mattesi.
What to read after Force?
If you're wondering what to read next after Force, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda