Comments on: Robert Beverly Hale

By: Charley Parker

Charley Parker — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:46:58 +0000

The books, which juxtapose his lecture comments against some of the master drawings he would refer to in the course of a lecture.

By: John Connolly

John Connolly — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:52:04 +0000

Hi Charley,
Looked at Lecture # 1 Pay Per View on JO-AN site…but that`s going to be it..too expensive..is “Masterclass in Figure drawing”
the best and close to the lectures?

By: Kathleen McSherry

Kathleen McSherry — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:30:53 +0000

I have this image. It is a signed litho by hale. 192/1000
Does anyone know the value of this?

By: Kendall Thompson

Kendall Thompson — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:39:52 +0000

Wow, what a great post! I really love hales books and I wish I could have attended one of his lectures. I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find some of his art or in class drawings, so that I could see how he applied some of his methods. I also wanted to know if anyone knew if his masterclass in figure drawing book was going to be re-published anytime soon.

By: Charley Parker

Charley Parker — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 02:11:21 +0000

Special comment from the author of Lines and Colors regarding this post's comments: When I started this post, it was just a tribute to one of my respected and admired teachers from the Academy. I wasn't expecting the controversy and strong words about the lecture videos, but I permitted it to continue, even though some of the comments were borderline. I need to point out at this juncture that it has been established to my satisfaction that Jo-An Pictures Ltd. is in fact the copyright holder for the videos titled World Famous Lectures on Artistic Anatomy and Figure Drawing, alternately Ten Lectures on Anatomy, The Hale Lectures, Anatomy Lectures by Robert Beverly Hale. This is according to a U.S. Copyright Office Certificate of Registration dated 4/24/2004, and it does refer to video ("Motion Picture Videotaped for television and educational institutions"). Whether anyone likes that fact or approves or disapproves of the company's pricing policy is a moot point in reference to the ability of the copyright holder to determine how the videos are sold or distributed. As a result, and because of the nature of some of the comments, I have done something I almost never do, and edited some of the comments, specifically to remove reference to illegal sources for the videos. I'm trying to be fair minded here, both in acknowledging the rights of the copyright holder and preserving the opinions expressed by those frustrated with their policies. If anyone whose comment I have edited would prefer that it be removed altogether, please write me (see the contact page). I don't know the circumstances under which the copyright was obtained, I only hope that Hale's family or heirs received some compensation. My personal opinion is that it's unfortunate that the videos are not available to a broader audience, and I think the copyright holder is being short-sighted in targeting only the library and institutional market. However, the best suggestion I can give for individuals who want to see them is to seek them out in university and institutional libraries. -Charley

By: Neil Harlan Jr

Neil Harlan Jr — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:57:06 +0000

Anyone who attended R. B. Hales classes as late as the early 70′s and paid attention would see the many confusing mistakes in these videos. Sure you’ll see a charming old man way past his prime trying to keep it together, but he cant. If you pay attention to these videos you will become confused trying to follow along. You’ll wonder “what the heck is this guy saying”? If your purpose isn’t education but to reminisce and you can lay out the doe, by all means buy them. If you are an advanced Art student then keep your money. There is much better video instruction made by superb teachers at the height of their game.

By: Michael Keropian

Michael Keropian — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 01:57:27 +0000

I watched two years of Robert Beverly Hale’s anatomy lectures at the PAFA in the late 70′s. In my opinion there wasn’t and hasn’t been a more knowledgeable anatomy instructor in drawing. Hale made drawing anatomy instruction fun and comprehensible for the art student. His poem at the end of each session was a touch of class!
Some of the other weekly lectures we would fall asleep through.
Even with his having a cold in the beginning of the video lecture series and his aging when they where taken, they far surpass anything out there.
Tom Hall deserves a medal of honor for having the insight and forethought to suggest the recording the sessions in the first place and to take his own time to film the 10 sessions. We should appreciate they even exist. I have worked for a good many artists and I wish I had filmed them, alas I did not.
I agree the cost for the series is ridiculous, but there are always ways to get copies.

By: Jo'an may bite us all

Jo'an may bite us all — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:19:33 +0000

[Comment edited to remove reference to illegal source for the videos. - Charley]

Up until now it doesn’t even look like Jo’an has the copyright (she did not respond though she was asked about it a few times, and online records seem not to confirm her claims), so I guess it is fair game.

[Comment edited. It has been established to my satisfaction that Jo-An Pictures is, in fact, the copyright holder. Please see my comment dated 6/27/2011, below. -Charley]