Figure Drawing Approach
3yr
Philipp Meyer
Hi,
I tried to organize my thoughts regarding the process of figure drawing. I usually try to follow a five step process that starts with gesture und shape followed by simple forms and 3D construction. Regarding the anatomy I always think inside out starting with the skeleton, then continuing with musculature and finally some surface rendering. I thought about illustrating these steps for a while. What do you think about that kind of step by step approach? I am still debating whether a simple "draw what you see" approach to figure drawing might be more useful or not. Propably that depends whether drawing from imagination is the ultimate goal or not. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
- Philipp
3yr
Philipp,
I feel that these types of in depth analytical approaches are vital for a period of time. Being able to push through and see the underlying forms, understand them, and then recreate them is a great way to understand what you're drawing.
However at a certain point, drawing what you see directly can be just as effective. Eventually the information you've studied in this more in-depth way will come out naturally as you are drawing directly. You just wont be drawing it all out, it will stay in your mind, informing your mark-making.
The patience it takes to do these types of studies is admirable, and keep doing them as long as they bring benefit and remain interesting, but don't neglect direct drawing as a way to test the knowledge that you are gaining from these studies.
Long story short do both :)
Keep up the good work, it will get you really far!
3yr
I agree with @Lucas Kremer, he's spot on. These are awesome images, and really demonstrate your understanding and your process.
In terms of the usefulness for others, it really depends on the goal of the artist as you said. For telling stories, and getting out quick ideas, I suspect a more direct approach is better. For educational purposes, or academic fine art, a slower more methodical is probably better suited. Who knows though!
3yr
Hey there! Great work so far! I love your reflected lights
It seems to me that her legs are a bit too short. For females usually, the legs are the same size as the entire body without the legs.
Other than that maybe try to improve your line quality, make your lines more smooth, more fluid.
If you are working digitally don't forget to utilize your tools. Usually, if you work with bodies, you can change the original linework to a darker version of the skin color making the entire piece more lively.
Keep up the good work mate!
3yr
Nice work! I have a strong background in anatomy, so I always tend to think that way. However, the draw what you see approach is great if you combine it with a good understanding of anatomy. Complicated poses really require you to draw what you see not what you think you see from anatomy. I tend to work very gesturally at first drawing what I see, and then I add details and form based on my understanding of anatomy.
