I need help better understanding the external oblique and abs please
24d

Isaac Litman
I understand that the external oblique and the abs can differ quite a bit from individual from individual. But I really do feel stuck when trying to best figure out how to draw the external obliques' relationship to the abs when drawing from my imagination.
I've seen some people just design it as if the external obliques directly connect to the individual sections of the abs, and other people connect one or two of the striations to the individual sections.
Wonder if anyone can provide advice, so that I might be able to get past this artist block.
I have attached some examples of images showing the external obliques interacting with the abs in very different ways.
7d
The external obliques turn into a tendon sheet which covers the recuts abdominis & attaches in the center (linea Alba) and also at the lower border to the pubic bone & iliac crest.
So the recuts abdominis muscle is actually deep to the external oblique muscles. Not sure if this helps at all. Medical anatomy book show it more clearly.
16d
I agree with you, external oblique and abs vary from individual to individual. In my opinion, I think that watching a lot of references is very helpful. Look up pinterest for body builder torsos and sketch them. I guess that, in time, you'll build a visual memory of this part and will be able to incorporate it when you draw from imagination. That's what I would do (and what I actually do :)). I hope you can pass your block. @Isaac Litman

Isaac Litman
8d
I ended up doing this, thank you Gabriel! Here is my progress 🌟