NewBetta
Errol McGillivray
Actually, I did my figure studies courses online. Only photos of figure models. But they're taken specifically for that purpose.
Start by learning the skeleton. Draw the skeleton with various gestures.
Learn major muscle groups. Draw the body with muscle in gesture.
By the time you do all that, you probably won't feel like you don't know anatomy anymore.
I was thinking about this at first, but im not quite sure how to translate it to full-skinned people. Would one just cover the muscle/bone up with tissue?
PS: How many study drawings, and how long of a time would you estimate it would take to get the basic structural anatomy down pat?
It depends on you. I failed figure drawing the first time around. The second time, I struggled at first, then it just clicked. I started to understand.
May 2007 Dec 2007 Same assignment. World of difference. Between that time, I learned to see. I learned to take my time and really capture the angles, shapes, and forms. I learned to observe light with more finesse. It's because I learned the structure from the inside out, that I know what goes where, even when drawing without a model. Of course, we don't get it right all the time, but you get it right a lot more often when you know. Something as simple as placing the crotch in the right place or getting the right shape of the hips comes from knowing what's under the skin.
It's really a matter of taking your time and really observing people. Anatomy for the Artist is pretty helpful. It has illustrations of the anatomy, as well as photos of nude models. They also have master class pages on each section, where a model poses as the master work and you can compare.
You've got to learn the body in order to understand it. This book has many images to show you how it's constructed from the skeleton out.
When you see just how packed full of guts we are, you're less likely to draw way too skinny bodies. Just understanding that one thing makes a big difference.
This is a great book and I recommend it. If you're young, your parents may have a problem with the n***s, but honestly, if the book is unwrapped that the bookstore, I don't see why you can't just have it at home. Your local library should have it to.
If you're of age, porn helps. You get a feel for the form and weight of things as well as body mechanics.
The main thing is, you need to look people's bodies to understand how to draw people's bodies. Don't expect a certain timeframe. Keep reading, observing, and drawing and you'll get it when you get it.
