10/18/2017 10 steps to improve your figure drawing | Creative Bloq

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10 steps to improve your gure drawing

By John Watkiss October 20, 2016 Illustration

Key compositional and anatomical techniques.

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The two key words in the eld of art illustration are principles and technique. Principles are aspects such as
composition, structure and expression. These are realised through your technique.

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Technique has a lot in common with e ect and e ects can sometimes blind us to the cause of things.
Knowing what causes light and shadow beautiful contour shapes, strong visual impact makes our work
stand out.

This workshop will demonstrate both aspects in harmony, and encourage you to develop an all-round
approach to drawing.

Plastinated Specimens - Human & Animal

Meiwo Science, China Famous Professional Manufacturer, Advanced Tec
meiwoscience.com/Plastination

01. Composition

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Use straight lines to create a powerful silhouette

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Although this article is an exposition on Tarzan's anatomy and illustrated completion, my rst instinct is to
talk about composition. This is the important stage of the gurative procedure.

I start with straight lines to create a powerful silhouette of Tarzan in action impacting the picture plane. This
is the groundwork for dynamic anatomical placement.

02. Skeletal synthesis

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Simplify the skeletal stucture

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The skeletal realisation is the next consideration. Here I've simpli ed the bone groupings: the black line
gestures symbolise only one bone count.

The elongated rectangular elements symbolise only one bone count. The elongated rectangular elements
symbolise a two-bone grouping. The arms, legs, feet and hands are asymmetrical, whereas the skull, rib
cage and pelvis are symmetrical.

03. Skeletal detail

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Add in more detail

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The previous construction has paved the way for this literal rendition. The important factor is to compare
the asymmetric with the symmetric bones.

Plastinated Specimens - Human & Animal

Meiwo Science, China Famous Professional Manufacturer, Advanced Tec
meiwoscience.com/Plastination

I've labelled the most important bones in this diagram. You'll see later why the understanding of asymmetry
and symmetrical play an important part in realising our anatomical Tarzan.

04. Anatomical synthesis

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Consider the relevant muscle groups

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Once again I'm starting with the general groupings of the muscles with an idea of realising the detailed
aspect. Notice the tumbling asymmetry of the muscles that run along the asymmetric bone beneath.

Note also the solid symmetric muscles that lie upon the symmetric bone mass, and how this a ects the
contour of the gure.

05. Anatomical detail

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Build up the muscles

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From the general to the particular is a compositional principle. The muscles have their own compositional
dynamic. Here, I've labelled the most important muscle groupings.

The Latin names may seem a bit exotic, but I would point out that remembering their unique shapes is
more important that their Latin names.

06. Tarzan linear

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Draw in your contours based on what lies underneath

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Now try and relate the previous diagram with the outline contours of this Tarzan rendition. Take your time
and appreciate the asymmetrical and symmetric forms.

I'd like to point out a certain phrase of observation called looking for "counter curves". Notice that because
of the asymmetric arrangement of the muscles from the top of both arms to the wrist, how the curves are
di erent on both sides.

This also applies to the legs. I emphasise this because in my life-drawing/anatomy instruction experience,
people have a tendency to draw the arms and legs symmetrical, with the curves being equal on both sides.

07. The sculptural aspect of Tarzan

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To explore light and shade, reduce the gure to shapes once again

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