Figure Drawing
Tips, Tricks & Tools
Why draw from a live model?
Gain a better understanding of human anatomy
Hone your observation skills
It will force yourself to simplify things
Bring lifelike qualities to your work
My Favorite Tools/Supplies
Compressed graphite sticks
Woodless Graphite Pencils (HB, 2B, 6B)
Sketch pad board/Drawing board
News Print Pad (30GSM)
Drawing Pad (80GSM)
Kneadable Eraser
Tips/Tricks
Take your time to observe the model
Take note of the shapes, negative space, and overall gesture of the figure
Look before you make a mark - its easy to get into the habit of drawing from memory and inventing what we think is the truth. As you make your marks look from your drawing to the model and decide if the marks fit the weight, lines, and shapes of the model if they do keep going if they don’t decide how to adjust.
Keep it loose
Start gestural, get the general idea and shape of the figure first, make sure your gestures show the whole figure.
Start with your harder pencils so the lines are light making it easier to layer as you go. The correct shape and line is hiding in the lines of your gesture and once you see it move up to a softer lead.
Draw from the center
Don’t focus on the outline, think of the figure as a three dimensional shape. Drawing the outline first will flatten your drawing and make it feel hollow.
Let go of perfection
Focus on substance and don’t get caught up in making everything perfect.
Don’t give up when you make a mistake. Problem solving as you go is all part of the experience and will add to building your figure drawing skills.
Practice Practice Practice
Take the opportuinity to draw from life as much as possible to continue building your skills.
Study anatomy books to see how the body is comprised underneath the skin
Be Patient
take your time and be forgiving. Figure drawing is a challenge but one thats definitely worth it!
Click below for some good resources for figure drawing videos/online classes.
