Figure Drawing

How many of you have tried to draw a realistic figure before? What challenges did you face or what problems did you run into?

Personal Comfort Level The Job… I am your employer and own a multi-million dollar company. I have recently hired you as the newest artist on my team. For your first assignment I’ve asked you to draw a picture of me for the front entryway of the lobby.

At the end of the week, how do you see yourself? A. Starving artist… the project was an ultimate fail. You already started looking for a new job. B. Intern for life… you won’t be fired but may need a second part time job to help pay the bills. C. Promotion time… the boss will be happy with this one and your future is looking good. D. Vice Presidency here I come… you knocked this one out of the ball park and have already planned your party to celebrate.

Move into groups based on your rankings. Take your pencil and your sketchbooks with you. Starving artists- table 1 Interns- table 2 Promotions- table 3 VP’s- table 4

Your task… Open your sketchbook so it is flat. On the left hand side, as accurately as possible, draw me in 4 minutes.

As a table, discuss the problems you faced. Are there any new problems to add to the list?

Next task… Flip the page and once again on the left hand side, draw a portrait of the person across from you. Head and shoulders only No shading, just outlines Approximately 4 minutes

As a table, discuss the problems you faced. Are there any new problems to add to the list?

How can we fix these problems? PRACTICE! It’s just like anything else… learning math, how to write a paper, riding a bike, play an instrument, compete in a sport, learning to cook… you have to practice. You aren’t going to get it the first time. LOOK! You have to learn to see and compare. Drawing is simply seeing what is in front of you and how things relate to one another. Use reference points, fractions, angles, pencil sighting, and other tools.

What I generally notice… problems often fall into two categories Proportions Under Simplifying Things

Proportions the comparative measurements or size of different parts of a whole

Proportions are important!

Under-Simplifying We forget to QUICKLY break things down into understandable parts and smaller sections that we can better comprehend. Too wrapped up in details too early.

Proportions- Demo Shape of the head Half way lines Eyes Nose Mouth Ears Eyebrows Hairline Neck Shoulders Hands Feet

Simplification- How? Tools we can use… Gesture drawing Contour, cross contour Massing

Gesture drawing movement of parts of the body to express an idea, meaning, or action

Why use gesture drawings? Fast- 30 seconds- 1-2 minutes at the most Establishes size Blocks out proportions Captures movement and actions before model moves

Practice gesture drawing 10 gesture drawings- 60 seconds each

Contour an outline, especially one representing or bounding the shape or form of something, defines edges

Why use contour lines? Contours define the outer edges quickly without getting wrapped up in details Contours force you to look at your object.

Practice Contour Continuous Line Blind Contour 1 drawing of a new model 5 minutes

Cross contour Lines drawn across and around a form that reflect how your eye moves over the surface of the object

Why use cross contour? Cross contour captures the volume and mass of a form giving a 3 dimensional illusion Objects will no longer appear flat or lifeless

Practice Cross Contour Draw your own hand in a bent or contorted position

Massing Taking complex forms and breaking them down into simple geometric shapes and forms

Why use massing? Human figures are very complex and there is a lot to distract us. Keeps figures simple Removes details and other distractions Simplicity allows us to better understand angles and relationships

Practice Massing Choose a partner 1 strikes a pose and 1 draws You will have 5 minutes Switch Start with a gesture drawing Then identify and block in very basic geometric forms