Fantasy Art Class: SEPT-DEC 2016. WEEK 2 part 1 Figure Drawing

During my early years of learning to drawing, Ithink I had a pretty good grasp of figure drawing. It wasn't amazing but it was solid enough to enable me to draw my favourite comic book characters etc reasonably well. However, when it came to drawing the hands and feet (especially the feet) I often struggled to achieve anything that didn't look wooden, disjointed, or deformed.

It wasn't until I saw Gil Kane's comic book work (I can't remember the actual comic, probably Creatures On The Loose) that I began to make a breakthrough.

Kane's work presented something different. As far as my comic book reading went, back in the 70's, it brought a new level of realism to comic book art. It wasn't until I stumbled across a book on anatomy, in the local library, that the penny dropped. Kane had obviously studdied anatomy.

At that time, I had a low paid warehouse job, stacking boxes but it meant I could afford to buy a book on anatomy if I didn't go to the cinema that week (you could go to the cinema for 50p back then) . This was the book I found in Austick's Book Shop in Leeds.

Human Anatomy For The Artist by John Raynes.

It turned my drawing around big time.

I couldn't say whether it was the best book out there I could lay my hands on but it certainly helped improve my drawing of the human figure, especially, the hands and feet.

Why? Because it gave me an understanding of the human form. Having an understanding of what you are attempting to draw, will enable you to achieve a more pleasing result. That and practice. It won't happen on your first drawing. Practice is the most important part of your development. If you don't practice, you will not improve. FACT.

Another book that helped with my progress, was, How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way, by Stan Lee and John Buscema.

This book breaks down the details of anatomy into more easy to digest information.

In fact, not just anatomy,... guns, cars, planes, buildings....

It's a great book. Many professional comic book artists have learned to draw, or imporved their drawing, from reading book. It's still in print too.

John Buscema also has a very classical style. His figure drawing is very solid. He's a very good draftsman. A lot can be learned from looking at his work.

Kane, Buscema and Raybes are a few of the artists who helped me develop my drawing skills, as did Frank Frazetta and Jack Kirby, but you may find other artists and "How To Draw Books" that connect specifically with the way you draw.

Here are some more some books that you may find useful.
DYNAMIC FIGURE DRAWING by Burne Hogarth