April– July 2018 Wk2: Figure Drawing part 2

Continuing with figure drawing, here are some more examples of simple body poses.

Another method of figuring out the human form and how it works , is by studying photographs of people. 

Here is an photo of Penélope Cruz in an Esquire ad.

Admittedly, she probably does not represent the average shape of women(in fact, her shape is arguably more representative of standard female form in  fantasy art) , however, this photo allows you to view how simple movements affect parts of the body.

When you shift your body weight to one leg, usually this will cause your pelvis to tilt, creating a shorter area for your other leg to to stand straight, causing it to bend a little. There will be some curing of the spine and also tilting of the shoulders. All of this will cause a slight crunching (shortening / compacting) of the side of the upper body above the leg that carries the most body weight. The opposite side of the upper body will extentd / stretch slightly.

You will see all this in action if you study your own body, in this stance, in a mirror.

The more you study the human form in this way, the more you will begin to understand and "see" how it works.

It comes down to practise. There is no dark art to it,...no magic pencil,...

Just practice. And then, more practice.

Plus, constant study and examination of the subject you wish to draw.

Below are more examples of stripped down figure drawing with simple shadow thrown in to add form and shape.

Sometimes , reverting to cartooning can help you get to grips with figure drawing, as cartooning is often created by using simplified shapes . Movement is also simplified, as you tend not to get too hung up on unnecessary details when cartooning.