A guide to figure drawing
To begin this guide let us dispel some myths and misconceptions about being able to draw. I am presuming that you, the reader, hasn't drawn before of at least you haven't drawn the figure, hence reading this article.
It's hard. This word doesn't apply. It is my experience that when I want to learn something it is not hard, challenging yes, difficult maybe, frustrating possibly, but hard no. if I want to learn something I am going to learn it. My interest and drive will keep me going, and I hope it is the same for you as well.
You need talent. It's a skill, plain and simple. The ability to draw is a skill what you do with it is where the talent comes in. Take my word for it, I am an illustrator.
It must look like the person exactly and if not you have failed. No! if you were told that by a teacher of professor and you have never drawn since, you have my sympathies. You had a bad teacher. Right and wring doesn't exist in this case there is only naturalistic and abstract. It is up to you to choose.
Now figure drawing and all drawing, is about seeing and observing. That is the skill you are truly developing, the ability to observe. It's all down hill after that. Everything else comes down to choice.
Here are some you will need to make:
Where are you going to draw?
- You might want to take lessons at a local school/college, or if you are looking to save a buck you can buy a book or look to the internet as you are doing now. There are plenty of sites that can help, like youtube. If you are going for money saving alternatives that means you can draw anywhere.
What are you going to draw?
- I know the figure, but what part? Didn't think about that huh? There is no hard and fast rule that you have to draw every inch of the body. If you want to, go ahead, but if you are really just interested in the torso, or back, or legs of whatever feel also free to do close up drawings of that body part. Remember you're the artist, no one else.
What are you going to draw with?
- Another seemingly a simple question, or is it? Picking a medium is important, because you have to feel comfortable with it. for example, I hate charcoal and huge pads of newsprint, which is the stereotypical medium when you think of figure drawing. I like a range of pencils varying in softness/darkness. And a small sketch pad, but that's me. You have to find what you like.
Finally here are a couple of suggestions and exercises. (If you take or will take classes they will probably do this.)
Do a couple of quick 1-2 minute sketches to warm up, progress to longer sessions incrementally eventually getting up to 30-45 minute drawings.
Show your work to people you trust to be honest. It doesn't hurt if they are artists but it's not necessary.
If you are learning on your own ask your friend s/spouse if they will pose for you (relax nudity is not necessary). If no one is around go out, to a public place and draw at will in a sketchbook.
Above all else though: Enjoy yourself.