Figure Drawing Methods for Artists

Over 130 Methods for Sketching, Drawing, and Artistic Discovery

Peter Boerboom, Tim Proetel

• Publisher: Rockport Publishers
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN:
  9781848372801
• eBook ISBN:
  9781631594366
• Topic: Art
• Subtopic: Art General

Simple methods teach how to draw figures.

When we try to draw a person, we are quickly confronted with various challenges. The proportions need to be correct, the attitude must be clear and vivid, the face should show resemblance and also be expressive. Such a task takes courage.

Yet a little practice and training quickly lead to the ability to draw figures in a wide variety of styles with just a few key characteristic strokes. Figure Drawing Methods for Artists shows both beginners and experienced artists how to do just that.

At the center of this collection is not the perfect figure, but the joy of drawing, and how, with simple methods, drawing people is possible. By reducing a work to a few lines, using clear contours and simple surfaces, the human figure emerges, constructed and elaborated.

1. Shrink

The fear of drawing people incorrectly can be inhibiting, but with simple tools and basic knowledge, we can commit to paper expressive, funny, refreshing, and surprising figures. Quickly drawing miniature figures relieves the pressure to achieve something grand. Not every detail has to be right; ideas are noted and jotted down on paper. You will gradually develop a sense for proportions and an eye for posture. Without the constraint of fear, you may end up creating a line of figures that tell their own narrative.

Use different approaches to collect ideas.

Let all the ideas happen on paper. The ones that are fun can then be explored further.

Think simple; quickly move from figure to figure and find a rhythm. The figures next to each other turn into a scene.

Label theatrical postures or create dialogues that could inspire more ideas.

Use circular motions to create heads and torsos for your figures.

Create distinctive silhouettes by considering body build, posture, hairstyle, and age.

Shifting the position of the feet adds spatial orientation.

Stretch the body from the hands, feet, and head.

Explore different poses while drawing with a brush.

Add more detailed hands ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• From Line to Figure
• 1. Shrink
• 2. Outline
• 3. Interior Contour
• 4. Join Together
• 5. Structure
• 6. Measure
• 7. Fill In
• 8. Bend and Stretch
• 9. Curves
• 10. Bandage
• 11. Facial Expressions
• 12. Improvise
• Definitions
• About the Authors
• Copyright