I was taught to look at a subject, either live, three dimensional, or a photo can also be used, and then separate it into grids. Take a grid, and study it, then draw what you see. When you finish one grid, take an adjoining one, until you complete them all.
When I first started, it was with a photo that had already been put into a grid.
Whether or not that is what is currently being taught, I don't know...this was many moons ago my art teacher used this process. It still works well for me, but I can't draw without a subject to look at. (I really have very little imagination :S)
How did you start .... ??
How did you all who do freestyle human-type drawings ...begin your venture into human anatomy drawing? I try to draw people-types, and tbh, don't really know where to begin, and therefore it turns into a mess all outta proportion ....and forget about the face (it looks plain ugly).
Therefore, I'd like to know ....where do I begin to learn? I'd really like to do a portrait of my (retired EQ)dark elf some day, but want her to look like one ;)
Thanks in advance.
Vir
P.S. I promise to post progression as I begin my ventures!
Den
20 years ago
Julie
20 years ago
I started learning with simple objects. identifying curves, angles and relating lines to each other in a space. Then I learned how to relate to people as complex objects. Boxes, spheres.. etc. It was all very unstructured until I found anatomy books and drawing books. Some of which are much better than others.
www.saveloomis.org - and it can show you the way.
www.saveloomis.org - and it can show you the way.
Mai
20 years ago
I started with the Famous Artists series of books that were for the mail order course. My mother had them from when she was a teenager wanting to be an artist; unfortunately my grandfather was opposed to the idea.. They were actually very nice and went through basic shapes, anatomy, shading etc with a lot of drawings from famous artists from a while back like Norman Rockwell.
My teacher did use the grid method in high school as one of the drawing lessons, along with looking at an image upside down and drawing what you see. (This really does help if you're drawing from a photo because your mind can get caught up in the thoughts of its and arm or a leg instead of its a shape and turning it upside makes it less recognizable to you, same with the grid, a small portion is just a shape and then you go on to the next shape and the next.)
Observation and critiques are some of the best tools though. Draw something and ask what could make it better. My parents both drew and my father was a far better freehand artist than I am so there was always live people around to instruct as well for me pre internet, now there are forums that are a big help if that's what you're looking for.
I don't think any of us would say we're completely satisfied with how our art is right now and so there is always something more to learn and something new to try. Those who grow smug about their art or do the opposite and decide they can't improve, stagnate, which is kind of sad.
http://www.portrait-artist.org/
http://neondragonart.com/dp/tutorials/
http://www.polykarbon.com/
My teacher did use the grid method in high school as one of the drawing lessons, along with looking at an image upside down and drawing what you see. (This really does help if you're drawing from a photo because your mind can get caught up in the thoughts of its and arm or a leg instead of its a shape and turning it upside makes it less recognizable to you, same with the grid, a small portion is just a shape and then you go on to the next shape and the next.)
Observation and critiques are some of the best tools though. Draw something and ask what could make it better. My parents both drew and my father was a far better freehand artist than I am so there was always live people around to instruct as well for me pre internet, now there are forums that are a big help if that's what you're looking for.
I don't think any of us would say we're completely satisfied with how our art is right now and so there is always something more to learn and something new to try. Those who grow smug about their art or do the opposite and decide they can't improve, stagnate, which is kind of sad.
http://www.portrait-artist.org/
http://neondragonart.com/dp/tutorials/
http://www.polykarbon.com/
Saraquael
20 years ago
Comics initially. Then I unlearned the wrong stuff and just sat in public places drawing people. I'd say the big thing is training the mind to capture movement as fsat as possible. Working from photos or even having someone pose for you won't necessarily be the same because the same muscles don't quite tense the same way in motion.
The human body is something that can be learned, but enver COMPLETELY mastered. Hell scientists learn new things about the human body everyday... and so will us artists.
The human body is something that can be learned, but enver COMPLETELY mastered. Hell scientists learn new things about the human body everyday... and so will us artists.