Cartoon Sky

Drawing the Human Figure

One of the most important things to learn as an artist is how to draw the human figure. It is also one of the most rewarding things to learn. A finished painting with accurate, realistic figures in it is very satisfying to have completed. The best way to improve your skill in drawing the human figure is to do two things.

First off, try and attend a life drawing class. There is no better way to improve as an artist than by drawing the human figure in a life drawing class. There you can see the actualy human body in its 3D form. You can see how light falls across the body and how it diffuses over skin. Conversely, you can also see how shadows help to create form. The money spent on a life drawing class will be more than worth it so this is priority number one.

If you do go to a life class, try to challenge yourself by drawing the life model from difficult angles. Take your time to study the figure as well, as this will help you when you come to draw your own figures at home or at work.

The other great thing that you can do is to go out and buy an anatomy book. The greatest artists have all done this during their early days. They would flip through the book and copy the figure and learn the anatomy. This would help them when they came to draw their own figures as they would know where each muscle went, what it looked like and how it moved.

Of course, having the book is also greatly helpful as a piece of reference. Even the best artists use reference and having a book that shows the human anatomy will be very helpful if you get stuck during a drawing.

So join a life drawing class and buy an anatomy book and watch as your ability in drawing the human figure becomes as good as the old master’s. Just remember, if you are using charcol (for the first time or otherwise), make sure that you have hand towels nearby, or you will end up ruining your drawing. I had to learn this the hard way.