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Think of it this way: It is much easier to get somewhere when you know where you're going. It's even easier when you plan how to get there.
These preparatory studies help you figure out just that: what you want to achieve in your drawing, and how to do so.
Here are some of the studies that I find incredibly helpful that are guaranteed to improve your figure drawing:
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"Thumbnails" are small, quick sketches that allow you to explore various compositions and possibilities for your figure drawing. |
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The small size of thumbnails forces you to simplify the information in
front of you. This is a great benefit, because a simplified value
structure often creates a more effective composition. |
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Analyzing the Value Structure I progress to using three values to draw the large tonal masses of the composition. I use a light value (the white of the paper), a middle value, and a dark value. |
As you sketch you get to
know a pose, and begin to notice elements that you were previously
unaware of. For example, I notice how the model's left hand flows into
the line of the curtain in the background.
I also realize that this pose has a flowing figure eight shape. This
realization is bound to improve my figure drawing. If I keep it in mind
as I begin my long-pose drawing, I will be able to communicate the
rhythms in the pose and create movement in my drawing instead of ending
up with a very static image.
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There isn't always a need to move past the three-value stage of the thumbnail. However, I did in this case because I wanted to study the gradation throughout the body. |
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Other questions to consider when drawing thumbnail sketches are: |
While thumbnails are meant to be quick and loose,
analytical drawings are longer,
more in-depth studies of the figure in a particular pose.
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In the thumbnail sketch, our concern was the two - dimensional read of the pose. |
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Rhythms are the underlying flows that connect the elements of the figure. They can be found by selecting a line within the figure and following it to see where the movement naturally flows. |
Studying the rhythms of a pose will counter the occasional stiffness of structural studies.
Using both studies in combination will improve your figure drawing by helping you achieve accurate structure and a sense of organic movement.
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Anatomical Drawing
Throughout this site, you will often read about working from "general to
specific", from "simple to complex", or from "larger ideas to smaller
ideas". |
If you are new to the
study of anatomy, this type of drawing will take a considerable amount
of time. However, it is one of the best ways to improve your figure
drawing. Learning anatomy is crucal to your understanding and
appreciation of the figure.
Which analytical studies should you draw?
Every study has a specific purpose, and will help you solve an element
of your drawing. The studies you should draw depend on what you feel you
need to solve in your drawing! Decide what is unclear to you, and then
create the sketch or analytical drawing that will help you solve that
particular problem.
Do you have to draw all of these studies before beginning every drawing?
No. We often have limited time in front of the model, and I
don't draw all of these studies first, either. However, I strongly
suggest that you try it, and see the difference that it makes to have
studied so many elements of a pose in isolation, before combining them
in a complex drawing.
With practice, these studies will become "filters" through which you view the figure. You will eventually see the composition, structure,
rhythms, and anatomy while looking at your subject without having to draw each study.
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