The Art & Science of Figure Drawing
Gesture
Gesture Explorations
Volume & Structure
Measuring & Proportion
Shading
Figure Drawing Demo
Livestream Critiques
Learn to improve gesture drawings by expanding from the primary action line to cover the entire pose, capturing dynamic movement and avoiding stiffness.
Newest
@jvuozzo
2mo
Hi Brent. When you say “Pay attention to the inner curves of the action lines” can you elaborate? Do you mean the general bend in the leg or the twist of the torso for example?
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2mo
I am referring to the tendency people have to lock their action lines to contours, but the action liens are not merely contours, they can represent axes as well. Each part of the body is creviced, even if just slightly. It's a reminder to look for the curve in the overall shape of the form, not just at the contour edges.
Susan Knause
3mo
I always tend to have to cut off my poses, especially when they have their arms up high. I get carried away with a sweeping gesture and before I can manage it - I have to cut off their arms - which is one of the best parts of the gesture. Any recommendations for how to ensure that my drawings stay proportional to the paper I am drawing it on? It doesn't matter how big of paper I use.
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3mo
If possible, your first line can capture the highest point of the figure, which will be the arms if they are raised, and then end at the lowest point, which will likely be the bottom of the feet. This will establish the highest and lowest points of the pose which should make it easier to include the entire figure.
John Cogan
3mo
Susan, I am new to figure drawing myself, so this is just a guess. When you first look at the posing figure, estimate how far down the shoulder is below the outstretched arm. Then make a mark at that approximate distance. Then begin your sweeping motion down from that mark, leaving room above for the outstretched arm.
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Drawing is not a talent, it's a skill anyone can learn.
