Sketching the Human Form

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Jim Byrnes: Original photography done by Weitzel Studios

One subject matter that many artists struggle with is the human form. Drawing people, whether in motion or at rest, can be a daunting task. I have often resorted to begging friends to pose and model for still pictures for reference, but these final paintings often lack the spontaneity and spirit of a live model.Additionally, when working from someone else's photography, you are bound by copyright laws. I did the oil/oil pastel study of Jim Byrnes for an exercise, but I cna not sell the piece sinc eits not my original work.

Perhaps, like me, you have dismissed this weak spot in our artistic abilities with excuses like: “I’m an animal artist.” “I draw plants, I don’t need to learn how to draw people”

That worked for a time, but as an older wiser (?) artist, I realize the need to be well versed in rendering the entire world around us, people, animals, flowers the whole enchilada etc.

So here are some tips I’ve picked up from several teachers over the years. The tips focus on sketching exercises, which are crucial in building an understanding of the human form, before contemplating a finished masterpiece.  This first one though is something I developed in order to continue drawing and sketching in the cold winter months without resorting to still photos.

Monks: Quick study sketches from DVD

DVD Sketching: Take a DVD of your favorite movie and sit down with your sketchbook. You can simply watch and sketch using a wire frame method (more on that later) or you can pause the DVD at points you like and spend a little more time on a more fleshed out sketch. One rule I have is that once the pause time runs out and the DVD resumes normal play, then it's time to move on to the next sketch. One quick note about copyright laws: I am advocating this as an exercise, not as a way to create sell-able art.

Wireframe Sketching: This technique works well when sketching movement such as people in a park or children at play. With a few quick strokes you can practice capturing the essence of the person’s movements.

Performers often repeat movements so it’s easy to start a quick sketch, move on to another as the performer continues and then return to flesh out the first sketch as the action is repeated: strumming a guitar, juggling, or delivering a passionate line.

Don’t Forget: Keep sketching using light pencil movements, correcting as you continue to observe your subject.

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