Life Drawing Resourses

Leonardo da Vinci, Vitruvian man


Studies of the Human Anatomy...What lies beneath the skin


Pose 1 Example: Standing Full Figure (15 minute drawing) 
What do you notice about this figure study? 

Gesture Drawing

Key tips:
  1. Look for the Line of Action in the figure : The line that best expresses the pose of the figure, if you strengthen this line it will increase the dynamic quality of the pose. The line of action shows the directional flow of the pose. Try to keep your pencil on the page as much as possible.
  2. Look for the longest Axis of the figure. Line from head to toe. line of torso, arms and legs.  
  3.  C S I : Sum up the figure in a few simple lines and eliminate all the detail you see. Try to not think so much of a stick figure but more of a curved lined figure. Use curved C lines, double curved S lines and I Straight lines. These lines should convey the action, movement and attitude of the figure. Think of Body Language!
  4. Hold your pencil halfway down the pencil. The further down the pencil you hold it the less control you have and the more likely you will get looser lines and flowing marks.
  5. You need to practice, practice, practice!The more you do these drawings the better understanding you will have of the human figure. You need to learn how to look at the figure in a whole new way, think in line and shape.


Can you point out the Lines of Action and longest Axis lines of the figures?

You can practice gesture drawings at home. The person can be still or moving.



 Pose 2 Example: Seated full figure (30minute drawing)
Remember for pose 2 you have a choice to represent the full seated figure or a close up of the head shoulders and chest.

Mark-making Techniques

 Portraits

Close up detailed study

Study of facial features


Leaving Cert Student Examples of portraiture


 Artist Portrait Drawing using pencil and charcoal

See how the artist created mood and atmosphere though the expression and use of shading

 How to draw a portrait step by step
Measure and plan where the facial features should be positioned. Practice these drawing exercises and then practice a self portrait by looking at yourself in a mirror or by drawing someone at home. 


Simplifying facial shapes in a profile study

 Practice Drawing eyes from photographs and worksheets like this one
Self Portraits throughout time


Below are some really useful and interesting videos about Life Drawing and portraiture. These videos offer different techniques and approaches for drawing the human figure. You should practice life drawing regularly to improve and develop your own skills. I hope that you find these links helpful!

Gesture Figure Drawing Videos;  

http://youtu.be/74HR59yFZ7Y
http://youtu.be/xmiwGm32dXU
http://youtu.be/M3QzApLXI4I
http://youtu.be/w8qqYEloRAM

Drawing Proportions of figure; Simple tutorial

http://youtu.be/2oTJ43oohD8

Life Drawing Lesson

http://youtu.be/FU28nC0TIFM

Portrait Drawing Tips and techniques

http://youtu.be/TZiQK81Rjfw
http://youtu.be/fn6D064N2jk

The History of the human figure in Art. Powerpoint presentation in the link below;
http://www.slideshare.net/RachaelVanDyke/history-of-the-figure

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