Amateur Anatomy

[GenusBryonia]

Hi everyone,
I am a 19 year old university sophomore. I've been lurking around CA for about a month now and decided this was a fantastic community for me to study drawing in, which I want to do in a serious and devoted way.

The main thing I am hoping to get from this community is direction. You've all been down this path and I would like to glean!

I quit my on campus job so I can have more time for studying what I choose this year (September '07 to Semptember '08 ). My plan is basically to study anatomy almost exclusively and daily at first, and then to add in perspective study as well. I am not sure if that is best way.

I purchased two books to begin, Bridgmen's Complete Guide to Drawing from Life, and a Barron's book, Anatomy for the Artist, which covers technical names of muscles, bones and has clear pictures. I also own another figure drawing book which is not focused on anatomy.

So! Please correct and help me. :\ I need it! :rendered:

This post is copies from Bridgman, studies from the Anatomy for Artists, and sketches where I tried to add anatomy (flayed) to my Bridgman sketches. they are from Aug 13-22.

[GenusBryonia]

I did (mainly) some studies of hands, at least the next two posts will be hands as well, I think. Something I thought was nifty was the way Bridgman builds up his hands from their primal tool shapes-- I did these in order and I think this produced the best-looking hands for me. They are numbered in the images.

Things I am trying to work on: Economy of line.

Once I get to school every other weekend I will be able to go to an always-crowded mall to study, for three hours at a time.

P.S. I turned 19 today!

[Inkjexion]

those are some nice anatomy studies bro. I guess you just need to work on some refining line drawings you know kinda clean them up a lil bit but all in all your doing fine just keep drawing and add some variety to your subjects.

goodluck bro

[GenusBryonia]

Some longer study this morning I went over the arm with a felt-tipped pen after, trying to refine the drawing. I will upload more when I draw tonight.

[Ashrumm]

nice studies man keep up the good work!!! you are starting your sketchbook imo the right way keep it up!!

[GenusBryonia]

My girlfriend was over tonight and posed for 2 ten and one twenty minute drawings-- they are in the order I did them, with a close-up of the final.

Main problem I noticed was that I elongated her torso in the first two.

[Grandmassa Mr. Spect]

i really like the anatomy studies cant wait to see your updates

[Ashrumm]

Like i said in my earlier post keep doing what you are doing! The main thing this site will do for you is inspire you, i should make you want to improve leaps and bounds and you will as long as you keep drawing. This is the most important stage for you right now is foundation which you are doing a great job building. Keep drawing the figure and keep studying anatomy. I'm being honest when i say this whatever school you are attending and even the school i am currently attending, will not make some superstar artist they will help, but most, you will have to do on your own. So I say again stay inspired and motivated. Thanks again for posting in my book. I look forward to your updates. Don't stress at all, take your time and have fun!

[Nistarn]

The more you practice the more you learn, keep drawing, youll see improvement when you less expect, just by drawind everyday 10 to 15 min : )

[GenusBryonia]

Thank you for the encouragment Inkjexion Mr. Spect and Nistarn!

Ashrumm-- Somehow you read me through the forum, I tend to and am having a bit of stress over my current major and possibly adding a fine art minor, and my current skill level... I need to have more fun with the learning. Thank you for visiting my SB and your kind words!

So for today, I did some head studies from Bridgman and then sat down to do a proportions drawing of the face from my anatomy guide. I have fallen in love with the fine hatching in the master studies and I decided to put in the hours and have an attempt at it in a portrait. It was a good work out for my patience as well. I forced myself to slow down and not rush. The beret was finished in charcoal. I know it's far from "there" but I am pleased with the neck.

Starting in September (when I get to school) I am printing off Loomis' book and working with that extensively. I browsed the .pdf and think that will be a better tool for me than bridgman, at least right now.

[Newbs]

keep up with the studies, it will pay off huge. You are off to a good start!

[GenusBryonia]

Thanks for looking at my studies Newbs!

Broke open Loomis and started with sketching the ideal male proportions. I did one this morning and wasn't satisfied so I redid them tonight with better results (and more time spent on the drawing). I will do these studies periodically, and alternate in female proportions as well.

**No updates until September, I am in the process of moving back to college.**