Specific Reference Pictures Request

[Connors]

Hi all,

I'm trying to put together a character who is sort of fairy-like, kind of like the Wasp from Marvel but a little different. I'm still learning to draw the body, so I've been looking around for lots and lots of reference pictures. The pictures I'm currently looking for are of female ice-skaters and gymnasts in poses that, say, one would use to draw a fairy like Tinkerbell or, more specifically, a character like the Wasp, in a variety of poses and positions fitting for such a character.

The problem is, I can't find anything that works. Maybe it's just me, and I just plain suck at using search engines to find what I want. I can get a few pictures of female gymnasts here and there, but they're all contorting in bizarre positions and I haven't really been able to find much of anything that fits the mold of what I am trying to do.

Unless I shouldn't be looking for gymnasts and ice-skaters...

Is there anyone who can please point me in the direction of some references that may be of use to me for what I am trying to draw?

Many thanks in advance,

Connors ^_^

[Elwell]

The two big commercial stock photo sites are Corbis (http://pro.corbis.com/) and Getty images (http://www.gettyimages.com/Home.aspx). There's also iStockphoto (http://www.istockphoto.com/index.php), which is a user-submitted site. All three are extensively keyword indexed. The free images are small, watermarked, and of course protected by copyright, but if you're just using them for inspiration/reference that won't be a problem.

[DSillustration]

Is there anyone who can please point me in the direction of some references that may be of use to me for what I am trying to draw?

All you need is a friend and a camera.
Take the shots yourself.

You don't need to have a single amazing photograph to use as reference.
Take a shot of a single arm in one picture, and a leg in another.
When you get everything you need, piece it all together (with Photoshop is simplest. If you're not computer saavy, use tracing paper and photocopies).
Just be sure your lighting is consistent, and you should do fine.

[Digital_Blacksmith]

But in specific terms, you might want to check out acrobats, other high flying superheros, dancers, martial artists (capoeira mainly for its fluidity and flying poses) and basically anything that moves with action.

[Connors]

Thanks so much guys! I have just checked out Corbis and have started working from some gymnasts. I will go back and check for acrobats, martial artists, and other references soon.

Oh, and Digital Blacksmith, thanks for the capoeira tip. I just saw some capoeira in action last night and it didn't even occur to me that I should look for some pics of it for references.

Thanks again! ^_^

[Digital_Blacksmith]

Not a prob. Just be sure to post the finished piece for me to see.