Anatomical Studies from References

[kcirbmab]

Hi to those reading this thread,

I'm currently trying to study anatomy to help my character drawings. I've read somewhere that you shouldn't "become a slave to your reference" in that you're copying it exactly without disecting the information.

Well, I'm not entirely sure I understand how to do that, which is why I'm here. I've attached a drawing I did based on a reference photo. Does this seem like a step in the right direction? Is there anything I should take into consideration in the future?

Thanks

[Phlipper]

I would say it's a step in the right direction. I hope it is ... cuz that's what I was told to do by talented illustrator friends.

I think the main idea is not to copy blindly, rather, to understand why the bumps and bulges are where they are and to understand what's underneath the skin and to know what's on the other side of the figure that is hidden from you. To not just use a photo/drawing reference to get some graphite or charcoal on paper ... but to understand fully what you're doing with each and every stroke. To make every drawing a full and complete learning experience on it's own.

Clear as mud?