Figure Construction Studies.

[Jseuf]

Figure construction studies.
I use a light board when I draw since I tend to be a messy penciller. The grey marker is where I will add shadow values either thru color or ink.

http://home.cfl.rr.com/jinxart/Figures1.0.jpg

The curved lines around the limbs and torso help define volume and direction, useful also for curvature of accessories like clothing and armor, etc. As a side note, I was going to fix the hand on the top figures left arm (our right) before posting
but left it as an example...during construction is the best time to fix mistakes not during the finish!

http://home.cfl.rr.com/jinxart/Figures2.0.jpg

The angled lines thru the joint areas help me to position the limbs for the most part in their correct relative positions. It
also happens to be one of the earlieist anatomy lessons I recieved from John Beatty the inker...muscle connection points generally connect lower on the inside of the skeleton than on the outside.

http://home.cfl.rr.com/jinxart/Figures3.jpg

The curved lines also help with figure perspective...notice how the midsection lines on figure two are in a different perspective than the facial lines. Generally, the horizon line on this figure would fall somewhere in between the lines on the chest.
I hope some of how I construct figures has been helpful, and if anyone wants to use these figures please feel free!

[catterpillar]

very pretty! you should put them to detailed use... like in a full illustration
:D

[Matt Elder]

Thanks for posting those. You've given me a couple of ideas as I never really thought about using marker to help define shadow areas but that is a great idea. The curved guides for form and perspective is also a good idea.

It also happens to be one of the earlieist anatomy lessons I recieved from John Beatty the inker...muscle connection points generally connect lower on the inside of the skeleton than on the outside.

Can you elaborate upon this a little more. I think I've gotten what you mean but just want to make sure as I think there is a pearl of wisdom here.

[Jseuf]

Absolutely I'll elaborate!
Notice on Figure one the angle of the lines on the "inside" of the limbs...they shoot outward at an upward incline because the muscle connection on the inside of the limb is lower than the connection on the outside of the limb.


http://home.cfl.rr.com/jinxart/FigureStudy1.jpg

Notice in Figure two the bicep is still the lower connection but has changed the direction of the arrow. Also,the forearm while rotated, still keeps the inside low outside high connections.
Another point also is that even tho I use a circular sweep to define the wrist area, the wrist construction is more rectangular and plank-like than the rounded muscle masses.
I learned alot of short cuts from other artists and I believe that artists grow thru collaboration and sharing faster than working alone. Anything you wanna know about how I draw just say so!

[threelegged_chicken]

yeah i got a question could you upload your skill onto your computer, copy it, and e-mail me a downloadable form so that i draw like that. hehe nah seriously i like those alot.

im with catterpillar on wanting some finished stuff

3-leg

[Matt Elder]

Thanks for that. The inside/outside muscle connection I was kinda aware of but never as clear as what you've made it here. I'll have to go back and check the exact underlying bones to also see the where they are postioned. Yeah the wrist is more of a rectangle which surprised me when I had a good look at it but one of those things taht you don't forget.