The issue of improving drawing skills through literature

[Kahlua]

I recently bought 2 of Bridgmans books on anatomy, one is "Constructive Anatomy" and the other one is "Drawing From Life". I have been working pretty intensively with the first one and trying to get the anatomy right once and for all. The problems I have come across, which I think apply to all kinds of art reference, is that I have not found a good way to use the things I learn from the book in practice. To make myself clearer, what's the point of learning the position and function of for example Pronator Radii Teres when this muscle normally doesn't show on a normal persons arm?

I would greatly appreciate any advice on how you best combine the technical knowledge of anatomy with how things look in real life. Right now I might know the muscle groups of the arm and their name but still I can't get the basic shapes of the arm right. It's kind of discouraging when you really practice on something and feel that you are still missing the most important point.

thnx.

[sic1]

I think I understand where you're coming from. From my point of view, I think I need to be able to have the basics of drawing down first before I can begin to learn/understand anatomy, and how certain forms show the way they do and why.

I don't know if you've mastered the basics, so that may or may not apply to you :/

[JoshuaTheJames]

Hey Kahlua,

Download these PDF's they are great.
http://www.sundownmedia.net/loomis.htm

-Joshua

[winjer]

kahlua: anatomy is important for knowing how the surface contours. A pronator teres while not visible will cause a slight bump on the inside of the arm. Little things like that are what knowing anatomy is all about. sic1 has a good point. If you think just knowing anatomy is all there is to drawing thats not right. You should master shapes first. ie: try to see the big shapes the muscles and whatever are living on. Look at an arm and think cylinder. Then place muscles that wrap around it accordingly.

[Kahlua]

Thanks for the info guys. I guess you're right about anatomy being what makes up the shape as a whole. So what's the best way of learning the human body, combining real-life photos and blocks with more in-depth muscle anatomy?

BTW I'm surprised by how willing everybody is to help around here. There should be more places like this to help more people live out their dreams and potential.

/Kahlua

[talmir]

I know where your coming from.. I've got the first book there "constructive anatomy" and I am studying it like mad. But I sometimes have trouble imagining what to do with what I learn but still.. better knowing and finding out how to use it later than not know at all..

I've had to draw TONS of triangles, boxes and circles.. grr.. but hey.. helps understanding shapes (3d form). Keep at it and better you will be (yoda) :)

[vfxart]

Bridgman isn't one of the best to learn from as a beginner... you end up trying to decipher a lot, wheras more advanced draftsman seem to be able to get throught the images and make better associations between them and the text.

I'd recommend Vanderpoel, and Peck's Atlas of Anatomy for Artists first, as well as Elliot Goldfinger's book, which is phenomenal and worth the price.

[steve kim]

i think you have to do what seems to work best for you. pretty vague answer, but if you are putting consistent effort into something then you should be seeing results.

if results are not happening, then either 1. you are a failure or 2. you need to change your approach.

so what do you do but experiment and try to learn from as many people/sources as possible and find what works best for you.

that said, studying nitty gritty anatomy stuff straight out imo is sort of a waste of time, especially from a book as hardcore as, say, eliot goldfinger's.

i think it's more important to get the 'mileage' down first with lots of figure drawing and then picking and choose what you need from anatomical studies.

for instance figure drawing really isn't my thing so i'm just trying to work on a good solid layin and the major skeletal structure and landmarks. the 'box' approach many people at my school are fond of really doesn't work for me.

but for you, the box and cylinders thing may be just what you need. you just never know till you try it.

cheers,
steve

[PeggyChung]

Originally posted by Kahlua
I recently bought 2 of Bridgmans books on anatomy, one is "Constructive Anatomy" and the other one is "Drawing From Life". I have been working pretty intensively with the first one and trying to get the anatomy right once and for all. The problems I have come across, which I think apply to all kinds of art reference, is that I have not found a good way to use the things I learn from the book in practice. To make myself clearer, what's the point of learning the position and function of for example Pronator Radii Teres when this muscle normally doesn't show on a normal persons arm?

I would greatly appreciate any advice on how you best combine the technical knowledge of anatomy with how things look in real life. Right now I might know the muscle groups of the arm and their name but still I can't get the basic shapes of the arm right. It's kind of discouraging when you really practice on something and feel that you are still missing the most important point.

thnx.

what you could do is get some magazines and draw the shapes you see on the people in there. or you could try drawing out the muscles/bones over it. orr just use tracing paper :D i too get what you are meaning, though i havnet gotten to studying the arm yet. oh heres a link to kchen's drawings, he stresses on shapes, great stuff! : http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1432

[Kahlua]

thnx for the sympathy gents, looking in magazines is just what I've been doing lately, a pretty good method to put your anatomical skills into practice.