How?

[sk3tch]

Dumb Question-
I was wondering HOW I should study anatomy... I mean, I have books and references and whatnot, but.. haha, it sounds like a stupid question.. but how?.. How did you guys begin studying- reading it, copying it, analyzing the picture? etc.. and also, how can I improve my eyes, and drawing what I see?

A thanks before hand to anyone who helps, or has helped out.

Sketchh.

[bumskee]

Hey,

I started by looking at LOOMIS books for ages... just staring at it.. It took me a while for it to sink in. Then I realised I am going to get anywhere so I started copying it from the beginning then tried drawing it without looking and applying what I learnt (proportion and so on) into my other drawings. Made notes to myself for certain things like relationship between facial features that I discoverd would help me to remember them.

I like to work big and then go into details, so I generally looked at proportions first, the length of limbs and balancing, weight and stuff like that. The glimpse of figures. I did some detailed skeleton drawings but that requires lot of patience which I don't have.. and I am stuck at muscles, there are heaps and it's a slow progress, but well worth the time I bet.

I think it's vital you have an idea of proportion in a figure as a starting point. Then start making detailed studies, just looking at books not going to help you, draw them yourself. And copying them's not going to help you much either, apply them. Also look at other sources instead of just one.

I am also in the process of studying anatomy, it's a hassle and requires lot of patience, did I say this already? :) Draw heaps, and when you get sick of it draw more. Go mental... without you drawing you going to get nowhere, so keep drawing, draw when you are waiting for something, when you are on a train, when you are watching TV.. draw and draw. Also go life drawing classes, there's a huge difference between drawing off photo and the real thing. I think it was mentler who said we have two eyes and camera has one. So draw from real life, also draw things lying around your desk too, simple shapes try analysing the form.

Make a sketchbook and keep motivating yourself!! keep going and soon you will know what you need to study.