Questions Regarding No Ref Figures

[Landmate]

I have a question regarding going about drawing the figure without reference. I have been drawing from life on and off for the past couple of years, and have recently, for the most part. converted to using refs as much as possible for figures (outside of access to models). However drawing figures from scratch is a valuable skill, and I would ask those skilled at crafting figures from scratch to provide any insight to this question.

I find that when I attempt to form skeleton/stick figures and forming them into figures results in drawings that resemble those of a 4 year old. However, when I start by modeling an element, such as a head, or a torso and slowly flesh out the rest of the figure, i get a suprisingly better figure. The question is, do I continue this, or do I try and stop and draw from a base structure as afore mentioned? The obvious drawback of my method of course, is that dynamic poses are much more difficult to achieve.

I guess the question can be summerized in this: Am I practicing wrong, will "unlearning" this method be mandatory to facilitate any desired artistic growth?

[Android]

thats a very good question you pose,

there are lots of anwsers , When I am drawing figures without physical reference I relly on what I have learned from studying anatomy. Its best to begin with a loose skeletal structure, this will give you more accuratte perportions and give you an fast initial idea if the pose works, once you feel comfortable with the skeleton sketch i start adding on my superficial muscles, starting with the lager masses like the chest legs shoulders and arms. I leave details like the hands feet and faces usualy after the body is blocked in.
the more you practice this method the easier it will become, but at the outset have a good anatomy book on hand to help you. it will pay off in the end.
good luck

[Rohan]

many sources have recommended that u start from the pelvis since this is where your centre of gravity is and will predominantly determine the position of the torso and limbs. In this way there is heirarchy of orientation which gives consistency to your drawing. from the pelvis the torso can be determined, then the shoulder joints that counter balance the angle of the hips, elbow joint, hand and so on. I must say when I first started drawing figures without reference I found it easier to start with a face.. maybe it's because drawing the face or torso first gives you a clearer idea of the whole character you want to create, and thus you end up with more transparency from idea to concept. Try sketching out some details of the character separately as you normally would.. then try doing a volume sketch that can be augmented with the features, in this way you will hopefully benefit from the more structured method, while not losing the character you were trying to create. that might work if u havent already tried. I am trying to get into describing some of the character from the outset. Trying to manipulate the larger masses early on to describe what I want to say about a character but am still having trouble. I think the advantages of using a more structured method will become more apparent when you start bringing other figures and perspective environments into play with your character. I found modelling and sculpting for that matter has helped me understand the importance of this method... There is an excellent free polygon modeller at www.wings3d.com in case your interested
good luck!