Anatomy

[halflife99]

Is it of vital importance to know the names (beyond what they do and were they are) of muscles and bones?

[Elwell]

I wouldn't say vital importance, but it's often easier to understand things if you have names for them. That's why we have specific words for specific objects and concepts, after all. Don't sell your left brain short. Yes, you have to draw what you see; but it's easier to see what you know and understand.

[Ilaekae]

If you don't know at least some of them, they get mad and don't invite you to their parties...

It isn't necessary to memorize the entire body all at one time (...and there will be a test...), but it does help a bit over time to at least recognize the names of some of them when you try to explain to somebody why their Batwoman figure sketch has her ass and tits in the wrong place...

(Just try explaining THAT without using the words "pelvic," "vertebrae" and "rib cage...")

[lordofthebling]

Nah. It's really more important to just familiarize yourself with the general muscle groups, and then focus on each one to know how all the parts work.

However, what's of primary importance isn't to know the name and location of each muscle, but rather understand how they work, how they interact with each other, and how to apply that knowledge to figure drawing. Anatomy isn't art; it's science. So unless you're trying to be a medical illustrator, memorizing all these complicated names isn't going to help your figure studies at all.

Remember to keep it simple. Start by defining the major muscle groups you can already see and recognize, and after you've gotten to the point where you can easily create the general forms, then you should study individual muscle groups. Anatomy books and diagrams are just information; they won't help you with figure drawing unless you know how to apply it.

[halflife99]

ok thankyou for your help guys.