1. Drawing the Human Figure The Four Step Approach TheVirtualInstructor.com

2. Figure drawing is one of the most challenging forms of drawing. The figure is constantly changing positions, intensifying the challenge. TheVirtualInstructor.com

3. While there are no formulas for drawing a figure, there is a step by step approach of observing that can make figure drawing easier. TheVirtualInstructor.com

4. In each step of this process, we’ll be looking for specific relationships in our subject. We’ll use this information to frame our figure and capture accurate proportions. TheVirtualInstructor.com

5. The first step is to draw a line from the head to the feet of our subject. TheVirtualInstructor.com

6. This will ensure that we are able to get the entire figure within our picture plane. It also allows us to visually “measure” the entire figure. TheVirtualInstructor.com

7. The next step is to locate the shoulders and the waist. Draw a line to indicate their locations. TheVirtualInstructor.com

8. Depending on the posture of the figure, these lines may slant, curve, or be diagonal. TheVirtualInstructor.com

9. Next, we’ll construct a stick figure based on the bone structure of the subject. TheVirtualInstructor.com

10. Basic shapes can be used for the joints, hands, feet, and head. TheVirtualInstructor.com

11. Using the structure that has been created, the contours can be drawn with confidence. TheVirtualInstructor.com

12. Details and value can be added to finish the drawing. TheVirtualInstructor.com

13. This four step approach can be applied to any figure, no matter what position they may be in. TheVirtualInstructor.com

14. This four step approach can be applied to any figure, no matter what position they may be in. TheVirtualInstructor.com

15. This four step approach can be applied to any figure, no matter what position they may be in. TheVirtualInstructor.com

16. This four step approach can be applied to any figure, no matter what position they may be in. TheVirtualInstructor.com

17. Gesture drawing is a quick approach to drawing the figure. TheVirtualInstructor.com

18. Drawing in this manner should be loose, without much attention to detail. The goal should be to accurately capture the figure’s proportions and posture in a short amount of time. TheVirtualInstructor.com

19. Gesture drawings can be used to complete more developed figure drawings. TheVirtualInstructor.com

20. Foreshortening happens when the figure, or part of the figure is viewed in perspective. TheVirtualInstructor.com

21. The same four step approach can be used for any figure or part of a figure that may be viewed in perspective. TheVirtualInstructor.com

22. Keep in mind, that when foreshortening takes place, extreme size differences that are outside of the realm of typical proportion may be observed in the subject. TheVirtualInstructor.com

23. Exercises Warm up with several short gesture drawings from observation Draw a few figures seated or with objects in their hands. Draw a more developed drawing (30 minutes) that starts with a loose gesture drawing. TheVirtualInstructor.com