LIFE STUDIES

 This section describes the exercise of studying and drawing surface detail onto the cylinder body structures we just learned. We will study this surface detail, and try to duplicate it, as realistically as possible. We will begin to look closely at hair, clothing, lighting and shade, etc.

Using your fashion magazines as a source of photographic models, you will begin to study the surface details the human figure.

    You will need:
  • Pencil, eraser
  • Plain paper
  • Tracing paper
  • Fashion Magazines (like Cosmopolitan or GQ or equivalent)

    Exercise:

  • Get your magazines out, and find a picture to study.
  • Sketch out a quick cylinder body for the picture. Don't force the sketch to match the proportions of the Standard Model -- the person in the picture may not have those body proportions!
  • Next, add surface detail over the cylinder body framework.
  • If you are having trouble, simply use your tracing paper directly over the photo to construct the cylinder body, then use another sheet of tracing paper directly over your cylinder body to construct the surface detail.
  • Take your time! There's no rush!

Here's a simple drawing of a woman sitting on a column.

Note that the figure is well proportioned and balanced -- that is, it's cylinder body structure is in place.

Note also the attention to surface detail, especially the hair and the wrinkle patterns in the clothing.

This is a figure of a woman standing.

Notice the bulk of her jacket. If the underlying figure isn't worked out, it is VERY easy to lose control over the body under such roomy clothing!

This is a figure of a woman walking.

Notice the balance of the walking figure, and the flow of the lose clothing. Again, figure balance is best worked out at the cylinder body stage, as position changes are easy to do.

Then, with the balanced body figured out, determine how the loose clothing drapes over that figure.

This is a figure of a woman standing.

Figure balance and structure, draped clothing, hair, and light and shade are all represented here.

This is a figure of a woman standing with style.

Figure balance and structure, draped clothing, hair, and light and shade are all represented here.

These are figures oftwo women standing.

Figure balance and structure, draped clothing, and hair are all represented here.

This is a figure of a man standing.

Notice the bulk of his jacket, and the roominess in the slacks. If the underlying figure isn't worked out, it is VERY easy to lose control over the body under such roomy clothing!

Figure balance and structure, draped clothing, hair, and light and shade are all represented here.

This is a figure of a man standing with one foot on a step.

Notice the bulk of his jacket, and the roominess in the slacks. If the underlying figure isn't worked out, it is VERY easy to lose control over the body under such roomy clothing!

Figure balance and structure, draped clothing, hair, and light and shade are all represented here.

So that's all there is to Life Studies! I have many more such illustrations in my sketch books -- and you should, too! This is a great way to learn the human body -- from REALITY!

Now that you are getting the handle on drawing the figure in more relaxed poses, why not go onto the next section and try your hand at some action shots!

The art accompanying this tutorial was completed by me when I was a 22 years old aspiring comic book artist!