Video 26: Basic Figure Drawing

Figure drawing is a huge topic in art. Drawing the human figure is a challenging
endeavor, but it is very rewarding as well. After all, what subject matter is more
interesting than ourselves? Like other challenging subjects, close observation is key in
producing successful drawings. Combined with gesture drawing and practice, the
nuances of the human figure can be mastered. This lesson will take a look at basic
figure drawing practices, including a four step process that can be used to make the
drawing process easier.

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 The Four Step Approach

The most important aspect

o f fi g u r e d r a w i n g i s
proportion. Proportion is
the relationship between one
object when compared to
another. To aid in finding the
correct human proportions, a
four step process of
observation and mark
making is used. The first
step is to visually measure
the distance from the head
to the feet of the subject. A
line is drawn to represent
this distance. Beginning the
drawing in this way will
ensure that the entire figure
fits in the picture plane. It
also helps the artist visually
“size up” the figure from the
start.

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 Next, lines are drawn for the shoulders
and the waist. These lines could be
straight, curved, or diagonal. The artist
should closely observe the positioning
of the figure to make decisions on how
these lines should be drawn. A
common mistake is drawing these lines
too long.

Next, a stick figure is drawn to establish

a “bone structure” for the figure.
Shapes can be used for the head,
joints, hands, and feet. Marks should
be light so that they don’t detract from
the finished drawing.

With the structure of the figure defined,

the contour lines can be drawn with
confidence. Details can be added,
including shading, with deliberate marks
right on top of the structural preliminary
drawing.

Copyright (c) 2013 The Secrets to Drawing

 As the four step process is
followed, consider that most
people are 6.5 to 7 “heads” tall.
With this comparison in mind, the
correct height of the figure and
size of the head can be
determined. Adjustments can be
made to the drawing, if needed.

Gesture Drawing
Gesture drawing is
simply drawing the
figure quickly with little
to no details. The
purpose is to quickly
draw the correct
proportions of the
figure and depict the
pose or “gesture” of
the figure. Gesture
drawing is an excellent
drawing drill to
improve observation
skills and gain a better
understanding of the
figure in general. The
four step approach can
be used to create
gesture drawings.

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 A more finished sketch is
started. The line from the head
to the feet is drawn and lines
are added for the shoulders and
waist.
With the structure defined, the
contour lines are started.
Copyright (c) 2013 The Secrets to Drawing
Next, a stick figure is drawn to
determine the bone structure of
the figure. Light lines are used
in the early stages of the
drawing.
The lines become more
deliberate because the artist
has confidence in the structural
drawing.
 A few details are added in the With consideration of the light
face. Simple shapes of darker source, shading is added to
value will translate as facial further the illusion of the form of
features. the figure.

Shading is added to the The completed sketch has a

clothing to create the illusion of full range of value and
folds and wrinkles. accurately depicts the
proportions of the figure.
Copyright (c) 2013 The Secrets to Drawing