Wheel Pose

[yogi]

This is my first figure drawing ever, so be gentle. :) However, be brutal, too.

I'd really like a critique on this one, please. I want to improve in this realm. My goal is to get good at figure drawing, then take my knowledge over to sculpting in clay.

Thank you, in advance, for your comments. It means a lot to me.

By the way, the model is doing a "wheel pose" in yoga, which you shouldn't try unless you've got a good back and have done the exercises that lead up to this more advanced pose. :D

[wnabors]

When I started classes there was one phrase repeated over and over to me ..(it drove me crazy!).."...there are no lines in nature, omly the perception of line.." I could never wrap my mind around that one as it seemd to me that I could see lines everywhere I looked. Eventually I understood that what the instructors meant was that at the point where different values intersect (whatEVER they are..) we perceive that intersection as line. For you at this point I would say don't try to draw shadow ..try using a fingertip to smudge shadow in...you'll find the effect more pleasing and realistic. also humans seem to have bumps and ridges in the most unexpected places...let your line be looser, more free even if for now it seems sloppy. Try to keep in mind the underlying skeletal and muscle structures as you sketch and look for those features in your model before you start to draw. One of the endlessly fascinating things about figure drawing is the way humans all begin with a basic structure and end up with infinite personal variation on that theme...it's SO COOL! An old tried and true excercise for lossening line is to use one unbroken line and never look down at your paper as you draw a gestural outline. The effects are interesting and will really help...GOOD LUCK!...Bill:)

[wnabors]

of a gestural drawing..just to force myself to be more loose I used watercolor...:D

[yogi]

Hi Bill,

I cannot thank you enough for all of the great tips on drawing. As I've mentioned in other forums, I am really a newbie at art and do not have any formal training. So, I've been kind of "winging it." The WetCanvas crew has really helped me a lot.

I've been having a hard time not seeing lines in everything I see. I'm such a neat-nik and extensive analyst! :) I've been trying the gestural outline, as you mentioned. That's actually kind of fun! :D I've heard that several of the old masters did all their drawing that way, never looking at the paper. I feel like I'm light years from that, but will keep trying.

You're right. I like the loose lines on your figure above. Much more relaxing and pleasing to the eye than the stiff lines I'm doing. I'll keep working at it....and probably be back to pester y'all again with the results.

Thanks again. Yogi

[coolray]

I find that the best way to show off a figure (especially in pencil) is to get your lighting to where it shows off the best features of that particular figure. It's great to dabble in the lighting and create contrast to the figure. I do like your placement of the figure. I tend to want include all of the figure ( I fight with that all the time) keep up the good work. I would love to see the progress.

[yogi]

Actually, coolray, I didn't do the whole figure because I didn't want to intimidate myself! :D I'm taking baby steps and starting slow. (chuckle)

Thanks for the tip on lighting. I guess I have just usually drawn with whatever light is available. Manipulating the light to where I want it would be cool......hmmmmm. Wonder what he'd look like if a shop light was between his feet and aimed right up at his back.....you've got me started! Shame on you! :D

[Mario]

I just wanted to go on record as liking the second (watercolor) a lot...

[coolray]

you think that's bad yogi, I caused myself to grab a pencil and paper to start another figure! (hmmmm light up the back, yup that will good to see) keep up the good work!!:D