Goal and rules of my challenge
Hi, friends π in this article I will tell you about my experience of drawing sketches. My goal was to stop being afraid to draw a person in full growth. It seemed to me a very difficult task π€
So, my rules:
Full height
Naked people (this moment is really important. In the nude, it is easier to understand what the shape looks and where to draw the line)
3 sketches per day
Working in procreate on iPad (because I wanted to learn how to work with a pencil, better control the strength of the line)
My experience:
As a result, I overcame my fear. And I found gaps in my knowledge of anatomy. In the future I will concentrate on: feet, arms, torso and complex head angles. The place where it is most difficult to understand how to draw a line will be a sign of a lack of knowledge. Another fail was that I couldn't draw everyday π
I got 91 sketches at the end of the challenge. In the first half of the challenge, I concentrated more on understanding the form. But it was unproductive without a theoretical basis. In the second half I focused on the speed and dynamics of the lines. Catch the movement - it will help your drawings to reach a new level.
My advice to you:
Define the goal. This will help you not give up. For example, you want to improve your knowledge of anatomy or practice human proportions.
Think about the line. This is almost the most important point! Strive to convey the character of the line and dynamics. And look through the volumes, like an X-ray, to isolate the most important directions of the form.
Trust your hand and don't be afraid to do bad. Sketching is first of all learning, give yourself completely to this process.
Forget about the eraser. Don't waste time on corrections, start a new sketch using past experience.
Resources I've tried. Go ahead!
π Website with the highest quality photo references. Lots of angles! Sometimes the position of a body part changes slightly and this helps to understand the nature of the future line. There are photo shoots with weapons in suits. This is a plus for concept artists
π YouTube. I recommend these channels
π Website for practicing poses. Different types of training: Challenges Timed practice Random poses Library
π 3D Anatomy 360
π Website with references for sketching. People, emotions, buildings and animals. Minus: there are low-quality photos. Analog Site
π Frame-by-frame shooting. This helps with drawing and you can choose an interesting frame. But most of the photo sessions are paid (by subscription)
And I also attached a link to Google drive, where absolutely all my sketches will be. I think it is very important to share both good and bad works. The image of artists in web is very idealized, which makes many doubt themselves. I want us all to have a healthy self-esteem! My first sketches are so bad that it's better to laugh at them