How to Draw

How to Draw

Anatomy Lesson 25

In this video, we will talk about how to draw.

How to Draw whatever you see, think or imagine

Hopefully, during this course, you have already filled your sketchbook with anatomy drawings.

Sketching is an important exercise when it comes to the question of how to draw.

When sketching, you can set different tasks. Each task has to have its own purpose. For example:

• Draw a skeleton, sketch separate bones and muscles. This way, you will better understand and memorize the body’s structure.
• Sketch proportions of a human figure, head, and face so you can catalogue main proportions and use them later in your figurative artworks.
• Sketch certain parts of a body including joints that you find difficult to understand and remember.

Draw an elbow, knee, hand, foot, and others parts of a body. This will help you realistically depict those parts from memory.

Do multiple drawings of the same anatomical element. You can draw, for example, a knee joint again and again from various points of view. Try to do so from memory.

When considering how to draw figurative artworks, remember about human figure proportions. Draw various figures from memory and imagination, every time applying body proportions that you know.

Next time you do a life model drawing or a figurative artwork from imagination, your knowledge of proportions and anatomy will be at hand to avoid unnecessary mistakes.

When you do fast 2 to 5 minute sketches of a model, you won’t have time to go through your notes and video lessons. You have to keep proportions in mind and know how to apply them in figurative drawing.

I hope you see the benefit of sketching as a part of learning.

Considering how to draw proficiently, keep in mind that figurative drawing has to be based on a solid knowledge of human anatomy.
Good results in figurative art depend on what fine artists know about body anatomy, not on what they see.

Here’s a good advice for you about how to draw. Seeing and understanding are different things. Copying what you see will inevitably result in drawing mistakes. For that reason, you cannot learn good drawing skills by exclusively drawing from photos.

However, drawing what you know about the human body will give your figurative artworks necessary realism, likeness, and accuracy.
That is why I encourage you to draw from life, memory, and imagination.

To learn how to draw human figures, find a model, draw from marble busts and sculptures, draw self-portraits, draw your friends and family members, and do fast gesture sketches of strangers in public places; the possibilities are endless.

I’ll give you one piece of advice: look for solutions how to draw, not excuses.

I have heard so many times from art students that it is difficult and expensive to find and hire a model, so they have decided not to draw at all. This is a classic excuse.

If you don’t have life drawing sessions in your small town, there are other ways to explore. Tell people that you’re learning how to draw and will draw their portraits for free. You will be surprised how many people will agree to have a portrait done. Your only expense, in this case, is drawing materials. So, please don’t use these detrimental excuses.

I have to say that you don’t have to start with life drawing when learning how to draw. In fact, it would be much better if you start by drawing classical marble sculptures and casts. They have ideal proportions and are very patient models.

If you don’t have museums and galleries with sculptures, start drawing yourself. Do self-portraits. Draw you hands, arms, legs, and feet. The only additional equipment you may need is a mirror or two.

Another way to enhance your figurative drawing practice is to make copies of the Old Masters’ artworks. Of course, the best way is to draw from originals. Take a sketchbook with you when traveling. Sketch copies of figurative artworks. You will be surprised how much you can learn from the best artists in the world.

I have one word of caution, though. Do not rely on exclusively making copies. Such practice has to be mixed with drawing from life, memory, and imagination. Drawing from the Old Masters is copying, after all.

You might be wondering – so, I watched all the videos, made sketches, and wrote notes, but my figure drawings are far from ideal. How can I improve and learn how to draw better?

Good knowledge of human anatomy is just one small discipline you must know to draw figures and portraits proficiently.

There are so many other things you have to master. I will name just few of them:

• Principles of constructive drawing
• Linear and aerial perspective
• Golden proportions
• Rules of composition
• Rendering tonal values
• Hatching techniques
• and so on…

Not all of these subjects are covered in the scope of this course. However, there is a place where I show step-by-step instruction for all you need to know to improve your drawing skills.

The Drawing Academy is the online course where you can learn traditional time-honored classical drawing techniques.

The above mentioned drawing course contains 45 video lessons on various topics about how to draw proficently. It cover all aspects of classical drawing from information on drawing materials and how to use them, to professional techniques of tonal rendering, perspective, golden proportions, composition, and many other topics like drawing in silver-point, charcoal, and pen and ink.

The Drawing Academy is much more than just a “how to draw” course. It is also the hub for like-minded people to participate in the Drawing Academy Art Community.

Here, you can benefit from exhibiting your artworks, as well as receiving feedback on your art and commenting on other students’ artworks.

You can also get professional critique on your drawings by the Academy tutors and receive valuable advice on your creative development. This personal support is unlimited and is included in the tuition fee.

For more information on the Drawing Academy course, please visit DrawingAcademy.com

Before you go, I want to say few more words.

Drawing is the visual way of communicating and thinking.

As an artist, you have your vision, purpose, and mission.

You also have a responsibility: make your art purposeful and meaningful.

Take inspiration from nature and life.

Your art will live well beyond your time. Put your thinking and feelings into art, share your thoughts, and tell your message.

Find your passion and follow your dreams!

To your creative success,
Vladimir London