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Stacy in Chalk by Rob Liberace, chalk pencil
drawing, 14 x 22. |
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I wholeheartedly believe that a
drawing of a human figure
should look like it has the potential for physical movement and action. Not a
creepy, unnatural animation, but more of a direct relation to the actual human
form. Our bodies are always on the verge of moving and repositioning. Sometimes
it is a faint movement like taking a deep breath, and sometimes it's more of an
overt action like breaking into a run.
There's underlying power and torque to the form that will
enliven the drawing visually and fight its inherently static nature. Finding
visual ways to indicate those possibilities is what makes a successful figure
drawing.
One way to make a life drawing lively (har har) is to keep a
'sketch' aspect to it. Think about loose lines in
addition to light and dark masses to turn the form. For example, when I try to
draw a bent leg, I focus more on getting the gesture of the limb in a few quick
lines rather than laboring over its anatomical correctness.
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Seated Male by Rob Liberace, chalk pencil
drawing, 36 x 48. |
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Position is everything. Our bodies can move in so many
different ways, so when it comes to drawing the figure, really think about how
to position it to get the most implied movement. And this doesn't have to hit you
over the head. Our bodies are subtle machines. Cocking the head, tilting the
hips, or putting a slight bend in the knee-all of these do the job.
I know and believe that the core of our bodies-the torso,
back, shoulder girdle, and pelvis-are where the most potential for movement
rests. But don't forget the hands and feet. Attention to these parts can really
articulate what you want your figure drawing to say. A hand drawing of a
clenched fist gives off quite a different meaning than one where the fingers
are held loosely and slightly curled.
An artist who is especially skilled at infusing his figure
drawings with dynamism and movement is Rob Liberace. His work strikes a perfect
balance between beauty and power, and as an instructor I've learned a lot from
him. Rob's latest DVD Drawing the Figure
in Motion continues in-depth with the ideas and approaches I've touched
upon. He takes you on a drawing tutorial that starts with positioning the model
and ends with a drawing that successfully captures the power of the human body.
Truly inspiring! Enjoy!
