WORDS TO LEARN
parallel: two side-by-side lines the same distance apart
horizontal: a straight line that runs left to right
arch: a curved line
Now let’s make our figures lively!
A still, standing figure has its feet directly under the head, hands at its sides, and shoulders and hips parallel. As the body shifts from one foot to the other, knees and elbows bend, and the spine becomes an arch.
When drawing movement, imagine yourself doing the same activity as the figure. Will you lower your hips? In which direction is your back bending? Will your weight be forward or backward? Which foot is bearing more weight?
Start with the basic stick form and don’t focus on accuracy. Make quick, rough lines, exaggerating the pose to really show what’s happening. After that, start adding shape. Then finish by drawing any final detail lines.
Try it out
1-In light pencil, sketch the head and body, then add arms and legs. Pay attention to the curve of the spine. Remember, you can use a grid.
2-Use short dashed lines for the main body parts. My figure is in a skirt, so just draw enough leg to know what’s there. Then finish drawing the basic body shape outfit, and add details for her face, fingers, elbows, and skirt.
3-Add details for her hair and portrait. Connect the skirt folds with a curved line. The more curves you add in the fabric, the more motion you’ll show.
4-Now have fun! Because she is arching backward, her hair is being tossed behind her. Curls add movement. Then add detail to her outfit.
5-Finish the figure by erasing your sketch lines.
