Figure Drawing

More than ANY other subject matter, when we draw the human
figure, we tend to ignore what we see and draw from our imagination.
This is because the human figure is the most familiar of all subjects,
which makes it difficult to approach it without preconceptions.
Let’s look at three different types
of figure drawing:
 Gesture

 Contour

 Volume
 Gesture Drawing
Purpose: To Capture the pose of the model
in the quickest, most economical manner

 Use drawing materials

 Do a series of quick poses
 Don’t be concerned with details
Gesture Drawings
 Even 30-
second poses
can capture
the essential
aspects of a
figure.
 Contour Drawing
Purpose: To become more aware of the
outer edges of forms or figures.
 Use drawing materials
 Concentrate on the
outside edge of the model
or part of the body
 Draw only when you are
looking AT the
model. You should look at
the model more than you
look at your paper.
Contour Drawings
• Contour drawings
should describe outer
AND inner contours.
Lines may turn
inwards to describe
fabric folds and other
details. Lines may
change thicknesses to
describe deep creases,
shadowed areas, or
subtle edges.
 Volume Drawing
Purpose: To study the forms of the human figure
 Use drawing materials
 NO lines used (except for
initial light sketch)
 Notice how clothing drapes
on the body. Visualize the
way the neck, arms,
shoulders, hips, legs, etc. join
below the fabric.
 Use a wide range of values to
create depth, form,
highlights, shadows, texture,
etc.
 Volume Drawing
Quick sketch Longer drawing
Colored paper can add a great
medium tone to the drawing.
Add a dark color and a light color
and let the medium-value paper
do the rest of the work!
 Contour

Bone Structure

Volume
Examples of what we’re doing:
Gesture drawings
Then contour drawings…
Then volume drawings…
…and some drawing
on hand-tinted paper!