Figure Drawing 101: Understanding Movement & Body Proportions Using Male Manikin by Artist's Loft

Figure drawing starts with understanding movement and body proportions. In this class, instructor Adrienne Hodge will outline the standard way to measure a figure's body proportions-using the length of the head to gauge how many head lengths make up the height of the figure. It is common for beginners to draw figures that are stiff and lack movement. So, Adrienne will demonstrate fun and easy exercises to loosen up and start sketching figures that show both weight and motion. Using the Male Manikin by Artist's Loft, Adrienne will lead the class in sketching several gesture drawings or 1-2 minute sketches of the manikin using Artist's Loft Illustration Pens and Grey Sketch Markers by Artist's Loft. The goal is to capture movement and weight in these fast and loose gesture sketches, so it's okay if proportions are a bit off. After warming up with the basics of body proportions and gesture drawing, Adrienne will demonstrate how to sketch the manikin using the general-to-specific rule-starting with light, loose shapes and building up to more specific shapes and contours. More focus will be placed on accurate body proportions in this longer sketch. Value will be added to this sketch during the remaining time in this class using both pencils and the grayscale sketch markers.

A class handout is included that contains several photos of the Male Manikin in various poses with objects like paintbrushes or wooden blocks nearby to help measure and scale body proportions in your drawing. Many of the images are edited to help students see and compare value shapes and body proportions. Although, purchasing your own manikin to pose and practice with in this class and beyond is recommended.