How to Do a Basic Human Figure Drawing – A guide for beginners

Figure drawing is an important aspect of creating art. This is usually done with the assistance of a live model. Using nude models is the common approach to figure drawing; this is the best way to capture the essence of human anatomy. Some artists use the phrase life drawing, which also refers to figure drawing; these phrases can confuse a beginner. It’s normal to work with a model when drawing, but you can also use inanimate objects such as chairs and fruits. 

Why is figure drawing important?  

Figure drawing by an Artist | Image via unsplash

If you, for example, visit Sri Lankan Art Gallery, you’ll notice figure drawings take precedence. It’s not because Sri Lankan artists prefer figure drawing to other forms of drawing; there are other reasons. The main reason is the figure drawing captures real life, and what can be more fascinating than depicting real life with all its trials? When you practise figure drawing, it trains your eyes to look at things and people in a different way. A drawing captures the essence of its subject, and this is something a photo cannot do. You might also wonder why artists are inclined to draw people rather than objects; the reason is that the human form is a wonder to behold, and it gives you so much to ponder over. While using a model is the best approach to figure drawing, you can also do it with a picture. If you are a beginner, here are the basic steps to figure drawing. 

Plan  

To start with, draw horizontal and vertical lines on the paper; this allows you to capture the rough measurements of the model. You should gauge the amount of space the head might need and the height of the body. Keep in mind that the body should be seven and a half times the height of the head. You need to draw seven horizontal lines to place the other body parts. For instance, the second line would be for armpits, and the third line would be for hips. 

Add body parts  

Now it’s time to bring in the rectangles, ovals, circles, and triangles to form the body parts. If your model is a plump man, you can draw a big circle in the middle of his torso, but if your model is a short girl, you can use a series of circles and ovals. 

Outline  

If you want your figure to look real, it’s important that you get this step right. You should focus on the curves and angles of the body. For angular shoulders, you can use strong pencil strokes, while feminine curves are best depicted by softer lines. 

Add details 

 If you are satisfied with the final sketch, you should now use a pen to add depth to your drawing. You should add details to the figure; these could be anything from accessories and clothes. Adding details is important as it is a human figure; you need to make it look as real and lifelike as possible. 

Things to know  

Figure drawing is a life-long pursuit; you cannot expect to get it right on the first go. The key is to keep practising; even artists with years of experience practise figure drawing regularly. Working with a model is easy and also a challenge. Some artists take weeks and sometimes months to get a drawing right. Even if you’ve decided to attend a class as a beginner, know that it could take a long time for you to get the basics right. And getting the basics rights is fundamental to everything in life, so keep practising – don’t rush and put yourself under a lot of pressure; it never helps. If you can’t go to a physical class, you can choose from a wide array of online classes for figure drawing.