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Figurative Fridays

Writer's picture: Mark NorthcottMark Northcott

Poses, proportions, & peculiarities




It’s Figurative Friday, folks! Today, we’re diving deep into the fascinating art of drawing the human form. Whether you’re sketching dynamic action poses, practicing subtle gestures, or exploring exaggerated proportions, figure drawing is a cornerstone of artistic expression. And the best part? It’s as challenging as it is endlessly rewarding.


Take a seat, sharpen those pencils, and let’s explore how you can breathe life into your figure drawings.


The Warm-Up: Gesture Sketches


Before diving into detailed anatomy, start with gesture sketches. These quick, loose drawings capture the essence of a pose—the movement, energy, and weight. They’re not about perfection; they’re about feeling the pose.





Here’s a quick exercise to get you started:

1. Find a reference (you can use photos, figure-drawing apps, or even pose in a mirror).

2. Set a timer for 30 seconds.

3. Using a single, continuous line, draw the pose as quickly as you can.


Repeat this several times, increasing the timer to 1 or 2 minutes as you go. You’ll notice your sketches becoming more confident and fluid, almost like the figures are leaping off the page!


💡 Pro Tip: Focus on the line of action first—a single, sweeping line that defines the energy of the pose. It’s your blueprint for the entire drawing.


Diving Into Anatomy


Once you’ve captured the pose, it’s time to add structure. Think of the human body as a collection of shapes—cylinders, spheres, and cubes that you can stack and manipulate.

Torso: Break it down into two major forms—the ribcage (oval) and the pelvis (box).

Limbs: Use cylinders for arms and legs, paying attention to joints like elbows and knees.

Head: Start with a sphere, then add the jawline for the basic head shape.


Understanding these basic forms helps you construct figures that look solid and believable, even in extreme poses.


Adding Character with Proportions


Once you’ve got the basics, play with proportions to inject personality into your figures. Are you drawing a heroic character? Try lengthening the legs and broadening the shoulders. A whimsical, cartoony figure? Shrink the torso and exaggerate the head.


Experimentation is key. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries—it’s all part of developing your style.


Details: Muscles, Skin, and Story


Here’s where the magic happens. Add muscles and skin to bring realism to your figures, but don’t just focus on anatomy—think about the story behind your character.


Are they a dancer, mid-leap? Show the stretch and tension in their muscles. An old storyteller? Add wrinkles and a hunched posture to suggest years of experience. Every detail adds life to your drawing.






💡 Quick Tip: Use light and shadow to emphasize muscle definition and form. Imagine where your light source is and how it interacts with the body.


Tools of the Trade


Whether you’re working traditionally or digitally, the right tools can make all the difference:

Traditional: Grab a good-quality pencil, a kneaded eraser, and smooth paper. Experiment with charcoal for dramatic shading.

Digital: Procreate and Affinity Designer are excellent for layering, refining, and experimenting with brushes.


Your Figurative Fridays Challenge


Let’s put all this into practice! Your challenge for this week:

1. Choose a dynamic pose (think dancer, athlete, or even superhero).

2. Start with a quick gesture sketch to capture the movement.

3. Add structure and refine with details like muscles, clothing, and expression.


Share your sketches with me! Bonus points if you create a series of three poses that tell a mini story.


Final Thoughts: The Joy of Figure Drawing


Figure drawing isn’t about perfection; it’s about exploration. Each sketch teaches you something new, whether it’s how to capture a movement, depict weight, or exaggerate for impact.


So grab your tools, get messy, and enjoy the process. Happy sketching, and I’ll see you next week for more creative adventures!

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