Preserving the Traditions of the Masters: Basic Figure Construction— Geometric Forms

D R AW I N G P R O G R A M Figure Drawing Phase I: Basic Figure Construction— Geometric Forms

OVERVIEW One can look at the body in all of its glory, possibly one of the greatest engineering feats ever, simplified down into geometric shapes. For example, the rib cage, cranial mass, and pelvic section are simply various sized ovals or ellipses; the arms and legs nothing more than simplified cylinders, and so on. You will see in the lessons that follow just how simple it is to use these geometric forms to construct various mannequins. This allows us to break down difficult anatomy in order to best arrange the figure. I have designed four different mannequins varying in complexity, but all are built off of the fundamental building blocks. Get plenty of practice freehand sketching these various exercises as they will be the linchpin for building more complex figures in the future.

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013

www.wattsatelier.com

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ASSIGNMENT 1: BASIC FIGURE CONSTRUCTION

In this assignment you will learn to freehand draw the most essential geometric forms used in breaking down the human form. Think about what you learned in drawing fundamentals. Part 1: Watch the video demonstrating these principles. Then, refer to the handouts. This will not be the most exciting exercise but pivotal to your ability to simplify complex forms. Part 2: Copy the drawings I provided for you several times. When you’ve got the hang of it, continue to expand by drawing other shapes around the house. Part 3: On page 6 and 7, you will begin to see how geometry starts to come into play. Note: Refer to the supplemental book list on the materials page for further resources to study. The object here is to give you a working understanding of these essential concepts. True mastery of these concepts will come over weeks and months of study. A suggestion would be to start each drawing session with a 10 – 15 warm up of these shapes.




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D R AW I N G P R O G R A M Figure Drawing Phase I: Basic Figure Construction— Geometric Forms It is important to remember that as we begin the journey to familiarize ourselves with drawing the human figure, we must align ourselves with the tools necessary to not only draw it well but masterfully. We will attempt to walk you through the most fundamental concepts all the way through advanced concepts like figure invention, idealization, and calligraphy. As you watch the video demonstrations, remember–repetition is the key to success. If necessary watch them several times, and take your time. If you follow our lead and apply yourself diligently, you will be wowing both yourself and your friends in no time.

- TIP Keep in mind the basics rules of perspective. 1) All objects become larger as they approach you and smaller as they recede. 2) All parallel lines converge at “vanishing points” on the horizon. 3) The part of an object nearer to your eye appears larger than the back of the same object.

Note: It is important to learn to draw the above shapes from every angle. Yes, I mean every angle. Most of these simple shapes you can find around your house or studio. For example: a tall cylinder might be a mailing tube, a small cylinder a pop can, a tall box a cracker box, and a small box or cube an Xbox. The ball could be an orange or tennis ball. Take some of these objects and really observe them. Then, start sketching them from all angles. Maybe use this simple foundational exercise as a ten-minute warm-up every time you draw. As you become familiar with these basic geometric shapes, you will start to think more three-dimensionally as well as improve your dexterity! I know it sounds basic, but all complex form can and should be broken down into its most rudimentary components before being built back up into complexity.




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The above five exercises will assist you in conceptualizing the human form. Sketch these exercises in a variety of angles and directions. As we begin to build more complex mannequins and ultimately “abstractions,” these will prove indispensable. Whenever are you drawing, one or more of these principles will be used.




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D R AW I N G P R O G R A M Figure Drawing Phase I: Basic Figure Construction— Geometric Forms Below you will find examples of simplified blocks and cubes being sketched. The exercises start out by drawing simple cubes and blocks in space from various angles. You can find examples of these objects around your house. Be creative and set up little blocks and cans and start freehand sketching. Once your hand warms up, start inventing various scenarios by gluing two shapes together. These shapes are the most rudimentary basics of the human form. As we progress into the various mannequins in this phase, they will be constructed of essentially versions of these shapes. Keep your eye on basic principles of perspective as you sketch!

This is quite similar to the ball and socket joint in action.

Now, in your sketchbook practice gluing two forms together. Stick a ball with a tube, a can on a box. We are simply gluing two basic shapes together in space. Sketch these shapes until they become second nature. We are practicing the most essential shapes necessary to begin constructing more complex forms including the human form. I know this seems a bit basic and monotonous, but trust me, developing a freehand drawing ability of simple geometric forms is essential to long term drawing proficiency!




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- TIP These are examples of a hinge joint. Start sketching both the box form as well as tube form. Notice how the basic perspective affects them. Also, take note as to how closely these basic and simple forms can look like the elbow joint of a human arm.

These concepts set the tone for creating the basic mannequin. Continue to practice this exercise as a warm-up before drawing. Take about ten minutes or so, and loosen up your hand before diving into your more complex studies of the human form. Remember, it is not a race to get through these exercises and videos. Feel free to watch and repeat as often as you need to. Everyone will absorb these concepts at different rates. So, stay in there as we move towards proficiency and mastery.




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D R AW I N G P R O G R A M Figure Drawing Phase I: Basic Figure Construction— Geometric Forms The correct assembling of the parts or masses of the figure is much more important than an actual knowledge of the bones and muscles. You will find it very difficult to put clothes on your figure properly without knowing the action of the masses under the clothes, and the flexing and pulling of the materials over them from one part to another. When developing a figure drawing, think about the body consisting of six fundamental parts. These are: 1) head, 2) spine, 3) arms, 4) pelvis, 5) rib cage, and 6) legs. Utilizing these six components effectively will help to communicate a sense of positioning and attitude. We will be utilizing several more advanced concepts in subsequent lessons. Practice these concepts frequently so as to make them intuitive. Small steps taken consistently will result in great progress.

- KEYNOTE -

Always start by drawing the gesture! Approximate the gesture by using the simplified geometric shapes (e.g., cones, spheres, cylinders) we drew in previous exercises.

- TIP The figure’s key elements will be described using three general types of line. These are the “C” curve, “S” curve, and straight line, “I.” Try to identify these types of lines in the drawings on this page. When it comes to checking proportion, try to begin developing an estimation approach. This means “guessing” by using angles and plumb lines (vertical lines dropped off key points). Try to avoid doing slow, methodical measuring as it often stiffens the pose. The art of gestural figure sketching is essentially a visual balancing act. Try to draw through the forms, not around them. We will explore these concepts in depth in future exercises. Be patient, and we’ll be drawing decent figures in no time.




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On this page are a few examples of combining the previous forms to construct more detailed figure constructions. I know these are a bit advanced, but they are simply examples of how gluing together basic principles can quickly become the illusion of complex forms. We will be working towards such a thorough understanding of these principles that eventually you will come to customize rhythmical abstraction unique to the model’s type or an invented type you would like to come up with. What seems to be fairly restricting in the beginning will become quite liberating as you stack simple concepts onto simple concepts. Before you know it, you will have complex concepts.




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Preserving the Traditions of the Masters: Basic Figure Construction— Geometric Forms

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