01-26-2014, 06:33 AM
I learned the main process I use figure drawing from Ron Lemen, and he was adamant that Hampton's way of drawing legs is misinformed. I'm not totally agreeing with that, but I do think it's worth thinking about this and questioning Hampton's (and everyone's) teachings, stacking them up against real life and your favorite art to see if their lessons hold up.
I don't want to turn this into an argument, but I'd like to talk a little more about why I think the S curve for the shins doesn't actually give the drawings better flow. We're in agreement that the gesture is meant to act as a layout for the motion and action of the pose instead of being exact placement for construction or anatomy. That's why I say the reverse shin curve isn't right for gesture, because it represents the form of the gastrocnemius muscle instead of showing the motion or action of the leg.
I would define flow in drawing as a pleasing path for the eye to flow, in the figure created by the direction and action of the body parts. Therefore lines in gesture drawings should be as long and simple as possible so that the flow is not interrupted. What the reverse shin curve does is add an unneeded shape to the leg, which I think slows down the path of the eye and works against you.
It's not just about getting a lot of practice, you've also gotta think about the decisions you're making and figure out what's best to do for the particular pose you're doing. Somethign I was always hearing when I took karate as a kid, practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect! Hope that makes sense, good luck :D
I don't want to turn this into an argument, but I'd like to talk a little more about why I think the S curve for the shins doesn't actually give the drawings better flow. We're in agreement that the gesture is meant to act as a layout for the motion and action of the pose instead of being exact placement for construction or anatomy. That's why I say the reverse shin curve isn't right for gesture, because it represents the form of the gastrocnemius muscle instead of showing the motion or action of the leg.
I would define flow in drawing as a pleasing path for the eye to flow, in the figure created by the direction and action of the body parts. Therefore lines in gesture drawings should be as long and simple as possible so that the flow is not interrupted. What the reverse shin curve does is add an unneeded shape to the leg, which I think slows down the path of the eye and works against you.
Quote:I try to exaggerate every curve and tendency I can, because I have a "mental block" when it comes to dynamics and stylizationI think this is close to solving your stiffness problem, issue is if you're exaggerating anything you notice nothing will stand out. The key to making an extreme statement is exaggerating the right thing and downplaying what's not important. Say you're drawing a guy who's supposed to be a big tough guy and have an enormous torso. if you give him big arms and legs as well, his chest won't feel as big comparatively. You've got to figure out what makes the thing you're drawing unique and play that up and downplay everything else!
It's not just about getting a lot of practice, you've also gotta think about the decisions you're making and figure out what's best to do for the particular pose you're doing. Somethign I was always hearing when I took karate as a kid, practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect! Hope that makes sense, good luck :D