5 replies to this topic

[Solipsist]

This is a pretty darn basic approach to figure-study and generally any form of study when it comes to drawing, really. Whenever I try to pick up on drawing something in a 'fun' attitude, I try to take apart the picture I am attempting to draw (since I am big on referencing):

Spoiler

Now, when we look at the total-picture, there's a lot of parts to it, right? The body is one big system compiled from many sub-systems.. The face; hair, forehead, eyebrows, eyes (eye lashes, iris, eyeball, etc), jaw, lips and the chin; in a nutshell. And I didn't even began to talk about the neck, the chest, hands...
Seems less fun now, right? Sometimes, if the model is really complicated it can even be quite intimidating, so when one sees such large compound of dozens of sub-systems it can get rather irritating as to where to start and how much to put into it; unless you're skilled enough to brush through with it, the step-by-step deconstruction technique aids in studying the model and easily memorizing the entire reference.

You start by deconstructing the model to separate parts, for an instance;

Spoiler

And then quickly drawing them one by one, until you have successfully studied the entire picture in separate layers and then finally putting it together. It's vital to draw every part quickly, without putting too much details into em' in order to get a good grasp upon the drawn-part and then investing a little more into it when you draw it again and again. Paraphrasing is key.
You can do this to virtually anything from humans to inanimate objects like clothing, weapons, ornaments..

Today I messed a little with it, without elaborating too much upon it.




Just to recap : Take a picture, break it down to separate parts; draw each individual part a few times in order to grasp the overall shape and 'weight' of the object, and then draw the individual parts together. This method is pretty darn basic, and it can get some pretty good results even if you're not that skilled in drawing. The major aspect of this entire practice is to open up to mistakes within the studied object without being burdened with the completion of other sub-systems. Instead of learning how to do it all together, learn it one by one!

If you guys have anything to add, fire away.
Happy drawing.
Edit: Happy drawing? That doesn't make any sense..
 

Edited by Solipsist, 28 November 2013 - 05:27 AM.

[OchaMeido❣]

put big image in spoiler ~~ and why you choose an model with freckles>...>''.....

 

Instead of seperating each other into different image. It can actually use in one photo. For this kind of picture it will be good to

divide it to 8 section :

 

   The easier the image the less line you need to divide it to (dont overlap too much lines.2-8 section is very decent for most

images). When divide, it doesnt have to be exactly in the middle but dont draw the line on parts that will ruin the detail of the

image.

 

   The blank paper you will be using has to be exact size of the image or you will need to make adjustment to the drawing of the image.  One way)   start an outline of the head and see where the lines touch and curves up. Do the same for the body. Then you start with the eyes and stuff. Another way) to focus on each individually section one section next to the each other. going down.

 

dont cut the image to each piece unless you are focusing on each indivdual parts... That's bad.. as the size will be different...and just not good...

[Solipsist]

put big image in spoiler ~~ and why you choose an model with freckles>...>''.....

 

dont cut the image to each piece unless you are focusing on each indivdual parts... That's bad.. as the size will be different...and just not good...

First of all : Don't diss the Freckles! (although at first I did share your sentiments, but she grew on me within time)
Secondly, notice the title. Model Research, I guess I should've called it Model Study as the point behind it is to focus on individual parts by themselves, whatever the size you want it, and then draw them all together after you studied them, the point is to learn how they function rather how they work together. You don't just mash together the parts you drew individually, you draw everything together post-facto (i.e I don't draw the face around the eyes I drew, neither do I draw a head on the body I drew. They stay that way for evah). This form of study can go from 10-5 minutes to a few hours, it depends how deep you go and how much you repeat the process; but the point in the end is to study each part of the model as a separate being for elevated comprehension of each body-part which allows for the artist to remember how the model looks like for at least a week post-study. I am really not kidding, I think I still remember that one model I hashed out at some random workshop... And that's not a bad thing. <:

Your method seems rather quirky to me, as you divide each image differently which may, imo, cause a dissonance between technique and knowledge; making new patterns time after time seems rather inefficient, you know?

Besides, the main reason I enjoy what I brought is because it allows moi to practice one goal at a time. It's pretty good for drawing you back to such studies. Where did you get that approach from? I got mine, as I mentioned above, from some workshop I attended a while back.

Edited by Solipsist, 26 November 2013 - 05:47 AM.

[OchaMeido❣]

First of all : Don't diss the Freckles! (although at first I did share your sentiments, but she grew on me within time)
Secondly, notice the title. Model Research, I guess I should've called it Model Study as the point behind it is to focus on individual parts by themselves, whatever the size you want it, and then draw them all together after you studied them, the point is to learn how they function rather how they work together. You don't just mash together the parts you drew individually, you draw everything together post-facto (i.e I don't draw the face around the eyes I drew, neither do I draw a head on the body I drew. They stay that way for evah). This form of study can go from 10-5 minutes to a few hours, it depends how deep you go and how much you repeat the process; but the point in the end is to study each part of the model as a separate being for elevated comprehension of each body-part which allows for the artist to remember how the model looks like for at least a week post-study. I am really not kidding, I think I still remember that one model I hashed out at some random workshop... And that's not a bad thing. <:

Your method seems rather quirky to me, as you divide each image differently which may, imo, cause a dissonance between technique and knowledge; making new patterns time after time seems rather inefficient, you know?

Besides, the main reason I enjoy what I brought is because it allows moi to practice one goal at a time. It's pretty good for drawing you back to such studies. Where did you get that approach from? I got mine, as I mentioned above, from some workshop I attended a while back.

 

new patterns?O.o well that is the way I learned in my art class...  It is very effective for those of us who cant measurement without line to guide. some artist 

uses line grids. It is very same as also when you are doing perspective points of views.   Having good measurement and lines helps you whenever ,wherever ~

 

my methods is very very basic ....O.O that is what you learn to do before you do any of those drawing parts...

 

If I am an newbie ,... I wont understand what you are trying to make me learn... as I dont know How to draw at all and you are already telling to different parts of the model's

where to start at and end the drawing at 'x'

then change the title ... it is kinda confusing ...~ and it isnt going to be one tip x'D

[KratSG]

My model studies consisted of building or 'constructing' the figure, and keeping the model only as a reference. I'll definitely try the method you propose before doing the whole thing, as it's always easier to break everything into more digestible parts. I should have thought of it before.

 

I suggest you sketch all subsets in pairs. That is, draw both eyes (as you did), sketch the ears (even if they don't show) into a rough head shape; add a jaw to the mouth, and a mouth to the nose, &c. Don't draw them entirely separate (unless your purpose is to expressly study a certain part). That way, when you draw everything together, you'll have a better idea of each part's relative position and size.

Edited by KratSG, 27 November 2013 - 11:07 PM.

[Solipsist]

new patterns?O.o well that is the way I learned in my art class...  It is very effective for those of us who cant measurement without line to guide. some artist 
uses line grids. It is very same as also when you are doing perspective points of views.   Having good measurement and lines helps you whenever ,wherever ~
 
my methods is very very basic ....O.O that is what you learn to do before you do any of those drawing parts...
 
If I am an newbie ,... I wont understand what you are trying to make me learn... as I dont know How to draw at all and you are already telling to different parts of the model's
where to start at and end the drawing at 'x'

Well, obviously if you approach "model study" you know something about where to place each part. If not, it can easily go along with what KartSG said : 
 

My model studies consisted of building or 'constructing' the figure, and keeping the model only as a reference.

Which, if I had read it correctly, means; Figure Drawing.
Random example, random example....


Sure, having the "proper" education and learning how to divide the body and face according to aesthetic greek math can be a good place to start with (although having too much information of how "one should approach drawing" without having the proper experience can be devastating due to it being intimidating); but the learning process can also be intuitive. That is, Draw enough to 'figure out' how and where to place things.

For some reason I'm making a case as for why it makes sense for anyone to approach this thread...*scratches head*...Bleh.

Anyway, my point is : My "approach" is in order to get better experience within subsets of, let's say, the human body (eyes, hands, feet, fingers) without having to experience it ALL together like one big giant jigsaw you have to solve every single time.
Mazenia's "approach" is in order to piece-together all of these subsets together in a harmonious, aesthetic manner. Which is totally fine and actually seems like a very good way to go about it after I gave it more thought.
And now KartSG's 'approach' is pretty much a mash of what was proposed, which by the way; I totally concede to. It really is vital to place at least two subsets, sub-systems, in juxtaposition to one and another while fixating on something (eyes+top of the nose, lips+chin / lips+tip of the nose, Neck+shoulders...Etc). I probably should've mentioned it, since when one fixates on one part of the body -- one can also, and should, allow another piece (or another) enter the canvas. That way, when you zoom into one part you can also see how it flows into another.
So, yeah. Totally agree.

P.S: To any "newbies" whom are reading this thread and find it sorta confusing....From my experience, the whole math-talk about proportions and what-not -- was always confusing unless I looked for it.
If I wondered : "How do I draw this eye?" I would search for ways to draw eyes in the most basic of forms with very little math alongside a reference. Because you always wonder : How do I draw THIS, and "THIS" eye in particular, not in some general manner like "How do I draw eyes?". I'm the sort of person to learn better from heuristics, from experience. Let me fall from my bicycle and I'll learn to avoid it, let me fuck up with drawing a face and I'll try again with some guidelines. It is nearly impossible for me to follow a book's guidance entirely...For an instance;

Spoiler

You look at a model, and you try to draw it.


It doesn't work out. So you try to think : "How do I simplify it?" -- You go over the net and see a person crafted from circles and rectangles, or a stick-man.



But now you say : "Shit look's complicated..How do I go about the other parts?"





And further...



And further..


And further....
....
Point being, only when you reach an obstacle is when you really start to figure out what do you need to do right now in order to get pass this mountain of a problem. But if you try to read into this explanation without any prior experience or you're not currently struggling with it; you will most likely find this explanation as jargon. So, try -- experience...And then look for some explanations. "Logic" follows experience. Understanding comes after trying.
Just my two cents.

Weh, this was a long post!
And nobody's gonna read all of it!

Edited by Solipsist, 28 November 2013 - 11:21 PM.