01. Start with Basic Shapes
At this point, you need to identify the weight-bearing leg. I’m using sanguine pastel pencil on toned paper. Sanguine means blood, and sanguine pencils can range between dark brown to almost pink. I’ve chosen a dark sanguine and a flesh-colored paper. As usual, I start with basic shapes. I then identify the weight-bearing straight leg and tilt the shoulder towards it for more balance.
02. Find the Rhythm in the Pose
I draw smaller shapes inside the big simple shapes. Notice how I treat the rhythm of the legs; I’m drawing from one side to the other. Study how the knees have a low, overlapping curve on the inside and how the calves are high on the outside. This is the natural rhythm of the body, and cannot be ignored by the figure artist.
03. Smooth Out the Paper
I’m using a high-grade pastel art paper, which can be bought in large individual sheets. Pastel paper has a smooth and a rough side. I choose the smooth side, but it still has a ‘tooth’, meaning that it has micro pits that hold the pastel pigment. I blend with tissue to smooth out the grain and then ghost the image back.
04. Get the Head Size Right
I stand back from the art and see with a fresh eye that the head needs to be bigger. Best to err on the side of a smaller head to start with, rather than a big head, which can look comical. If the head looks small, you can try adding to the skull rather than drawing all the features bigger. Usually, this works fine. Once I’m happy with the new head size and basic proportions, I start to detail the anatomy.
05. Reshape the Figure with a Paper Stump
Using all my tools, I blend and push the white pigment into the surface. Note how fleshy everything has become based on three simple values: the darks of the sanguine; the midtone of the paper; and the highlights of the white. My pencil eraser with the brush end comes in handy for brushing away eraser debris.
06. Tackle Anatomical Details
Time to address the small stuff and explore the beauty of anatomy and form. Constant study of the knees is important because everyone’s knees are different due to variable ‘bursa’ shapes. These are little fatty pads that protect the joints. Note that I’m using a clean paper stump for blending whites.
07. Blend and Push
I blend and push the white pigment into the surface. Note how fleshy everything has become based on three simple values: the darks of the sanguine; the midtone of the paper; and the highlights of the white. My pencil eraser with the brush end comes in handy for brushing away eraser debris.
08. Refine the Features
Using all my tools, I refine the features. Remember, it’s all about contrast and subtlety. Dark and light should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the subject.
09. Blend and Push
I blend and push the white pigment into the surface. Note how fleshy everything has become based on three simple values: the darks of the sanguine; the midtone of the paper; and the highlights of the white. My pencil eraser with the brush end comes in handy for brushing away eraser debris.
10. Add Texture in the Background
Using erasers, tissue, and paper stumps for background texture, draw the eye to the contrasting tones of the smooth skin. Sanguine on toned paper is slow, but worth the effort. I spend over three hours pushing and blending into the grainy surface. Take time over your sanguine drawings and you’ll be rewarded.
11. Sharpen Your Lines
Using a mono eraser, I thin down some of the lines. Pastel paper is wonderful to work with, but due to the grain, it’s a fight to achieve thin lines when working on a relatively small scale. This drawing would be easier to work with at twice this size, but there are always workarounds.
12. Add Texture in the Background
Using erasers, tissue, and paper stumps for background texture, draw the eye to the contrasting tones of the smooth skin. Sanguine on toned paper is slow, but worth the effort. I spend over three hours pushing and blending into the grainy surface. Take time over your sanguine drawings and you’ll be rewarded.
Conclusion
Learning to draw the human figure requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to practice. By following these steps, you can achieve a realistic and detailed drawing. Remember to start with basic shapes, find the rhythm in the pose, and smooth out the paper. Add texture in the background and refine the features. With time and practice, you’ll be able to create a stunning drawing.
FAQs
Q: What is contrapposto, and why is it important?
A: Contrapposto is a term that refers to a figure balancing more weight on one side, usually the straight-leg side of the body, in a standing pose. It is important because it creates a natural and relaxed posture.
Q: What is the best way to smooth out the paper?
A: You can use tissue or a paper stump to smooth out the paper and remove any unwanted texture.
Q: How do I achieve thin lines on pastel paper?
A: Using a mono eraser, you can thin down some of the lines. Pastel paper can be challenging to work with due to its grain, but with practice, you can achieve thin lines.
Q: What is the best way to add texture in the background?
A: You can use erasers, tissue, and paper stumps to add texture in the background. This will help draw the eye to the contrasting tones of the smooth skin.
