Gesture Drawing Basics
One of an artist’s greatest tools to communicate life in a drawing is gesture. It’s the movement from one form to another. That’s why it follows the natural flow of human anatomy. The first place to look is in the torso – where it is contracting and where it is relaxing. The relaxed or stretch side is the primary gesture – the ‘action line’.
What is Gesture?
When I draw figures, my first priority is to describe the movement. That’s what gesture does. It communicates what the figure or form is doing. Gesture also describes movement between separate forms of the body and how these forms relate to one another. When done right, gesture can help create the illusion of a living, breathing figure.
Where is Gesture?
Everything from the torso to the fingertips is connected by gesture. For example, gesture occurs on the outer edge of the figure and on the larger forms like the torso and leg. Gesture also occurs in smaller forms. For example, the arm, wrist, palm and fingers are all connected by gesture.
How to See Gesture
To see gesture, I first focus on the torso and then look for key anatomical landmarks such as the shoulder, outer hips (great trochanter), pit of the neck and groin. Connecting these points reveals the action line or the primary gesture of the pose, and also the contraction or pinch that happens on the opposing side of the action line.
Drawing Poses Under Two Minutes
Gestures on the inside of the figure are known as rhythms. Rhythms are naturally occurring lines that are often based on anatomy. For example, the neck flows to the shoulder, the chest flows into the arm, and the hips flow naturally to the thigh. I like to use rhythms to place anatomy and small details.
The Action Line
The most important gesture in any drawing is the action line, also known as the longest line or thrust. This line describes the primary movement in the pose and should be drawn as long and fluid as possible. I use it as the foundation of the entire drawing, and every mark I make either reinforces or complements the action line.
How to Make Good Marks
To make drawings clean and easy to read, I use only three marks: straight, C-curve or S-curve. For example, a C-curve is great for the stretch or elongated side of the torso. Straights quickly connect the shoulders and hips. For the action line, a long S-curve connects the head to the legs and feet.
Making Gesture Lines Longer
I draw gesture lines as long, smooth and uninterrupted as possible, especially the action line. To do this, I often look for the extremities like the fingers, toes, and the top of the head, and use gesture to connect these points. Within the body, I use and follow the anatomy to keep the gesture flowing.
Conclusion
By focusing on gesture, you can create dynamic and engaging drawings that capture the movement and energy of the human figure. Remember to look for the action line, use rhythms to place anatomy, and make good marks to keep your drawings clean and easy to read.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary gesture in a drawing?
A: The primary gesture is the action line, which describes the primary movement in the pose.
Q: Where do I look for gesture in the body?
A: Look for gesture in the torso, where it is contracting and relaxing, and also in the extremities like the fingers, toes, and the top of the head.
Q: How do I make good marks?
A: Use only three marks: straight, C-curve or S-curve. For example, a C-curve is great for the stretch or elongated side of the torso.
Q: How do I make gesture lines longer?
A: Look for the extremities and use gesture to connect these points. Within the body, use and follow the anatomy to keep the gesture flowing.
