When starting a drawing of the human body, several factors should be kept in mind. For example, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced artist, as the drawing process will differ depending on your skill level. As you gain experience, you may find that there are steps used by beginners that intermediate or advanced artists do not necessarily follow.
Before explaining how to start drawing the human body, let’s first analyze the anatomy of the body.
Standard Size of the Human Body
The human body measures eight times the size of its head. That is, you measure the size of the head, and that measurement is repeated eight times. It’s important to note that this is a standard measurement, and it may vary depending on the individual. This measurement is used as a universal reference.
Creating Silhouettes in the Drawing
A beginner should start by creating human skeletons with the standard measurements of the human body. This helps reduce errors because, as a beginner, you will likely make many mistakes. You should study anatomy and practice diligently to achieve the desired results. Practice is key if you are a beginner, as drawing simple lines can seem boring at times. However, it is the best way to begin.
These silhouettes are skeletal forms but are drawn using only straight lines, focusing on key points like the shoulders, elbows, knees, etc.
Once you have mastered these basic drawings, you can begin more advanced sketches. However, before moving on, you must first assess your level. You will progress to the advanced level only once you have mastered the basics.
Drawing the Human Body
As you advance to the next level, you will no longer start by drawing skeletons. Instead, you will sketch a rough outline of the human body, applying the knowledge you gained previously. At this stage, you should not focus on too many details but instead concentrate on properly defining the body’s shape. Remember, it’s crucial to understand each part of the body and how it moves.
For advanced artists, it’s recommended to start the drawing by creating a 3D body that shows its dimensions and some muscle definition.
Once you have mastered the first two steps, you will be able to create drawings with excellent detail. It’s important to note that you must learn to draw each part of the body, including the arms, legs, chest, shoulders, back, etc. You should approach each body part individually for the best results.