Chapter 2 | IN MOTION
In this chapter I’m going to show you three ways to learn how to draw the human figure in motion.
1. Using seprate body parts
In the next image the model figure from the previous chapter is glued in separate cut-out parts on brown cardboard. You can see clearly all the places where the human figure can move.
Exercise 1: Draw a standing model figure of at least 20 cm long on sturdy paper. Cut out the body parts of your model figure separately. Place the cut-outs on a new sheet of paper in an active position. Carefully draw the outline of the whole figure. For the next move, place the cut-outs in a different position. In the end you can glue the loose parts down (possibly on colored paper) and color them (see example of a pupil).
Exercise 2: Draw the model figure in an active pose, this time without using loose clippings. Show again clearly where the ‘hinges’ of the body are, such as the elbows, knees and waist.
2. Wire Figures
Wire figures are a fun and quick way to create or draw moving human figures.
Exercise 3: Try out movements/poses with so called ‘wire figures’. In the beginning give all movable body parts their own color, as in the Singing in the rain example below.
EXTRA: Try to draw real people in motion (from photo’s, drawings or paintings) using the model figure or wire figures as a basis. Here a student has drawn the elegant jump of a ballet dancer. In this sketch, she has already given volume to the torso (chest and stomach/hips). You can also see the direction of the head.
