How to draw the figure in 5 simple steps

 

Step 1

Pick out the proper reference image you want to figure draw. This image is a picture of myself taken by friends. Your reference images can come from anywhere, from real life to pictures on the web! Then decide what tools your going to use. You can use any material you see fit. For the purpose of this tutorial I have used procreate, an iPad app for digital art.

Step 2

You need to draw out the flow of your figure, this will be a loose stick figure. Draw fast and don’t spend too much time in this phase. This phase is only meant to plan out what your drawing quickly as well as to emphasize how the body is stretched. In this image I only drew 4 lines to show the flow of the arms, torso, and legs.

Step 3

Block out your figure using simple shapes. Your shapes should flow with the previous lines you have drawn. This phase is also a fast phase as it should take you no longer than 45 seconds to draw it all out. Phase 3 is also important because you will be blocking out the proportions of the body. Decide how big the torso, head, arms legs etc. everything should be. Once you’re done with this step walk a couple steps away from the surface you are drawing on and consider if everything looks proportional to the model. Make your corrections now, as it’s harder to fix things the more you draw. Once you’re done making your corrections, you’re ready to move on.

Step 4

This step is all about adding volume to your figure. Make your drawing more 3d by drawing geometric forms over your base drawing in step 3. Draw cylinders to get the perspective right on the foreshortened legs and arms, use spheres for the head and torso, and boxes for the hips. Be sure to draw through your figure as well. Drawing through is basically adding the insides to your drawings, so you can better draw the outsides. Take note of how I have drawn curves throughout my body to show the form. This is my way of drawing through the figure.

Step 5

This is the final step you have been waiting for, drawing the contours or the outside of the figure. In this step draw out all the details of the figure. Draw all the bumps in the muscles down to the eyelashes and eyebrows of the face. Previous steps were focused on the big picture, but this step focuses on the little details to make your drawing come to life. After this you can also shade the figure and add value, but for this tutorial I decided to only focus on draftsmanship and not shading.