Research - David Finch Dynamic Figure Drawing Body -02 pt2

The goal of this test is to use the tube-form characters and develop them into perspective.

Now that the body has been broken down into basic shapes it makes it easier to angle them in perspective for example above in image [a] and [b] it is easy to make the tube-form character fit the construction or perspective lines. However its not as simple as drawing a cylinder in perspective as the body isn't made up of flat shapes, so when foreshortening accentuate the body's natural curves as shown in above image [c] on the right leg whereas the left leg looks less dynamic. Also anything closer to the foreground becomes longer and anything further away becomes shorter.

The above image [a] and [b] shows more tests carried out on perspective and the tube-form shape images [c] and [d] however show the basic block shapes for drawing an arm and how to add more simple shapes to get an idea of the location of the muscles.

Strengths

The strengths of this technique are that with little knowledge of anatomy at all, an artist can pose this tube-form character in many different positions and decide whether or not to continue. Without spending a large amount of time on the details the artist is free do do many different poses and still meet a deadline as no time was wasted refining the wrong pose.

Weaknesses

The weaknesses of this technique are that without a good knowledge of the placement of muscles the tube-form character can show through a design making a character look block-like and unbelievable.

This is a useful under-sketch technique which can be carried through into subsequent designs however a more advanced knowledge of muscle placement is needed to make designs believable and realistic.