1. Gesture Drawing & Simplified Forms
- Start with quick gesture sketches to capture movement and flow. These help you understand how the body moves rather than just memorizing static anatomy.
- Break complex forms into simple shapes (cylinders, spheres, boxes) to grasp volume and perspective. The Loomis and Bridgman methods are great for this.
2. Studying the Skeleton & Muscles
- Understanding the bones gives you a strong foundation since they determine proportion and structure.
- Learning the muscles helps with surface form and movement. Prioritize major muscle groups first (torso, limbs) before fine details.
- A great approach is to trace over photos and label key anatomical points. This can be also done with tools like Photoshop. Photoshop’s layers allow building the anatomical structure in steps.
3. Master Copies & Life Drawing
- Copy Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, who were experts in anatomy.
- Attend life drawing sessions—observing real human forms is invaluable. If life drawing is not possible, try recognising anatomical structures on photo references.
4. 3D Tools & Models
- Use anatomy apps or 3D models to rotate and study forms from different angles.
- Some artists sculpt simplified anatomical models in clay to better understand structure.
5. Écorché Drawing & Layering Approach
- Écorché studies (drawing the body without skin) help visualize muscle placement.
- A step-by-step approach: Skeleton → Muscles → Skin & Form
6. Studying Motion & Function
- Observe how muscles change with movement—watch sports, dance, or animated anatomy references.
- Try drawing figures in different actions rather than static poses.
7. Repetition & Memory Techniques
- If you have a hard time memorising anatomical structures, you can begin by using flashcards for anatomy terms and muscle groups.
- Sketch from memory after studying references to reinforce learning.
