forum Anatomy?

Started April 02, 2020 by @LemonGirl

tune

Here's the thing.

I'm decent at art. Specifically drawing people, since I find them the most interesting. When I'm using a reference, I can freehand a pretty darn similar replica of the model, but when it comes to drawing people out of my head, I suck. Like, really bad. This has been bugging me for years, but especially since I decided I want to become an animator.

So, I'm trying to learn anatomy. Specifically proper bone structure and muscle origins/insertions, but it's been slow going. I figure that if I can get this stuff down, drawing and trying to portray movement/proportions will be soooo much easier.

If anyone here, maybe a med/art student, has any tips on where to start, or any demonstrations, I'd be eternally grateful.

(Also, let me know if I should move this topic! Wasn't quite sure where to put it, in all honesty…)

Omg I'm the exact same! I'm gonna follow this because I really need this as well.

Well, @NutEllaDraws-lost-count is the resident expert on art tutorials and the like - she has a plethora of helpful videos/links that she can deploy on command like a general. very very cool. Hopefully this should have summoned her. (Generally I'd recommend checking the art discussion board as well for things like this.)

that all being said, anatomy is a Big Oof for me as well - generally, I've heard it's best to start with the bones and then work your way up through muscles and skin. Especially in the beginning, "studying bones" does not equal rendering out beautifully shaded skeletons (though that may be a cool idea as well idk) but looking at the proportions and how things relate to each other. so using sketchy blocks, lines and circles for joints and stuff is encouraged, and you get more technical as you go. this is a pretty helpful introduction to the principle.
(but also, do render out skulls. it's great fun even if it's not supremely helpful)
(and if you're really interested in the actual specific details of the human system, surface googling recommended this site which I think has pretty cool graphics! I could also ask my sister (who's a nurse) for more resources on this if you're interested)

personally, I've found that one of the most important things when it comes to posing is motion. having a super accurate grasp of anatomy is always commendable, but understanding things like balance, lines of action, and weight distribution really help make poses less stiff and more natural. So I'd recommend studying other artists and trying to deconstruct their poses (obviously as personal practice, not to like… spread on the interwebs without credit), as well as referencing photos of people in action (like ballerinas. ballerinas are generally a great study in anatomy and motion.)

I say all this as if I somehow know what I'm doing?? I don't. I have no idea. art is hard. anatomy is hard. drawing an entire image completely without reference sounds like a distant pipe dream

I say all this as if I somehow know what I'm doing?? I don't. I have no idea. art is hard. anatomy is hard. drawing an entire image completely without reference sounds like a distant pipe dream

This is my new senior quote tbh. Although it's probably too late to change it…. :/

Thank you for the references and general encouragement! I wasn't expecting anyone to reply that quickly.

And as for balance and weight distribution, I never really thought of it? I guess it's one of those things you know, but never actively plan out until you look for it…hmm… I'll have to experiment with some of this soon. (Right after I finish some homework I've been putting off lol)

I'll have to check out the artboard, and maybe post some stuff to have critiqued. I have a friend girl who said she'd give me her books on anatomy before she leaves for the Navy, so that should hopefully help, too.

Anyways, I'm word vomiting again. Thank you again for your help! :D

haha, it's definitely a mood!
(please do let me know if you find any more resources that work for you? I'd also love to learn better anatomy)
all the best with your drawing!

basically what @ninja_violinist said, start with the skeleton/basic shapes, look at other artists, understand balance and lines of action, ballerinas, all that good stuff.
…I’m not really good at explaining anatomy so I’ll let some better artists do that:
here are some pretty great tutorials

the anatomy quick tips series, which is honestly a life changer, 10/10, must watch

And here are some reference generators, so you don’t have to awkwardly google anything that would look suspicious in your search history
http://reference.sketchdaily.net/en
https://quickposes.com/en
https://line-of-action.com/
And remember, anatomy is hard. No amount of tutorials will make you instantly good, and that’s okay. It’s something that takes a lot of time and practice, so if your first few studies don’t look right, don’t be discouraged. Just keep going. You got this, fren. <3

If I could, I would make videos for you to use, but I am secretly using a school Chromebook, so yes… but I can try to figure some stuff out this coming week when I am on break.
Edit: I definitely would not say I have bones and muscles memorized by name, but when drawing I can sketch and finish a character with somewhat proper anatomy(I draw a combo of manga and realistic style).

P.S. If you have any video making sites that work on Chromebooks, then let me know(if your even interested)….. Also I draw using pen and paper, not digital, so ya.