Thursday, May 19, 2016

Drawing Human Figures In Pencil

By Helen Baker


While there are a number of different mediums which can be used for drawing, charcoal, ink and graphite are often the most popular. When drawing human figures in pencil, many artists prefer to use different shades and tones of graphite. Generally, by changing different soft and hard tones of graphite, an artist can enhance and highlight shapes and curves in the human form.

When it comes to drawing and sketching, terms used can vary widely. Most often when drawing from a live art model, the correct term is life drawing. Whereas, those drawing from figurines, photographs, skeletons and other items are considered to be figure drawing. In the latter, the form can include different colors, tones, shapes, sizes and postures all created with different mediums.

For most artists, figure drawing is often the most difficult of artist undertakings. In fact, entire courses are now dedicated to the subject at colleges, universities and museums worldwide. Most likely, due to the flexibility and enduring themes associated with this type work.

Different artists take different approaches when drawing the human form. For example, some may draw from photographs while others may use skeletal models. Whereas, some artist may draw solely from inspiration and memory. While this is case, most denounce drawing from photographs due to past comes which have often fallen flat in comparison to other mediums.

While light, dark and shadow play an important role in photography, the same goes for life and figure drawing. Artists often use light and shadow against the surface and curves of the body when sketching a live model. Whereas, others use light and shadow to create shapes and other figures within a primary drawing.

One reason a number of artists prefer to use graphite is that unlike ink and charcoal, it can be erased and manipulated. When using graphite, artists also have more choices when it comes to shades and tones as pencils often come in a variety of soft and hard options. By using these different aspects and elements, an artist can highlight specific points in a piece by casting either a light or shadow on the object.

Some artists prefer to draw in pencil then retrace with ink. While this is a valid artistic process, it does eliminate the ability to correct mistakes. Whereas, many 17th and 18th century artists liked to start with a colored tone then add shade in black while portraying any highlights in white using either crayon or ink. Whereas, others would be found using more vibrant colors when it came to artists like Matisse, Monet and others.

While not well known, it was not until the 19th century that women were admitted into life and figure drawing classes. Although, when touring a museum, it is fairly easy to notice the disproportionate amount of female to male artists of the period. Perhaps one reason Georgia O'Keefe and others have now become some of the most popular artists and photographers of the 20th century.




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