When drawing a male figure, keep in mind that they are less curvaceous
than females. Their bodies are box-like and defined. They have more
muscle mass and agility. Their shoulders are broader, creating a sharp
and bold physique all together. From the side view, you can see how the
body is perfectly straight with no prominent curves like women. The grey
line indicates the line of motion or 'balance' for the figures.
STEP 2.
Here's just a basic
overview on three main body types for men. The first one is of course,
the muscular or 'body builder'. The body has thin defining lines that
indicate tone and definition of muscle mass. As we scale down to the
average body, you'll see how the details because less intense. The pink
arrows point to the lines which give the figure realism and depth. If
you're going to draw a muscular character, I would consider viewing a
mass amount of reference photos of muscular men.
STEP 3.
Female Anatomy Basics| The
difference between drawing female figures, is that females are generally
more 'curvy' than males. The hips and shoulders are almost ALIGNED
perfectly when compared vertically to one another. It's best to observe
references of the female body in motion to get a general idea on how it
poses in diverse formats. If needed, get yourself a posable mannequin.
Note* A typical height of a female is 6-7 heads. This means, if you
stacked the size of their heads vertically, you'd have the average and
logical height. Notice how the body is proportioned and the hips almost
perfectly aligned with the shoulders. Note that female shoulders DO NOT
sharpen and erect perfectly straight like the horridly drawn figure to
the right. Observation is key!
STEP 4.
Breast Variations| Now,
here's a quick front and side turnaround on how diverse sizes of breasts
can take affect on the figure. We have the very small, average, above
average, and large DD cup breasts. Because gravity is continuously
active on objects; the breasts will sink downwards with a sort of
protrusion at the tips (nipples). NEVER draw breasts bulging outwards as
if there is a force pushing them outwards or upwards, as shown in the
figures demonstrated in grey. Also, keep notice on the patterned lines
that trim the middle of the breasts on each figure. This dictates how
overlaying objects will morph within the shape of its parent (clothes,
accessories, etc
STEP 5.
When drawing clothes on
bodies, it's critical to keep in mind that clothing has different
effects on the female and male bodies. It's also important to know the
differences and principles of drawing these opposite genders. I would
suggest heading over to my "how to draw anime bodies" tutorial that will
teach you very basic limits on the female and male bodies. Again,
females have curvier bodies, and of course 'breasts'. Their shoulders
are also softer and smaller than men. Notice how male bodies are sharper
with very broad shoulders. This is because, men are built to provide
for the women; which means hunting, fighting, and traveling requires
strength and endurance. Again, reference and observe!
STEP 6.
To begin this clothing
tutorial, I would like to discuss the various types of bodies, and how
they effect the clothes worn. Here we have three different bodies; one
is stubby and chubby, the other is the average lean man, and the last is
a muscular body builder. Observe carefully on how the same styles of
clothes are effected by the shapes of the bodies. Notice that the stubby
body has less wrinkles with slight indication of wrinkle at the
tightest regions. The clothes stick to this body shape, emphasizing the
features a lot more than the average body figure. Now, moving onto the
middle figure, we see that there's a nice amount of wrinkles in the most
active areas. The next figure, which is the muscular man, has the same
application as the stubby body. The clothing sticks to most protruding
part of body, which are obviously the muscles. The wrinkles are also
stretched around the biggest of muscles. To further your observational
skills, study lots and lots of references on how clothing effects the
many varieties of bodies!
STEP 7.
Begin by drawing the body
guides to create a workable frame. First, draw the head guide shape,
then the torso and hip guides. Sketch in the guidelines for the neck,
arm and to connect the top to the bottom.
STEP 8.
Using the guide you just
made, draw the shape or define the shape for the girl's face. When that
is done you can draw in the bang and some hair.
STEP 9.
We will now tackle the task
of drawing out the body starting with the neck, shoulders, arms and
then the torso. This is a female so the chest needs to be drawn in a
feminine manner.
STEP 10.
We will add a top. For this female model it's a simple halter. Add the cleavage and then draw the collar bones.
STEP 11.
We will sketch out the
rest of the body shape beginning with the back arch, then draw the butt
shape and then finally the thighs and crotch. Don't forget to draw the
forearm as well.
STEP 12.
Finish off this lesson by
drawing the left arm and then her right hand or fingers. We will sketch
in some detailing to add realism to the body like the bellybutton, and
bone definition for the pelvic area. Sketch in a hairstyle you like or
draw the short cut you see here. When you are happy with your drawing
you can erase the mistakes and guides.
STEP 13.
That's it, you are all
done. Now you can color in your body drawing or use what you've learned
to make your own character/figure.
