CHAPTER 2
Figure 2.1 Use a simplified skeleton like the one shown here to start your drawing.
Figure Construction
✎
17
I
n this chapter I will cover how to construct the figure using some sim-
plified methods to make the process of drawing a little easier. I will start
by showing you how to build a simple structure as the basis for defining
dimension and proportion. This structure will become the foundation of your
figure drawings. You will then be able to use it to develop a finished figure
drawing.
Drawing from the Inside Out
At the beginning of every figure drawing, the artist is faced with a daunting task in
defining a subject that is painfully complex yet supremely organized. Without ini-
tially simplifying the figure, the artist may become overwhelmed.
It is very important in the initial stages of a figure drawing to be able to use some
kind of simple framework to define the dimensions and proportions of the figure
on the paper. The artist needs a simple and accurate system for starting the figure
on paper without getting bogged down in too much detail. One way of doing this
that works well for me is to go back to the foundation of the figure itself and draw
a simplified skeletal structure. Figure 2.1 shows a simplified skeleton; notice that
it isn’t too much more complex than a simple stick figure.
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Figure Drawing with Virtual Models
The simplified skeleton should be
proportionally correct, as shown in
Figure 2.2, where I have overlaid
the same proportion chart used in
Chapter 1.
This simplified figure is very useful

back is flexible and the lower part of
the human torso usually counterbal-
ances the upper torso.
Figure 2.4 Start
by drawing an
oval for the
ribcage.
Figure 2.5 Add
the spine and
head to your
drawing.
Figure 2.6 Draw
the hips next.
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Figure Drawing with Virtual Models
Figure 2.7 Draw the legs and arms of the figure. Figure 2.8 Draw in the hands, feet, and knees.
7
The last step is to draw simple shapes for the
hands, feet, and knees, as shown in Figure
2.8.
5
Now draw lines indicating the shoulders and
arms across the top of the ribcage.
6
Draw the legs coming down from the hips, as
shown in Figure 2.7.
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Figure Construction
The skeleton that you just drew
should fit over the top of the fig-