PK 077: Jon deMartin on Classical Figure Drawing Techniques

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Experienced artist Jon deMartin explains the many benefits of classical figure drawing techniques in this podcast

“Learning how to draw geometric shapes first is incredibly important. If you can’t draw a cylinder coming towards you, then you’re not going to be able to draw an arm coming towards you.”

~ Jon deMartin

Which figure drawing techniques will help you the most?

For experienced artist and tutor, Jon deMartin, the classical figure drawing techniques of studying from life and sculptures are still the best.

And, in this week’s podcast, he explains why studying basic geometric shapes  and learning through observation will always give you better results than drawing from photographs.

Classical Figure Drawing Techniques Explained

Jon deMartin has been an artist and tutor for more than 20 years and he’s helped countless students improve their figure drawing skills.

But his approach isn’t based on any radical new techniques or fancy software.

Because, as he explains in his new book, Drawing Atelier – The Figure, the techniques studied by the old masters are still the best way to understand the form of the human body and draw people accurately.

So why do these techniques work so well?

It’s because classical figure drawing techniques encourage you to break the body down into simple geometric shapes, such as spheres, cylinders, and boxes.

And, once you’ve mastered drawing these simple shapes and studying how they look in perspective, you’ll be amazed at how much simpler it becomes to draw the human body.

As Jon says: “If you can’t draw a cylinder coming towards you, then you won’t be able to draw an arm coming towards you.

“Taking a few weeks to learn how to draw geometric shapes first is such a worthwhile investment of your time, because it’ll save you many hours of confusion in the long term.”

How to Practice Classical Figure Drawing Techniques

So, why not learn the same way the great masters did?

You don’t need the latest graphics tablet or drawing app. All you need is a pencil and some paper.

And, if you don’t have a model to draw from, just head down to your nearest museum to sketch the statues you see there.

Doing this will help you see the human body as a 3D form, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly your drawing skills start to improve.

And, once you’re comfortable with these classical figure drawing techniques, you’ll be able to draw pretty much everything more accurately.

Listen to this week’s show and learn:

• Why observation and practice are the key to better figure drawings
• Why drawing from photographs will only get you so far
• Why drawing the human body will help you become a better artist

People on this Episode:

• Mitch
• Jon

Links From This Episode:

• Drawing Atelier – The Figure
• Jon’s Figure Drawings
• Jon’s Figure Paintings

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Thanks for listening to our show! We’ll be back next Wednesday morning 8AM EST.

Cheers,

Mitch

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