How To Draw Male Form
Drawing Male Form may seem tricky and daunting to many, but with a small amount of dedication, anyone can learn to draw impressive figures. Whether sketching or painting, getting the male form right requires an understanding of the male form’s construction. It involves knowing anatomy and anatomy structures, such as muscles and bone structure. Mastering the use of facial expression and body language will help as well.
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools and materials; a diverse range of pencils, pens and paints should cover your needs. Choosing the right paper, such as drawing paper, can also make a big difference in the success of your work. Drawing on standard printer paper tends to give mixed results.
Start by Observing and Studying the Male Form. Take some time to look at physical male models, from magazines, photos and even sculptures. Find one to work from that you can observe in the flesh. This will give you the basics. When you have familiarised yourself with the general shape of the male body, start thinking about your concept and the proportions of your artwork.
Next, Define the Perspective of Your Drawing. Is the figure going to be viewed from the side, front, back or diagonal? This will dictate the pose and angles of the body and the placement of the arms and legs. A simple way to start is to draw a stick figure, setting out the basic shape and proportions.
Bear in Mind the Visual Effects of Skin Tone, Hair and Clothing. Try using a broader range of tones and highlights on your subject, to replicate the area of sunlight and the contrasting shadows. Note the structure of the musculature, taking into account all the tone, volume, form and shadow of the body, all necessary in the realistic depiction of the figure.
Different Ethnic Variables can Make a Difference. African, European, Middle Eastern and Asian men, all maintain different builds, body proportions and muscle structures. For example, African males tend to be muscular, Middle Eastern males tend to be thinner, and Asians tend to have broader hands and feet. Pay attention to these details and the carvings in their anatomy.
And now for the Elements of The Face and Proper Proportioning. In order to capture the male face realistically, begin by observing its key points, such as the bone structure, eyes, mouth, eyebrows and ears. Don’t forget to give the figure emotional and expressive facial features. Depending on your concept, pay attention to the hairstyle, too.
Now bring the Figure to Life Through Movement and Proportion. To illustrate life, carefully sketch the placement of body parts in the right proportions and provide enough detail in the ankles, wrists, elbows and shoulders. As an aid when illustrating the male form, use guidelines such as the Rule of Fifths and the Golden Rule to assist you.
Finally, Examine the Anatomy of the Different Muscle Groups. Look at the back, chest, arms, hips and legs, to draw your figure in the pose you wish to portray. Notice the planes of the body, keeping in mind the muscles that are closest to the drawing surface, and those that are less noticeable, to capture the essence of the male form.
These fundamental steps should provide you with a platform from which to begin your own creative journey. With practice and patience, you can create outstanding pieces of the male form that are full of visual power and energy. Showcase your artwork and after a short time, you’ll be an expert on drawing the male form.
