Drawing people sitting can seem like a daunting task, but with some practice, it can become easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an experienced professional, capturing the human figure in an interesting pose can be quite rewarding. Here’s a quick guide on how to successfully draw people in a seated or reclined position.
Get the Basics Right
The very first step to drawing a person seated is to get the proportion and shape of the body right. Start by sketching a very basic and simple shape – the head and torso, arms, legs and feet. A few quick lines and curves will allow you to get a feel for the figure’s size and orientation. Pay close attention to the distance from head to foot and the curvature of the torso. These are the framework for your drawing.
Focus on Posture
Once you’ve got the basic shape of the person nailed down, it’s time to focus on the posture. This is where things can get tricky because the posture needs to be believable and anatomically correct. To get it right, assess the different elements of the posture – the angle of the torso, the orientation of the legs and feet, the position of the arms, etc. All these elements must work in harmony to create a natural looking figure.
Always Use Reference
Using reference photos is essential when undertaking any kind of figure drawing. Having an image next to your drawing will make it easier to spot mistakes and get the details right. Observe the folds of clothing, skin texture and the way light plays on the figure. This will help you make your figure look realistic and convincing.
Be Mindful of Proportion
Pay close attention to proportion when drawing. It’s easy to go overboard and make your figure look too large or too small. Look at the width of the arms in comparison to the torso, the length of the legs, etc. This will help you create a well-balanced figure that looks believable and lifelike.
Pay Attention to Details
Once you’ve got the basic shape and posture down, it’s time to add details and refine your work. Think about the different elements – the clothing, facial features, accessories, etc. It’s easy to get carried away, so try to stay focused on the basics. That way, you can create a figure that looks real and dynamic.
Be Creative With Clothing and Accessories
Don’t forget to add a touch of creativity and individuality to your drawings. The clothing, accessories and poses of the figure can tell a story or express a certain emotion. Let your imagination run wild and don’t be afraid to try out new and interesting ideas. This can really bring your figures to life!
Experiment With Different Materials
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to start experimenting with different materials and techniques. Take a pencil and explore the different ways line and tone can be used to create form. Try out different types of paper and see how they affect the look of your drawing. Have fun and find what works best for you!
Practice, Practice, Practice
Of course, nothing beats practice when it comes to honing your skills. So, don’t be afraid to get down and dirty. Draw as often as you can and really push yourself to the limits. The more practice you get, the better you’ll become at creating believable and lifelike figures.
Don’t be Afraid of Mistakes
Lastly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Drawing people isn’t easy, and you’re bound to mess up more often than not. That’s okay. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Embrace them and use them as an opportunity to learn and grow.
