How To Draw People

by Nikesh
(ontario, canada)

I'm having a hard time learning the muscles, proportions and being able to shift them in any way i choose when drawing a person.

I think that learning the names of the muscles won't help because to me the names won't help me draw the figure. I'm trying to use tracing paper and comic books to sketch out simple stick figure version of the finished drawing to get an idea. but when i want to completely finish the drawing, it never looks good at all.

So basically is there a way besides the usual practice aspect that i can draw people, men and women from my head, like what comic artists do?

Answer From Kerry:

Hi Nikesh
Drawing the human figure from memory/imagination takes years of practice. Actually, drawing the human figure is the hardest thing to accomplish - just ask me because I'm still trying to get it right!

You can buy little mannequin models from art shops and you can put them in all sorts of poses to practice from, maybe something like that might help you?

I'm going to open the floor to all guest artists to see if they have some good advice for you. Good luck!