My rough knowledge of the human figure's structure guides my wrist even when drawing the cartooniest people! The figure is basically a three part "trunk" comprised of the movable masses of head + chest + pelvis, with appendages following. A serious study of the skeletal structure and how it encourages the muscles while accommodating them might strike the cartoon minded novice as unnecessary however when you push yourself further, you not only draw people better, you cartoon better. A committed practice of drawing the human figure in dynamic poses trains your eye, mind and wrist together and stokes your skill in drawing any observable form. Attending live model figure drawing sessions will improve your skill regardless of your focus, cartooning or otherwise. Excellent live model figure sessions* are happening all over Seattle.
Below is an image from George Bridgman whose book, in my opinion, is a great starting point for cartooning students who want to kick it up a notch.
Below is an image from George Bridgman whose book, in my opinion, is a great starting point for cartooning students who want to kick it up a notch.
Bridgman's line work has cartoonists' energy. A good cartoon image has flair, directness and "life" in the line-work. Bridgman's blocky, exaggerated interpretations of the figure escort you across that bridge between classical figure study and the cartoon character.
Bridgman, in his anatomical schematics, exaggerates in order to help you feel the figure's contours and they are not to be taken as literal document. People don't look like Bridgman's figures but Bridgman's figures look alive.
We also discussed clothing folds. Accuracy in dropping in the lines representing the folds in a character's attire is important in making the action in an overall comic panel feel right.
*Life drawing groups around Seattle:
http://www.tsugafineart.com/Classes-Art.cfm?ArtistsID=1155&NewID=11991
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeattleDrawing/
https://shawnaartmodel.weebly.com/events-that-i-host.html
There is also an excellent session every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at
Artist & Craftsman Supply in The University District, hosted by Jamie Bollenbach.
Email Jamie at jamie.bollenbach@gmail.com
Bridgman, in his anatomical schematics, exaggerates in order to help you feel the figure's contours and they are not to be taken as literal document. People don't look like Bridgman's figures but Bridgman's figures look alive.
We also discussed clothing folds. Accuracy in dropping in the lines representing the folds in a character's attire is important in making the action in an overall comic panel feel right.
*Life drawing groups around Seattle:
http://www.tsugafineart.com/Classes-Art.cfm?ArtistsID=1155&NewID=11991
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeattleDrawing/
https://shawnaartmodel.weebly.com/events-that-i-host.html
There is also an excellent session every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at
Artist & Craftsman Supply in The University District, hosted by Jamie Bollenbach.
Email Jamie at jamie.bollenbach@gmail.com
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