The Timeless Appeal of Drawing the Human Figure

Artists throughout the ages have always been drawn to the human figure as a worthy subject. Some of the most famous works of art throughout history are portraits that give us glimpses into the human condition and varied lifestyles that have been experienced.

When you think about the complex nature of the human form and the draw of observing and understanding your own kind, it's not surprising how enduring figure drawing is as a preferred style of art.

Observing the Human Body Brings Greater Understanding of Self

Most people give little thought to the constant interplay of muscles and tendons to create expressions and postures, or how the bone structure is necessary to move at all. However, when you train as an artist, or simply enjoy drawing the human form, these constant small gestures become more appreciated. 

As you take the time to map out every feature and limb of your subject, you may start to have a greater appreciation for what your own body is capable of. You may marvel at the strength and endurance of the human body and make more of an effort to treat your own with care. 

Taking more of an interest in your health is a positive side effect of drawing human figures. You may be more interested in eating well and caring for your body and mind by taking a good supplement. Proper health is also important to have the stamina to complete your artwork. You will need to remain at your easel for great lengths of time to perfect your style. This Le-Vel Thrive reviews outline a quality lifestyle supplement that can give you greater energy and boost your overall health so you can continue to pursue your craft. 

It's Personal and Emotional

Each movement and attribute of a person tells a unique story of that individual's life and experience. Are their hands callused and rough? Perhaps they did a lot of manual labor or have a love of gardening in their spare time.

If you know the subject of your drawing on a personal level, this intense study of their figure can give you greater empathy and insight into who they truly are.

Even the drawing of a stranger evokes a feeling of connection and compassion. You can't help but wonder what has caused the deep lines on someone's face, or how they received the scar you can see on their arm. If they move gracefully, could they be a dancer? Do their stiff and unsure movements indicate pain or illness? You start to create a story about the person you are drawing, and the more invested you are, the more beautiful your finished work will be. 

There is Room for Interpretation

The ever-changing human form inspires so much creativity, especially when you also consider the environment that surrounds it. You may start to observe how the light is hitting your subject and use that image to introduce a new technique or medium into your drawing.

While some artists prefer to draw what they see as realistically as possible, others choose to take the basic shapes and ideas that their subjects present as a jumping-off place to develop their talent in new and surprising ways. As Picasso helped to develop Cubism, you may just find the next artistic trend or at least an exciting and unfamiliar way to express yourself. 

The Complexity of the Human Form Presents a Challenge

Observe your own body for a moment or take a look at the people surrounding you. Have you ever noticed and truly appreciated the play of muscles, bones, and joints that allow for each movement a human makes, or how the proportions shift in various poses?

Think about the vast number of parts that are needed to work together to allow a human body to do basic functions. When you draw the human figure, you begin to notice subtle shifts in posture and the bunch and tension of each muscle. 

The complex nature of the human body is both beautiful and challenging to capture through art. Any good artist will love the chance to dive deeper into their chosen medium and practice their skills with such a complicated and interesting subject.