Highlight muscles in male figures

Start with the basic structure lines, then sketch complete forms. Figure 1 illustrates the average male body and that of a boxer who has had to develop powerful muscles in arms back, chest and shoulders. Notice the clearly defined muscles on each side of the mid-line depression, the narrow hips, wide shoulders and bulging muscles. You can see how they look from the rear in Figure 2 (how muscles groups are drawn). Note the curved spine. Body hair is suggested by short fine lines.

Proportions

You can learn all the proportions of the human body by memory. However, there are four measurements that can help you. The width of the upper body, including the arms, equals twice the depth of the head.

The distance from the chin to the belly-button equals the same measurement. And so too does the measurement from the fingertips to the elbow.The distance from the back of the neck to the bottom of the buttocks equals the depth of three heads.The proportions may vary slightly from person to person, but they are a good basic guide.After experience is gained, it's possible to judge if a drawing is right by just looking at it. No matter how loose clothing is, it has to be drawn as if it covers a sturdy frame - which it actually does. Stripes on a shirt, sleeves or trunks can aid us to record shape.

Study Figure 3. Observe the way creases and folds run. They may be curved, pulled down or up, but are always forced out of line by prominent parts of the body.

Drawing a motionless naked model can become rather dull and very hard work. Sitting unseen in a cafe, a coffee shop or library, sketching people as they relax, is rewarding and an excellent form of practise. It is also the fastest way of becoming a good artist. The action men in figure 4 show the way clothes can suggest power and movement.

The sporting pages of newspapers will provide dozens of photographs of subjects in different sports wear for you to practise.