Anatomy for Artists: Man in Motion

Many artists start the exploration of their chosen medium by creating reproductions of stationary object or scene, such as still life subjects or landscapes. There is something comforting about being able to refer over and over to the scene or reference photograph as you take the time to get every line and curve correct. However, everything changes when the amateur artist moves on from stationary scenes and attempts to reproduce the human form as it’s engaged in a motion or activity. Without the right techniques and understanding of the human form, the body can appear awkward and cartoonish, leading many artists to avoid this type of painting or drawing all together. If you’ve been afraid to include bodies in motion in your artistic compositions, this art instruction video from the creative minds at On Air Video is just the motivation and guidance you’ve been looking for. During the course of this art instruction workshop, students will have the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful yet simple discussion of the mechanics and anatomy that are hidden behind the smallest movement or activity, including: running, walking, jumping, climbing, lifting, throwing, boxing, pushing, pulling, dragging, carrying and more.. Students will benefit from the use of a live model that demonstrates a variety of pertinent motions as the voice-over explains and defines the characteristics of each from the artist’s perspective. The workshop gives artists the ability to view each movement three different camera angles, and breaks down each action frame by frame. This unique way of examining the human form will allow students to concentrate on the most pertinent challenges of recreating a body in motion, including: major muscle groups, key frames of actions, and the relationship between balance and movement. Artists of all skill levels will find that by improving their knowledge of the kinetics of the human form, they will be empowered to draw or paint with dynamism and realism.