The best way to hone your figuring drawing skills is to practice. Even if you are primarily interested in landscape painting, you should be able to depict incidental figures to give a feeling of life to the subject. The figure is a foil to a landscape, and if it is not executed convincingly it can destroy the effect of an otherwise good canvas.
Life drawing should be a part of your training, and, if possible, should be acquired in an art school. However, you can learn to draw the figure well by sketching people at every opportunity. Sketch people in the subway, in the park, at home, at play. Draw at all times.
Observe how people walk, sit, and stand; notice their gestures. You will discover that you can often identify someone you know at a distance by the way his head rests on his shoulders, and you will see the different postures of the old and the young. Make notes on how clothes are draped on a person, and how wrinkles form in a sleeve when the arm is bent, raised, and hanging at the side.
The drawings do not have to be large - from 2 to 6 inches will do. They will probably have to be small if you are trying to capture any action. Indicate the line of action first and then draw the figure around it. Some of your early attempts may resemble scribbling, but get the action.
Obtain a small sketchpad that can fit into your pocket or purse and carry it with you at all times. Fill the pages with sketches, using a pencil, a fountain pen, or the newer felt-tip pen. If you use a pencil, don't use an eraser. You are not out to collect neat pads of figure drawings. If the line is not right redraw a corrected heavier line over it.
The advantage of using a pen is that it leads to a more direct handling. But do not be concerned about technical handling of the pen. Put the lines down as you feel them. Observe how the shape of a suit or a dress is affected by the figure.
In time your pads will contain a collection of both action sketches and studies of form. As these pads are filled you will develop your figure drawing and acquire enough knowledge to place a single figure or a group of figures convincingly in your composition.
While constant sketching will increase your powers of observation and general facility in handling incidental figures, some time should be spent learning at least the rudiments of anatomy. Study bone and muscle structure, so that you acquire knowledge of how it affects the figure. It is not essential to know all of the anatomical designations, but you should be able to identify and know the function of the main bones and muscles. You should know the relative proportions of the male and female figure. Most important is to know the working of the movable masses, that is, the head, the rib cage (chest), and the pelvis.
There is no substitute for drawing the figure from life, but you can get a great deal of help from wooden or plastic manikins, which are for sale at most art shops. They can be studied to advantage by checking with an anatomy book in arranging the various positions.
The Languedoc Roussillon region lies just south of Toulouse in Southern France. Its an area of truly outstanding beauty. Within the regions boundaries there are a wealth of activities to enjoy and places to visit, including Carcassonne, Perpignan and the capital Montpellier.
Aude is an idyllic place to spend a relaxed holiday in the South of France. Offering easy access to the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenean mountains, you have the choice between peace and tranquillity, skiing or sun bathing by the Med. You really are spoilt for choice.
The Aude region is famous for "Les Chateaux Du Pays Cathare" with local castles, towns and villages dating back well over 800 years. Historic towns such as Revel, Mirepoix, Foix, Fanjeaux, Limoux and Castres are all well worth a visit, whilst a look round the noted wine regions of the area' Fitou, Corbieres, and Minervois are a must, along with a spot of wine tasting.
The market town of Castelnaudary is also worth putting on your list of places to visit. The town is famous for its traditional dish known as Cassoulet, which is served in almost every restaurant in town. English TV Chef Rick Stein, visited Castelnaudary when he travelled along the Canal du Midi exploring the local cuisine of the area, he fell in love with the simplicity of Cassoulet.
Two beautiful lakes of note, Lac de la Ganguise and the Lac de St Ferreol both have great beaches providing activities for all ages, including walking, sailing and mini-golf. 18 Hole courses can be found in Carcassonne, Mazamet and near Toulouse.
Mazamet is close to the Black Mountains (La Montagne Noire) to the north east, whilst the Pyrenees are about an hour to the south. Both regions provide the opportunity to take walks of varying degrees of difficulty and also offer great routes for the cycling enthusiast.
The Pyrenees boast a number of ski resorts which during the winter months offer great skiing for all levels, whilst Axe le Therme also caters for all levels of skiers and is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year.
Aude really does have something for every one looking to enjoy a holiday in France, peaceful tranquility to skiing, horse riding to cycling, great dining to wine tasting, you'll never be short of things to do.
Both Jimmy Cox & Richard Taylor are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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