See a drawing demo which explains the anatomy of the back while also showing pencil drawing techniques to achieve a convincing sense of realistic form.
- Watch the 4 min. version
- Watch the 80 min. version
Anatomical landmarks shown include the scapula, pelvis, centerline, the Posterior Superior Iliac Spine, and more.
Techniques for creating tone are shown using graphite powder, a white plastic eraser, a kneaded eraser, and a graphite stick on charcoal paper.
Demo led by Art Prof Clara Lieu.
Video Walkthrough
- Curvature of the centerline on the back.
- Don’t just outline the figure, draw inside and through the figure.
- Look for areas of compression in the muscles and fat.
- Block in a large “rug of tone” with the graphite stick
- The difference between charcoal powder and graphite powder.
- Graphite powder is incredibly messy.
- Smudge with your fingers and also your palm.
- Graphite powder allows for soft smooth areas and rougher marks.
- Reductive drawing technique: removing highlights with your eraser.
- White plastic eraser is great for very bold areas of highlights.
- Crisp edges vs. soft areas.
- There is a back and forth between adding and subtracting.
- Look for the reflected light in the figure.
- The back is a very subtle form, it’s challenging to draw for that reason.
- Look for where the skin stretches in the torso.
- Signs that you are almost finished with the drawing.
Prof Lieu’s Tips
![Clara cartoon](png/img_4091-2.png)
It’s easy to think that the human figure is all smooth. Certainly that is true in some places on the figure, but often too much smoothness can give the figure a plastic feeling that feels unnatural.
![](jpg/img_4018.jpg)
You need the variety and textures to give your figure drawings a more naturalistic feel.
Art Supplies
- Kneaded Eraser
- Staedtler Mars White Plastic Eraser
- Graphite Powder
- Faber-Castell Woodless Pencil, 9B
- Masonite Drawing Board
- Strathmore Charcoal Paper
Muscles & Landmarks mentioned
- Centerline
- Deltoid
- Trapezius
Bones mentioned
- Scapula
- Pelvis
- PSIS (Posterior Superior Iliac Spine)
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