How to Draw Gesture

Summary

In this figure drawing tutorial, Stan Prokopenko emphasizes the importance of 'gesture' in capturing the essence of movement. He explains that gesture is not about contours or form but the flow that connects them. Prokopenko suggests practicing quicksketches to internalize gesture recognition, which is crucial for dynamic figure drawing. He introduces concepts like the 'Line of Action' and the use of 'C', 'S', and straight lines to simplify and convey motion effectively. The video also touches on the expressive potential of exaggerating poses and the importance of asymmetry in body language, promising further guidance and resources for mastering gesture drawing.

Takeaways

• 🎨 **Gesture Importance**: Gesture is crucial in figure drawing as it captures the movement and flow, not just the form or contour.
• 🏃 **Understanding Gesture**: Gesture is the essence of motion and action, connecting different parts of a figure in a drawing.
• 🤔 **Beyond Details**: Focusing on the gesture rather than just the anatomical details can lead to more dynamic and expressive drawings.
• ⏱️ **Quicksketch Practice**: Practicing quicksketches helps in developing the ability to perceive and capture gesture quickly.
• 🚶 **Gesture in Life Drawing**: Gesture is the primary concern in life drawing sessions, where poses vary in duration.
• 👀 **Seeing the Gesture**: Training the eye to see gesture immediately is key to improving figure drawing skills.
• 🎭 **Gesture and Storytelling**: Gesture can be used to tell a story by capturing body language and conveying emotions.
• 🔍 **Longest Axis Focus**: When drawing, focus on the longest axis of the form to find the fluid motion and gesture.
• 🌀 **CSI Approach**: Use simple curves (C, S, I) to eliminate unnecessary details and capture the gesture effectively.
• ➰ **Line of Action**: Identify the main line that shows the directional flow of the pose, known as the 'Line of Action'.
• 🌊 **Curve Dynamics**: The 'bendiness' of the curve used in drawing can indicate the level of tension or relaxation in the gesture.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the first video in the figure drawing series by Stan Prokopenko?

The main focus of the first video in the figure drawing series is on the concept of 'gesture', which refers to the movement that connects the contours, forms, and tones in a drawing.

Why is gesture considered important in figure drawing according to Stan Prokopenko?

Gesture is considered important because it captures the rhythm, motion, action, and flow of a figure, which are essential for conveying the story and emotions through body language, rather than just focusing on the details of anatomy.

What is the purpose of quicksketch exercises in art school as described by Stan Prokopenko?

Quicksketch exercises are used to train artists to see and capture the gesture of a figure quickly, which helps in designing details that complement the gesture instead of randomly copying them.

How long does a typical quicksketch session last and what is the range of poses per session?

A typical quicksketch session lasts 2-3 hours, with poses ranging from 30 seconds to 10 minutes each.

What is the 'Line of Action' in gesture drawing?

The 'Line of Action' is the main line that shows the directional flow of a pose, often attempting to connect the head to the toes with one long line or a combination of curves.

How does the 'bendiness' of a curve in gesture drawing affect the perception of the gesture?

A longer, fluid curve gives a relaxed feeling, while a more bent or zig zag curve indicates tension and sudden changes in movement.

What does Stan Prokopenko suggest to do before watching the step-by-step video on gesture quick sketches?

Stan Prokopenko suggests practicing the concepts of gesture drawing on your own before watching the step-by-step video to have a better understanding and be able to pull more information from it.

Where can viewers find reference photos for gesture drawing practice as mentioned in the video?

Viewers can find reference photos for gesture drawing practice at proko.com/poses.

What is the significance of the longest axis when finding the gesture of a form?

The longest axis is significant because it helps in finding the fluid motion from one form to the next, which is essential for capturing the gesture.

What does Stan Prokopenko mean by 'CSI' in the context of gesture drawing?

In the context of gesture drawing, 'CSI' refers to using simple lines such as C curves, S curves, or straight lines (I) to eliminate unnecessary information and capture the gesture.

How does the asymmetry of the body influence the gesture in figure drawing?

The asymmetry of the body, with alternating angles from the head to the lower leg, creates alternating C curves that lead the eye through the body, adding to the dynamic flow of the gesture.