SKETCH PEOPLE simply & loosely in 3 STEPS!

Summary

In this sketching tutorial, Scotty demonstrates how to draw a person in three simple steps using a loose and expressive approach. He begins by sketching the main shapes and proportions of the figure, using head measurements as a guide. Next, he adds details such as facial features, clothing wrinkles, and accessories, while keeping the drawing light and simple. Finally, Scotty shows how to apply washes of color, shading, and highlights to bring the sketch to life, using techniques like splattering for texture and fine-tuning with a Posca marker. This tutorial is perfect for beginners looking to explore sketching with a fluid, relaxed style.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by sketching the basic shapes of the figure, including the head, torso, and limbs, using simple and loose lines.
• 😀 Use head measurements to guide the proportion of the body, with six heads from shoulder to ankle, and one and a half heads for the elbow positioning.
• 😀 Avoid overly detailed lines or construction when working directly in ink; keep it expressive and loose.
• 😀 For the face, divide the face into sections (e.g., eyes, nose, and mouth) and use dots or simple lines to mark positions.
• 😀 Sketch hands using basic shapes, such as outlines for the back and front of the hand, without focusing on individual finger details.
• 😀 To draw legs, use the proportion of heads (three heads for torso to crotch, four and a half heads for shoulder to knee).
• 😀 When adding details, focus on features like facial elements (eyes, nose, mouth), and clothing accessories (pockets, buttons, folds).
• 😀 Add a light wash of color to the sketch once the outline is done, using diluted paint for skin tones and subtle gradients.
• 😀 For more vibrancy, apply additional color washes to other clothing elements and use contrasting shades to enhance depth.
• 😀 After drying, refine the sketch with shadows and highlights to add depth, such as under the neck, arms, and legs.
• 😀 Use splattering techniques to add texture and expressiveness to the sketch by lightly tapping the brush with leftover paint.
• 😀 Final touches can include highlighting glossy areas like gloves, shoes, and the hat with a fine-tip pen to enhance reflective surfaces.

Q & A

What is the first step in sketching a person as described in the tutorial?

The first step is to sketch out the main shapes of the figure. The instructor starts from the top and works down, comparing the shapes to each other to ensure proportionality, using a loose and expressive approach rather than a precise mannequin or construction lines.

How does the instructor determine the length of the figure's body parts?

The instructor uses head measurements to determine the length of the body parts. For example, from the shoulder to the ankle, the body is approximately six heads long. The instructor also uses smaller measurements, such as one and a half heads for the length between the shoulder and elbow, to place other parts accurately.

Why does the instructor avoid adding too much detail during the first step?

The instructor focuses on getting the overall shapes and proportions right in the first step without being distracted by details. This approach helps keep the sketch light and loose, and allows the artist to build up the structure before refining the finer details.

How does the instructor suggest dealing with the complexity of drawing hands?

For hands, the instructor recommends focusing on the general shapes rather than drawing detailed fingers. The back of the hand is sketched first, and simple lines and dots are used to indicate the gaps between the fingers.

What role does comparing the shoulder width to the head width play in the sketch?

Comparing the shoulder width to the head width helps ensure accurate proportions. For a female figure, the shoulder width is typically slightly less than the width of the head, but the instructor notes that for figures wearing bulky clothing (like a jacket), the shoulder width can match the head width.

What specific measurements are used to draw the knee and the bottom half of the figure?

To draw the knee, the instructor uses a measurement of four and a half heads from the shoulder to the knee. The knee is drawn three heads down from the shoulder, with one and a half heads from the crotch. These measurements help maintain consistency in the figure's proportions.

Why does the instructor use a loose approach for sketching the jacket and lower body?

The jacket and lower body are sketched loosely because the crotch area is covered up by the jacket. Rather than measuring exact distances, the instructor estimates the length of the jacket and uses expressive, wobbly lines to maintain a light and fluid style.

What is the purpose of adding a light wash in step three, and what materials does the instructor use?

The light wash adds color and depth to the sketch. The instructor uses a Panter water brush pen (or a similar tool like a number 4 brush), and applies colors such as burnt sienna for skin tones and cadmium scarlet for the jacket. The wash is applied lightly, ensuring the ink from the initial sketch does not smudge.

How does the instructor add details to the face during step two?

In step two, the instructor focuses on adding facial features, starting with basic measurements for the eyes, nose, and mouth. The eyes are placed using a dot method, and the instructor adds simple lines for the eyes and small dots for the iris. The mouth is sketched with dots to mark the corners and a dark line for the shadow under the bottom lip.

Why does the instructor add splatters to the sketch, and how is it done?

The instructor adds splatters to the sketch to enhance its loose, expressive nature. To create the splatters, the instructor taps a water brush pen with water and color onto the page, creating an energetic effect that adds texture and movement to the sketch, especially around areas like the pants and jacket.