How to sketch PEOPLE quickly & accurately!

Summary

In this video, Scotty introduces a quick and loose sketching technique called the DOT method to help artists achieve accurate proportions in their drawings. He explains how to divide the human figure into eight head lengths and use key points like shoulders, crotch, and ankles to structure the sketch. Scotty demonstrates the technique with various poses, including a standing figure and a seated one, emphasizing the importance of the middle points for the knees and elbows. He also shares tips for adding details like facial features and clothing folds, encouraging viewers to practice this method for more spontaneous and expressive sketches.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The DOT technique helps in sketching people quickly and loosely while maintaining correct proportions.
• 📏 A figure can be broken down into eight head lengths from top to bottom for basic proportions.
• 🤹‍♂️ Start sketching with the head to establish head length and skip the neck for easier proportioning.
• 📐 Measure down from the chin to find shoulder points and then three head lengths to the crotch area.
• 🦵 Divide the body into halves by measuring three head lengths from the crotch to the ankles for both legs.
• 🧍 Knees are located one and a half head lengths from the crotch, providing a midpoint for quick sketching.
• 🖌️ When sketching quickly, use the DOT method to estimate proportions without drawing construction lines.
• 🧑‍🎨 For seated figures, apply the same DOT technique but adjust for the body's twist and the seated position.
• 👀 When drawing the face, divide it into sections using the brow line and the chin to place features like eyes and nose.
• 🎨 Use negative space and the silhouette to guide the sketching process and add details like facial features and clothing.
• 🔍 After sketching, use the DOT method to check and adjust proportions if necessary for accuracy.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Scotty's video?

The main focus of Scotty's video is to teach a quick and loose sketching technique called the DOT technique, which helps in getting proportions correct when sketching people.

How does Scotty simplify the traditional rule of using head lengths to measure a figure's proportions?

Scotty simplifies the rule by not counting from the neck but starting from the chin and finding the shoulders, then measuring down in three head lengths to the crotch area and another three head lengths to the ankles, making it easier to follow.

What is the significance of the six head lengths in Scotty's method?

The six head lengths represent the division of the body into two halves, with three head lengths for the torso and three head lengths for the legs, making it easier to sketch the overall structure quickly.

Where does Scotty place the dots for the shoulders and how does it help in sketching?

Scotty places the dots for the shoulders a bit down from the chin, skipping the neck. This helps in quickly establishing the head length and the overall structure of the figure without counting individual head lengths.

What is the role of the knees in Scotty's sketching method?

In Scotty's method, the knees are placed right in the middle of the two points representing the crotch and the ankles, which is one and a half heads from the crotch, providing a reference point for the leg's structure.

How does Scotty ensure the proportions are correct when sketching a figure sitting down?

Scotty uses the same method of placing dots for the shoulders and then measures down the front of the body, adjusting for the twist in the torso. He also uses the one and a half head length rule for the knees and ankles to maintain correct proportions.

What additional details does Scotty add to the sketch to give character to the figure?

Scotty adds details like the beard, eyes, lips, and clothing features like pockets and zips to give the figure character and make the sketch more expressive.

How does Scotty handle sketching the face in his method?

Scotty divides the face into sections using the brow line, placing the nose halfway between the chin and the brow, and the eyes and lips just above halfway between the chin and the nose, using these guidelines to build the facial features.

What is the purpose of the light wash Scotty adds at the end of the sketch?

The light wash is added to enhance the sketch, giving it a more finished look and helping to blend the sketch lines, maintaining the loose and spontaneous style.

How can the DOT technique be used after a sketch is completed?

The DOT technique can be used as a check to ensure the proportions are correct. It allows for making small adjustments if needed, ensuring the accuracy of the sketch.

Where can viewers find more tutorials like Scotty's?

Viewers can find more sketching tutorials by checking out the playlist mentioned in the video or supporting Scotty on Patreon for access to longer tutorials and feedback.