Normally, I would start a class or an instruction of human anatomy with studying gestures but since this is not a tutorial and more of a journal, I am starting with a random muscle group that I struggle with.... the Traps.
Also, known as the shrugging muscle, the Trapezius, is is a arrow-like shape viewed from the back.
I bring up its flat 2D shape because 1) it makes it easy to remember, at least from one view point. And 2) it is a the start of building up the volumetric form.
At least thats how Michael Hampton teaches it. lol
Here is a how it relates to the scapula or shoulder blades, and its placement on the back.
Now lets move on to how Hampton describes as the Volume. To draw this, you must have an understanding of it in 3D space. Just like a 3D model we use wireframe lines to show the contours of each form. Notice that it also follows the rules of perspective. Hampton has a section in his Figure Drawing book (which is amazing) describing that a student of anatomy should treat the organic forms as architecture when building up the gesture. When your drawing looks as solid as a building you have done your job.
Like every muscle has a range of motion of which the fibers stretch and squash to change shape. The volumetric mass is always the same amount. That always helped me when I I think of how much to bulge or stretch a muscle. Here is one example :
Thats pretty much the work I've done on the trapezius muscle. Thanks for joining me.
If you want to study anatomy I highly suggest you read last week's post on how I think a student should go about it. Please let me know if yo liked this post in the comments and maybe what you would like me to work on in the future. And I promise I will do a week just on the gesture drawings.
Thanks for making Steemit a great community for sharing art!
See ya next time!
