Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Centerline

• The centerline is one of the first landmarks to look for when drawing a figure, it represents the essential gesture of the figure.
• The centerline is on the front and the back of the figure.
• The centerline on the back is literally the spine.
• The centerline on the front is on the surface of the torso, it is not inside the figure.
• There is a natural curvature in the centerline to emphasize.
• The centerline sums up the essential character of the figure’s movement.
• The sternum is the “neck tie” bone.
• The sternum is a significant part of the centerline on the front.

• The sternum curves forward, the same way that the rib cage tilts.
• Know what a bone looks like from multiple points of view.
• Anatomical terminology isn’t important to memorize, as long as you can identify the landmarks.
• Look for the manubrium, the top part of the sternum.
• The pit of the neck is in between the clavicles. (collar bones)
• The front of the centerline is the pit of the neck, sternum, and the belly button.
• The spine looks straight from the front and the back, but from the side it’s very curved.

Anatomical Landmarks mentioned

• Rib cage
• Belly button
• Pit of the neck

Bones mentioned

• Sternum
• Manubrium (top part of the sternum)
• Spine
• Scapula

Films mentioned

• The Greatest Showman
• The Wolverine
• Knight of Cups