Artistic Anatomy Lecture: The Butt

Art Prof Clara Lieu explains which are the most important muscles on the lower back of the human torso for artists to be able to draw and recognize.

Muscles covered include Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, Tensor Fasciae Latae. Prof Lieu explains how these muscles interact with the bony landmarks and how they overlap on top of each other.

Figure Drawing: Charcoal

Video Walkthrough

  • Butts are often portrayed as humorous
  • In history, butts can be tragic, elegant, silly, and more
  • Butts in popular culture, painting, sculpture, drawing
  • Kim Kardsahian’s Paper Magazine cover
  • Hottentot Venus
  • Contrapposto shows uneven weight distribution in the legs.
  • Mass of muscles in the butt is significant.
  • Bones are deeply embedded in the butt
  • Observe if the butt cheeks are even
  • Weight distribution in the figure
  • Which foot holds the weight?
  • Curve of the centerline
Figure Drawing: Charcoal

Muscles mentioned

  • Gluteus Maximus
  • Gluteus Medius
  • Tensor Fasciae Latae

Bones & Landmarks mentioned

  • Posterior Superior Iliac Spine
  • Anterior Superior Iliac Spine
  • Sacrum
  • Sacral Triangle
  • Centerline/Spine
  • Ilium
  • Iliac Crest
  • Symphisis Pubis

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