Why the Line of Action Doesn’t Work for Figure Drawing

See the reasons the line of action can make figure drawing more difficult and misleading, especially in terms of anatomical structure and getting a true understanding of what a gesture drawing entails. Discussion with Art Prof Clara Lieu. Video Walkthrough As a free educational source, Art Prof uses Amazon affiliate links (found in this page) […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Bones in the Front Torso

This lecture explains the bony landmarks on the front torso of the human figure. Bones explained in include the clavicles, acromion process, anterior superior iliac spine, and the symphysis pubis. The shape and interaction of each bone with the rest of the anatomy is explained in detail. Lecture by Art Prof Clara Lieu. Video Walkthrough […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Bones in the Back Torso

This video explains the bone structure on the back torso of the human figure, and how that anatomical information can be used to enhance your figure drawing skills. Bones explained in this video include the scapulae, acromion process, manubrium, seventh cervical vertebrae, the ilium, the iliac crest, posterior superior iliac spine, the sacrum, and the […]

Drawing Hair

This video explains how to approach drawing hair. How to break down the sections of hair while also capturing the more detailed, refined areas. The key to articulating hair is to treat the hair as a mass first, and then to subdivide the “clumps” of hair. Observing the direction of the hair creates structure to […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Foreshortening

Get essential tips on how to draw a foreshortened human figure. Learn to identify key points on the figure that will make foreshortening clear and concrete. Foreshortening is when an object appears to be shorter than it actually physically is, creating a point of view that is dramatic and challenging to portray in drawing. Lecture […]

Gallery: Anatomy Track Prompts

Our free Anatomy track lessons allow students to learn the fundamentals of drawing the human figure by developing a base knowledge of human anatomy. 2-5 minute Gesture Drawings 2-5 minute gesture drawings from Eadward Muybridge’s The Human Figure in Motion. Artworks by Toaster, Anastasia, Neil, Pat, Tent, Steen. Skeleton Inside a Figure Draw a skeleton inside a figure in order to see where bony […]

Anatomy Resources

Table of Contents Tracks & Curriculums Free Tracks Anatomy TrackPortrait TrackAll Tracks Curriculums Portrait CurriculumAll Curriculums Anatomy Lectures Torso Bones, Back TorsoBones, Front TorsoButtsMuscles, Front TorsoMuscles, Back TorsoCenterline & Spine Arms & Legs ArmsFeetHandsLegs, BonesLegs, Front Muscles Full Figure ForeshorteningIntro for BeginnersMajor Masses Head EyesFaceHairNose Anatomy Slideshows Head EyesHeadHandsHairNoses Arms & Legs ArmsFeetForeshorteningLegs, BonesLegs, Front […]

Anatomy TRACK: Lesson 3

Prompt Draw a skeleton inside a figure in order to see where bony landmarks and muscles align. Remember that this prompt is not about accuracy, and it’s not about making a beautiful drawing. In fact, it’s pretty much guaranteed that your drawing is going to be pretty wonky in terms of being anatomically correct! The […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Front Leg Muscles

This video explains the front muscles of the leg, discussing the specifics of the anatomical structure. Muscles covered in this video include the Sartorius, the Tensor Fasciae Latae, the gluteus Medias, the Vastus Medialis, the Rectus Femoris, the Vastus Lateralis, and the Tibialis Anterior. Lecture by Art Prof Clara Lieu. Video Walkthrough Prof Lieu’s Tips […]

Anatomy & Figure Drawing TRACK

Learn the fundamentals of drawing the human figure by developing a base knowledge of human anatomy. Lesson 1 • Lesson 2 • Lesson 3Lesson 4 • Lesson 5 • Lesson 6 You’ll have the option to draw with either digital or traditional drawing media to explore the structures of the human figure, while developing skills in both quick […]

Drawing a Skeleton Inside a Figure

A great exercise for learning anatomy as an artist is drawing a skeleton inside a figure drawing. By drawing the skeleton as you draw the human figure, you are able to see the connections between the figure. Explained are the various bony landmarks, providing a fundamental understanding of how the skeletal structure in a figure […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Centerline

This video explains the structure of the spine in the torso, focusing on the “centerline” of the human figure. The centerline is visible on the back and the front of the figure on the torso, and is an effective reference to search for when beginning a gesture drawing of a human figure. The centerline can […]

Draw a Skull Inside a Portrait

Drawing a skull inside a portrait is a terrific exercise to practice your anatomical understanding of a portrait. This video provides beginning to end, the entire process for building the skull structure into the portrait. Various techniques are explained, that can be used to build up three dimensional volume with colored pencil layering, blending, creating […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Front Torso Muscles

Art Prof Clara Lieu explains the most important muscles on the front torso of the human figure for artists. Muscles covered include the serratus anterior, rectus abdominis, external oblique, deltoid, pectoralis major, and trapezius.  Prof Lieu explains how these muscles interact with the bony landmarks and how they overlap on top of each other. Video […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Leg Bones

Art Prof Clara Lieu explains the bones in the leg, including the femur, the patella, the tibia, fibula, and more. Explained in the video is the proportional relationships between the bones in the upper leg and the lower leg, as well as the important role of joints in the leg, such as the patella. Video […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Eyes

This video explains the anatomical structure of the eye. We will be looking at the specific bones, muscles and landmarks that will provide the knowledge you need to successfully create portraits in your artwork. We explore the proportional relationships between the eye lids, the eye socket, the eyeball, and more. Discussion led by Art Prof […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Feet

This video comprehensively explains the anatomical structure of the feet, with an emphasis on the bones. Bones and landmarks covered include Achilles tendon, calcaneus, phalanges, metatarsals, wrinkles, and veins. Other topics, such as how the stance of the feet affect the entire gesture of a figure, are also explored. Lecture by Art Prof Clara Lieu. […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: The Nose

This video explains the anatomical structure of the nose and how it fits into the structure of the face. We also explore how the nose has been perceived in history as a symbol. Lecture by Art Prof Clara Lieu. We look at the structural components such as cartilage and the nasal bone, how to apply […]

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 […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: The Face

This video explains how to the structure of the head and neck are organized. All of the major bony landmarks are covered, as well as how to identify them on a person. Lecture by Art Prof Clara Lieu. In addition to explaining how to articulate bones like the mandible, the zygomatic arch, etc., this lecture […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Hands

This video provides a comprehensive explanation of the structure of the human hand. It explains how to subdivide the hand into its major parts. These large sections of the hand are then broken down into smaller forms, including the metacarpals, phalanges, the wrist, and more. Lecture by Art Prof Clara Lieu. Video Walkthrough Bones, Landmarks […]

Proportions for Figure Drawing

This video explains & demonstrates how to draw convincing proportions when drawing the human figure. Demo by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist Cat Huang. Techniques for figuring out proportions in the drawing process are explained in detail, as well as the basic anatomical relationships of the largest parts of the human figure. Video […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Arms

This video explains the anatomical structure of the arm, breaking down the specific bones and muscles. Bones and muscles covered include the humerus, radius, ulna, brachioradialis, deltoid, biceps, triceps, extensors, flexors, and more. We also consider how to apply that anatomical knowledge to drawings, as well as how arms can be expressive forms and carry […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Upper Back Muscles

This explains the most important muscles on the upper back torso of the figure for artists to be able to draw and recognize. Muscles covered include the deltoid, latissimus dorsi, teres major, infraspinatus, and the trapezius. The relationship of these muscles to the bony landmarks, how they overlap on top of each other is covered […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Major Masses

Art Prof Clara Lieu explains the “major masses” of the human figure, the largest forms: the head, rib cage, pelvis, and thighs. Prof Lieu illustrates how the major masses are oriented on the figure and how this contributes towards understanding the gesture of the human figure more clearly.  The major masses are angled in relation […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Intro for Beginners

Art Prof Clara Lieu introduces the first of a series of videos explaining basics of anatomy for artists. Prof Lieu explains the reasoning behind why understanding the fundamentals of human anatomy are extremely useful for figurative artists. Using examples from art history, contemporary art, and her own artworks, Prof Lieu talks about the many challenges […]