Shapes?

[Shiro Akiyama]

When drawing a person perse, is it necesary to start off with the basic shapes(skeleton) to make the body. I personally have problems when I do that so I go freestyle.

I will say my art isn't the best, but many have told me that I should start with shapes or I'll never get the right proportions done.

sample of my art

 

[Miki Hikari]

It doesnt have to be shapes exactly but you should have some kind of sketch ( even if its a stick figure) to start out with so you get the proportions right and then just go at it all you want. Thats what I tend to do or else I get deformed people.  

[Arachnist]

You should have some sort of guideline, to make sure that your proportions are correct. Shapes aren't necessary though...((I never got the hang of them. = =;; ))
You will want to use lines and curves, not only to sketch out the direction of the body parts, but also to mark off their lengths, before adding the details. Making a thumbnail sketch beforehand will also help you with the pose. Trust me, all of this will save you a lot of heartache from having to erase all your detail because your proportions are wrong.  

[Ms_Kaos]

My art teacher always said to make HUNDREDS of thumbnail sletchs!!!! I personally (if its gonna be a very detailed picture) I like to use a ruler. I know that sometimes your drawings are gonna be small. But thats when a make-shift ruler comes in.
If you can remember the basic rules of how human proportians (sp?) are marked then your make-shift ruler will be your best friend!  

[Errol McGillivray]

Ms_Kaos

My art teacher always said to make HUNDREDS of thumbnail sletchs!!!! I personally (if its gonna be a very detailed picture) I like to use a ruler. I know that sometimes your drawings are gonna be small. But thats when a make-shift ruler comes in.
If you can remember the basic rules of how human proportians (sp?) are marked then your make-shift ruler will be your best friend!

Using a ruler can make your drawing stiff. I draw lines freehand. I learned a great way to train yourself to draw freehand straight lines.

Draw a dot and another dot. Ghost between the two without making a mark and then make one line quick and controlled between the two. The line has to pass between the two. It takes practice but your arm will learn the precision.  

[Votre]

This is all I do for a framework:


It isn't so much to give me proportions (although I suppose it might), it's just to give me an idea of what pose I'm doing. 3nodding