5-Second Sketching Exercise For the Funkiest Style

by Polyvios Animations, August 21st 2021 © 2021 Polyvios Animations

Done as part of a practice session with poses of 5 seconds in length.

My current goal is: Improve my understanding of the flexibility, elasticity, and plasticity of the figure study forces, most and most quickly. (advanced)

Here's my latest discovery exercises/warm-ups of my figure drawing exercises. What do you think of my exercise approach?

Jjrob114

Please take my advice with a grain of salt but I'm concerned this approach may develop some bad habits. Drawing fast and drawing with energy doesn't actually involve moving your pencil fast. That's a common misconception. Adding energy to your lines has more to do with the shape/tension (read: curve) of the line and the confidence with which it is drawn. Speed actually develops from getting good at placing well-considered lines strategically and efficiently, not from getting into the habit of moving the pencil around fast. I would suggest going no less than 30 seconds and practicing taking some time to look at the pose and then establish a primary line-of-action. Once that's confortable, start placing the head, then the torso, etc.

With regards to energy, try exaggerating the curve of the your line-of-action and then the subsequent secondary action lines to really push the motion and tension of the movement. A stronger curve creates more movement and tension while a more open line releases that tension. Use that to direct the movment. Again. The energy you're seeking IS NOT created by drawing fast, it's created by the choice of lines and the efficiency and confidence with which you draw them.

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Polyvios Animations

Thanks for the feedback.

Just so you'd know, I'm really having fun with the exercise of the exaggeration of the line of action and or course, lines of rhythm, you see. My Mom seemed to enjoy it. But don't get me wrong, I'm living it, loving it.

Jjrob114

Good to hear. Drawing should be fun, even if it can sometimes be difficult. Good to know you have a supportive mom to share them with!

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Tmintel (unregistered visitor)

I see where you are going with your idea, but maybe start with a longer time frame, like 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 10, etc. and do this repeatedly until you see the difference from your longer time spans to your shorter timespans.

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