Proportion vs. Anatomy in Drawing: Which Should You Learn First?
When beginning your journey in drawing, you might find yourself wondering which aspect to prioritize: learning human anatomy or understanding proportions. Both are crucial, but they serve different purposes and can be approached in different ways. Let's delve into the advantages of each and help you decide which one to tackle first.
Understanding the Complementary Relationship
Learning proportion and anatomy simultaneously can be most beneficial, as they complement each other. Proportion is the balanced relationship between different parts of a drawing, while anatomy deals with the detailed structure of the human body. Understanding proportions helps you create well-balanced figures, whereas anatomy provides the necessary details to make figures believable.
Beginners can start with basic proportions and gradually incorporate anatomical studies. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and personal preference plays a significant role in determining the learning path. However, for those who are undecided, it is often recommended to start with proportions and then move on to anatomy.
Starting with Proportion: A Solid Foundation
One method of learning proportion is through comparative measuring. This involves measuring and comparing different parts of a figure to ensure a balanced composition. This technique is easy to understand and can help you self-correct your work. One downside of starting with anatomy is that our preconceived notions of the human form might interfere with a more accurate and objective interpretation.
Avoiding over-reliance on lolli-like eyes or any other simplified representations can help. Instead, focus on understanding proportion and angle, which will help you train your eye to see the actual structure of the human form as it exists in space.
Championing Proportions: A More Structured Approach
Many suggest that starting with proportions is wise, especially for beginners. Understanding proportion is essential for creating balanced and well-organized drawings. It helps in organizing what you're seeing and can prevent drawings that might not be satisfactory. For those unsure about their drawing skills, prioritizing proportion studies can be more reassuring and less frustrating.
Validator's Perspective: Prioritizing Drawing Over Rules
Those who advocate for proportion studies also emphasize the importance of learning to see and understand the body, rather than relying on rigid formulas. While proportions are foundational, the moment you embrace disproportion, you open the door to true expression and artistic freedom. Disproportion is where true beauty and interest in the drawing can truly emerge, making the creative process more enjoyable and meaningful.
My Recommendation
From a personal standpoint, I recommend working on proportions and perspective before delving into anatomy. These are more basic skills that you should master before tackling more specific and complex aspects of art. Understanding proportions and perspective provides a solid foundation for your artistic development and allows you to focus on the more intricate details of anatomy later on.
To enhance your learning, consider checking out my Quora profile for further guidance and techniques. Whether you choose to emphasize proportions or anatomy, the key is to approach each step with a dedicated and thoughtful mindset.
Discover your own style and let your passion for drawing guide your path!