Figure drawing will make sense after this video

You may have heard that you need all sorts of skills to draw figures - anatomy, measuring, gesture, values, simple forms... but how do you actually use all these ideas in an actual figure drawing?

In this video, you will see how all the pieces fit together. Figure drawing can be so confusing, but hopefully it will make a lot of sense after this video. Let me know if it became clearer for you in the comments.

[johnborron]

Anyone who reads this comment: this video is a text book example of a learning approach called 'guided mastery' (Albert Bandura/Self-Efficacy theory). Guided mastery involves an instructor describing what they are doing but keeping it within smaller parameters so it doesn't overload your brain but still sinks in. Kenzo does this all the time, and very, very well. It was only today that I realised this because this video is very applicable to where I am currently at with my figure drawing. If you're new to drawing, start with this channel. If you're confident in your ability, can't hurt to have a look.

[The_artistic_yogi]

As a beginner, this is one of the most useful videos I have seen just because it finally puts all "the rules" together in one toolbox and will allow me to get a little better a little faster because now I actually know what to use when! Thank you!

[kseanmcfarland]

The most important thing that I took from this (and I don't think I grasped it watching hundreds of other videos) was "I'm not a slave to the reference." I really struggle with it still, but I like the idea that there are better ways to describe what I'm seeing than they way they appear in the reference. It's tough, but immensely important, to not be a photocopier when drawing.

[UnbeltedSundew]

10:00 You notice you start with the hand and not drawing the arm out from the torso. That itself might be a point worth calling out, it's often easier to put the hands where they are and then connect up the arms. (a trick I learned from Sycra) This is especially true, I find, when foreshortened.

[silentwitness]

I realized one day what the different drawing methods are for. They are actually teaching us to perceive our subjects in a certain way. They are really just conceptual studies; teaching concepts. For instance, gesture drawings teach us to be quicker with our lines, and to feel the forms with our spatial awareness. Blind contour drawing teaches us to feel the line rather than the form (per se), and isolates the very process of observation. Perspective drawings teach us the rules of perspective. When the tools/concepts become habit, we have access to them without having to think. Then the subtleties of human expression may come forth without hindrance. These concepts are what I’ve heard others call an “alphabet.”

In truth, your eye is already well qualified enough to make the most beautiful art. Consider your ability to recognize the subtleties of faces. Even a beginner can SEE whether or not their drawing is accurate; they just don’t always know how to correct the accuracies they are already seeing. What we are learning here is how to access latent skills we in many ways already possess.

[christianfenis]

Proko's stuff are great too but Kenzo, I swear, I really dig yours more than his. I can't even remember when was the last time I watched his content to learn anatomy/gesture drawing on a deep level. But every time you upload a new video, I make sure to finish it till the last second. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[asseroy]

Kenzo, I rlly rlly wish there were more people out there like you

I can literally feel the authenticity to help others in your energy

I truly am afraid you'd get discouraged cuz u don't get a fraction of the recognition you deserve

You truly are a precious human being 💛

[jeffreykeeney]

Kenzo:
Your energy is so refreshing. Passion without being psychotic or aggressive. Your conversational method is engaging. Perfect blend of technical detail and common, conversational, remember-able language. The clips of your drawing partner (dog) gives your content a level of approachable that draws helps to draw a person into the conversation.
Your methods and processes have helped me to get past the places where I get stuck and frustrated.
Drawings, of all types, are my way of communicating. I cannot explain anything to anyone without drawing. My former employer would get so angry with me when I would start to draw on the white board (His loss). But I truly feel coupling drawing with presentation of concept gives an interaction that is more accurately remembered and builds a relationship with your audience. Whether that is an audience of 1 or 1000.
I cant help but picture you on stage giving an Ted talk on something like "drawing for relaxation", or "drawing as communication" or something else inspiring. I'm thinking you may have a few stories.
Who am I? I am an over 50 who is teaching himself drawing, painting and photography to de-stress from his career in Information Tech. I love the feel of the pencil on the paper and the joy of a well executed line.
Thank you again

[Fareeha]

I really need to start focusing on the overall shapes compared to scratching away at tiny details early on like you said. Great video and tips ❤

[Juany]

I love this channel so much. As an adult who is self taught and trying to take my drawing more seriously, he explains things in such a way that makes it easy to digest, and it makes me really feel like I can one day be where I want to be even though I didn't grow up filling up sketchbook after sketchbook like other kids I know. Most of my life I admired art, but always thought I could never do it myself other than stupid funny drawings once in a while. This channel, and a few others have been such a great help in my process to understand that I could learn this.

[purplemyriad]

I'm so glad I've found you. I love your conversational style, detailed explanations without being verbose and mentor vs teacher approach. Great video! It's the only one I've found showing how all the tools fit together in a concise way

[sampokemppainen]

I love it. How the figure just pops out magically when you add the shadow.

[Phos_Phene]

Thanks a lot for your videos! I've been learning how to do gesture drawings for a couple of years now and thanks to your videos I've started to understand it more.

[zooropa]

i can't express how much i love this channel

[OTNOVSKY]

I love your teaching style and pace. Clear, simple and concise. Looking forward to see more!

[leemarges]

I'm off to my second ever Life Drawing Class this week and, as I find them intimidating (being with people who seem to know what they're doing and I'm a novice with NO IDEA of how to approach figure drawing) this for me, is golden. I know it's all about practice but great to have some basic info as well. Will watch this several times over and get back to the rib cage lesson for practice as well - before I slink into that room. 🙂

[AverageGuy]

Really love your videos it's helpful that I find myself taking it one by one when learning anything related to fundamental stuff in art which I most neglect 1 year ago

[noodlequakers]

Awesome stuff! This helps reminds me that I really need to cool down my perfectionism when it comes to using references, and focus more on the flow and feel. Thank you!

[kanameyu]

this is super helpful!! doing some pre-study before i take a figure drawing class. Your videos are super helpful -- I feel like you break things down into really concrete, manageable chunks, and it's very easy to understand your point!! Thanks so much!

[kwisatzhaderach]

This is a very watchable method of teaching