ABSTRACT
The human body is like a machine, and anatomy describes its many parts and functions. Because anatomy is complex, for drawing purposes it's best to simplify it in order not to get lost in the details. A very simplified mannequin-like mental model of the figure can be used at the start, and it can be gradually refined as more is learned about the body's construction. The skeleton is the basis of the figure and of the mannequin, because without it the muscles and other soft elements would have no shape. The skeleton sets the size, proportions and action of the figure. The human figure comes in many shapes and sizes, but on average there are some noticeable difference between the sexes. This everyday observation is confirmed by anthropometric studies of thousands of people. Applying tendon stretch to illustrations of the figure results in poses that are less stiff, more natural and more graceful.
