ABSTRACT
We have spent some months now sketching the figure with special emphasis on gesture. In my estimation it has been a rewarding experience. I have stressed its inclusion at all parts of the body including the hands and feet because they are such an important part of any pose or gesture. No parts of the body have been isolated as more important than any other simply because body language entails all of the parts. An exception to that rule occurs in animation where close-ups or waist shots are featured. Because of this, it behooves us to spend some time in a study of heads and the upper torso. The emphasis should still be on gesture, and as we did with the rail figure, ignore the details as much as possible. A very simple symbol for the head shape, eyes, nose, and mouth will suffice to “nail down” the gesture or expression. We are all at different stages of drawing ability, so some may feel it unnecessary to start with such simple shapes. If so, try to treat it like a refresher course and spend a little time at it.
