The human figure in illustration, with Abe Tena

-Create an Illustration using at least one of the poses drawn in class. You can add more than one pose, and more figures than what you draw today. This illustration should be narrative and have a background.

-Your illustration should work in the context of a magazine, real or imaginary. Think about the subject of the publication, the composition, and even typographic placement. It must be clear to the viewer what the subject is, and how composition, value, color and technique support it. This is a challenge to your imagination!

-Mind your presentation: tears, smudges, stains, and anything hurting the quality of the image is your responsibility. Consider scanning and printing a high quality version, as long as you can keep the same color and value characteristics.

Due before week by email: thumbnails with ideas for approval, preferably in color.

Due on 4/29: Final thumbnail or work in progress.

Due on 5/6 (last class): Finished piece for critique

 What to pay attention to in class:

–Proportions: measure vertically and horizontally. Make notes about what to leave as it is, and what to change to vary the character.

–Form: use construction methods. Find the gesture by paying attention to head, ribcage, pelvis, and how they sit on the spine. Make simple schematic drawing of the spine from the side.

–Anatomy: look for muscle tone, weight and bones. Make small studies of interesting or difficulty areas, such as hands, faces, feet, etc. Think of how anatomical detail can help your story.

–Drappery: pay attention to the structure underneath, but think of clothing that can sell a story. Feel free to change what you see her or use the nude, so as it makes sense to the magazine you are illustrating. If you are using different clothing, make sure to use reference.

-Draw 4 pairs of hands from observation (no photos)

-Each pair has to be presented in a different pose and view

-Tie the gestures to an action: holding hands, poking, pushing. The action must be obvious to  the viewer

– Think of storytelling when choosing composition, values, color and technique

• Complete at least 4 life size portraits
• At least 3 should be from direct observation (the last one should start from observation, but can also have imagination)
• No repeated faces
• Use technique, color, composition, and value to tell us something about the person portrayed.
• You can mix this assignment with the next week’s four pair of hands assignment (draw 4 pair of hands from observation, describing an action).

-Find a reference image: it must be a humanoid with realistic proportions. It is ok to use characters that are not completely human (mythological beasts, aliens, fantasy creatures, etc), but he/she must have a strong connection to real human anatomy. It is important that this source has solid anatomy, perspective, material rendering, etc. Please email me your source image for approval.

-Create a turnaround drawing: draw projections of your character using orthographic lines. Measure and compare units such as heads and hands to establish the proper proportions. If your source image is such a foreshortened pose that you can’t draw  accurate orthographic lines, use the constructive anatomy method to establish your model.

– Create the armature: Make sure that the armature has the final pose. It is a common mistake to make the armature in a neutral pose and then try to pose your character.

-Final sculpture should be at least 6 inches tall. Any technique is acceptable, but you will be graded in the accuracy of your reproduction, and anatomical information.