5 Fundamental Tips for Drawing the Figure

[@Suman]

The high quality of the content aside, I appreciate how you've kept the video entirely free of padding and distractions. Thank you.

[@debbiepollock8458]

Congrats on your achievement of 100 videos and nearly 2 years. You will probably never know how much you have impacted artists with these short insightful nuggets of gold.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Debbie! That means a lot. I am so happy 100 videos later people are still watching & finding them helpful.

[@tanyahunter7320]

Thanks Ian. I am soon to attend my first life drawing event and am feeling much more confident having watched many of your videos. I appreciate all that you share 💗

[@goodbyerawlings]

I’ve learned more about life drawing in this tutorial than three years at art school.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well dang, thank you!

[@meganruchwatercolors7186]

I bet because you don't learn alot in art school! I never learned much but I certainly have learned from other grest artists! As my sons say" keep drawing just keep going practice all the time and you will be amazed how good you will get"

[@margaretfehr5367]

How I wish I had a prof back in art school that explained principles the way you do, Ian. So very enlightening!

[@bradwatson7324]

And it's very unfair. You're paying good money -- and quite a bit of it -- to learn how to draw and paint. It's infuriating!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

As time goes on art schools seem to put less and less attention on it. More on concepts and stuff.

[@Istvanoiv]

Thank you for clear lesson and advices!

[@maryrtaft]

I've revisited this lesson 4 times now, spread across many months and with many figure drawing classes/sessions in between watches. The tips you've shared here served me so well when I first started drawing in a studio last year, and it is always a joy to come back to them, too. Thank you so much!

[@astridstoit7502]

I totally agree with the words of Debbie. I hope you will not stop making these videos for a long time.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Astrid

[@MMM-cf4md]

Just recently stumbled on your channel & I must say ...I do enjoy your videos & feel inspired by your contents. Your soothing, calm, insightful voice is an added bonus. Thank you 🌷

[@nicolealston4315]

Would so love to do course on figure drawing / painting, with a focus on composition. Mastering Composition was fantastic.

[@kittykitteh3747]

The length of the video is perfect great video!

[@jessehurlbut6370]

I have found that drawing from a reference photo is a great exercise in *transferring* one two-dimensional image to another; while drawing from a sculpture is a *translation* from a three-dimensional object to two dimensions; and that drawing from life adds to that the translation of movement--often in the subtlest ways, since no live model can remain completely still or return to the exact same pose after a break. Great video; great tips!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Jesse, it is quite right, each of those three are very different ways of seeing the world.

[@ernest160772]

Thank you very much Ian.., obviously you are successfully simplified tha basic fondation of figure drawing..., very helpful and relatively easy to "digest" the principle lessons.., I've enjoyed so much.., my warmest regards from Jakarta, Indonesia

[@Robocop-qe7le]

Ian, you are the perfect teacher. Is crazy how much I learnt from your videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Happy to hear that! Thanks so much

[@evandegenfelder4554]

Oh Ian, I'm thrilled with this video! When I walked in to my first life drawing class in college (1970, I'm dating myself) I knew immediately the figure would be primary subject matter for me. I really wish (I'm repeating myself now) I'd had an instructor then with as much clarity and knowledge as you've presented here. I'm an old hand at figures now, but I always come away with some new tip or strategy every time I watch you. I've gained an new appreciation for landscapes since finding your channel, but I wish you would do more instruction with figures; painting, drawing, anything! Your drawings are lovely, BTW. Great video!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Evan. I've started going back to paint the figure weekly. Maybe I'll start doing more figures again. Glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@lillianlee4610]

Happened to come across your channel today. Watched a couple of your figure drawing videos and subscribed. I took a figure drawing class in college many, many, many years ago and was so intimidated I dropped it. Now that I'm retired I want to begin again. I look forward to your next video and catching up your previous ones.

[@daved3494]

Fascinating. Your videos aren't just informative; they are inspiring. It's not about (you) teaching, it's about the viewer wanting to learn. And you instill that desire.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wow, thank you Dave. Glad you like the videos so much

[@MSDFairfield]

Most useful to get students to think in terms of volumes and three dimensional shapes instead of outlines. Brilliant as usual.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Diane

[@maridaterri]

These focused packets of thoughtfulness are keeping me going as I sometimes lose heart in my quest to get back to art after a long hiatus as a computer laborer. You have no idea what a difference you make! Thank you.

[@glorious5389]

I can’t stop watching your videos. SO GOOD! Thank you so much. God bless you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome

[@fbpliegorrivero8869]

Great, here you show two very important points I was not taking into consideration in my drawing. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@ifi12ican]

Thank you for your consistency of publishing, as well as your sharing from your mountain of expertise.

[@giannaperani3450]

You are by FAR my favorite artist & teacher on KZbin

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So nice of you to tell me Gianna. Thank you.

[@terriprecha2526]

Enjoying your tutorials immensely!

[@katknutsenart]

Fabulous job! Thank you for your content!

[@juliabroadley8411]

Thankyou I feel more educated already now I just need to practice what you have taught

[@karensliwinski1243]

Thanks so much for addressing this topic. It has made me think a bit differently about figure drawing. I’ve been stuck trying to do gesture drawing and forgetting about “volume.” I’ve felt defeated by seeing no improvement but now I’m anxious to start practicing again.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Karen, gesture is a good warmup but you need to spend time slowly measuring and getting proportions organized on a page as well. Lots of different dimensions to figure drawing. It's why it's so challenging and engaging.

[@karensliwinski1243]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition thanks Ian. I started my practice yesterday 😃

[@2gooddrifters]

I'm planning a study of my dog, a lurcher, and this is so helpful. His legs are transparent when the light shines through and his bones, muscles and sinews are visible. Not that different to the human form. He's a great dog.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Good luck with the drawing.

[@julieismert4874]

Very helpful explanation of how to begin a figure drawing,. I have always had a problem with proportions in figures and this made it much more clear as to how to make it 3 dimensional. Thank you once again

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Julie.

[@meenapardeshi5860]

Thank you Ian sir for this fabulous informative tutorial!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Meena! Best wishes

[@kathandterry2]

It’s like you read my mind I have been struggling today with proportion in my work ! Thank you very much. I ordered your book today I’m excited waiting for it

[@markdonovan1540]

Congratulations on the 100! Your channel is an excellent resource for learning about painting, as well as being inspired by your regular musings.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much Mark. I am so pleased after 100 videos people like you are still finding them so helpful

[@jacquiestock]

Yay! A new Ian Roberts video. Thanks so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Jacquie!

[@loispeterson5560]

As always, SO useful. Some of the best instructional videos on KZbin. Thank you for this.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome! That makes me happy to hear Lois

[@emmakay2986]

You are an amazing teacher. Thank you.

[@jonathanroger4705]

The context of the figure makes for an interesting completed picture. I can fill a page of sight size figure studies, but I always include the chair (if there is one) and I like props. I think the overlaps is the most useful tip for me here. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Interesting! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@Madebyadriana]

every video is incredibly useful and interesting. Thank you!!

[@mariannehay4209]

I’m really enjoying your videos! Thank you! I’m teaching myself to draw overweight/plump women and this helps a lot.

[@loberuth]

Congratulations and many thanks and another 100 more!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Lotte!

[@jilllong26]

I love your figure drawings Ian. Can't wait for the portraits to start!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them Jill. I'm just back at my local art center and starting to do portraits again weekly. So when I'm back in that groove I'll do one.

[@jilllong26]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition That's good!

[@jaynebourke752]

I admit, after soooo many years post-art school, i’d forgotten about seeing the figure as dynamic, energetic 3-D mass & how it’s integrated into the (possibly) more static image environment … too many photos, not enough life! Thanks Ian!

[@mohandoctor1930]

Thanks so much 👍💕

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Jayne, it's true, sometimes you just need to go back to direct observation again to reignite the eyes.

[@jaynebourke752]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition you know, you inspired me to revisit my copies of Andrew Loom is’ wonderful books on “Creative Illustration,” “Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth” and “Successful Drawing”…. But, mostly, thank you ever so much for your weekly mentoring/teaching/inspiring videos!!! You are so gifted as an artist, but so exceptional as a teacher, too! I can’t tell you how much you sound & grounded principles have impacted me & my art. Thank you with all my heart… and I love Anne’s book, too! (Please tell her!) I own your books & DVDs… your personal weekly KZbin make my week! Thanks for all the effort to produce them & for being so willing to share! You change people for the better! (And made me fall in love with the pencil again!) Wishing you the best!

[@Tousanx]

Thank you sir for such insightful tips. I remember from my life drawing classes in over 25 plus years ago the instructor rarely ever showed us how to draw the form. It felt more like an open studio day. Too bad KZbin wasn’t available then or more like a teacher with your passion and skill level.

[@kimlanoue2033]

So perfect for right now. I’ve joined other artists. We meet twice a week and do figurative sketching for 3 hours with a live Nude model. I love it. I’m hoping it will help to incorporate people in my paintings. Can’t wait to hear more on this subject. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Kim. perfect timing then. All the best.

[@sarahhill1492]

After watching endless videos on figure and life drawing I keep coming back to this one video. It says it all. I know it has profoundly shaped the way I approach my drawings. I hope you will do many more on this subject.

[@sonja8888]

I just started the day by looking your video. Thank you very much. Best regards Sonja

[@garysimkins2179]

I cannot express in words how much your tutorials have helped me to see better, and more concisely. It's invaluable, and I continue to learn from each and every video. You are a wonderful teacher. ! hello from Toronto Canada.

[@gwendolynmorgan6660]

I am so grateful to you for providing such knowledgeable advice on drawing! I am not able to peruse a formal education in the arts but finding videos like these give me more hope and confidence to delve deeper and educate myself.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm so glad it was helpful

[@dragonskinavi]

Great stuff as usual Ian, thanks! Your videos are among the few channels that I click 'like' BEFORE even watching because I know it's gonna be good!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Nice to know I have that vote of confidence before the video.

[@carolgrasby452]

Thank you so much. What a great help this video has been for me.

[@sarachauvot339]

Thank you for yet another good share! Appreciate your time and effort to create!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Sara

[@philippaheadleyartist8450]

As always a very helpful and 'to the point' instructional video which I can use when next looking at and drawing the figure especially within the landscape. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So nice to hear from you Philippa. Glad you enjoyed the video. All the best.

[@annettedickison6795]

You are a great help and inspiration to me in tutoring my pupils here in New Zealand. Thankyou Ian.

[@maryannpartridge5545]

Dear Ian thank you so much for your emails and I really appreciate your lessons and find you very skilled.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them! Thanks for the support Mary Ann

[@swalker6794]

Reminded me of all the years of life-drawing classes I've had..... these were short...and mostly better. Thanks

[@janeiwan3809]

Ian, thank you for yet another very helpful lesson. These lessons are a gift.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure!

[@LaurieSequana]

Always a treat to watch your videos!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Laurie

[@michaelmartin6040]

A perfect summary and great reminder of what to consider.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thanks so much Michael. Glad you think so

[@oldglory5728]

Congrats! Awesome ideas, as always, priceless. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Rick!

[@judithslawter372]

Another great lesson, thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Judith!

[@mattwj77]

Your last bonus point -- integrating the figure in the composition: Yes, please! It would be great to have a video or two on how to incorporate figures in landscape composition both as complimentary elements and as a central subject. What pitfalls should we be aware of? What best practices should we employ? How do figures impact the center of interest?

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Good suggestion Matt. I'll have to give it some thought and get some images organized but will try that at some point.

[@candihogan6636]

Congrats on your video achievement, so glad I found you and them on KZbin! I loved my figure drawing classes years ago, watching this makes me want to do more now.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Candi, I am glad to be back at the art center with a chance to draw figures again. If you have somewhere to try it why not?

[@joanistotler8804]

Congratulations, Ian on your 100th - we are benefiting from all of your videos! This one on figure drawing is wonderful!! More please! :O) Love Richard Diebinkorn!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Richard! And so glad you like the videos. Hope the figure drawing lesson helps

[@rudylorenzo9722]

Ian, I didn’t know you were also a figure drawing artist. Great to learn these tips from you. Thanks a lot!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure Rudy!

[@sarahhill1492]

I wait impatiently every week for your video. I love how succinctly you present a topic. Thankyou for the reminder all good paintings have good drawing skills underlying their success. Lovely drawings , and now I’m inspired to keep trying figure drawing. Cheers

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you enjoyed it and thanks so much for watching week after week Sarah

[@sarahendres5506]

Excellent lessons/teachings, thank you so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Sarah!

[@sallybuchanan4439]

Thank you!!! As always so clear and helpful. I am so much more comfortable with figure drawing than landscapes. Would love an extended figure class with you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Sally, glad you found it helpful. Maybe now with the art center open I'll get back into figure drawing again and do another video on it.

[@roselynbaruch3697]

So pleased you are tutoring on figure drawing. Loved this entrée. Much in need of inspiration ☺️. Thank you ❣️

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Roselyn!

[@orlane219]

Thank you Ian. This is a very good explanation about figure drawing. Clear and to to the point. Great. No words to tell you my admiration for the work you are doing for us.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Hannah. I am delighted it is helping so much

[@catherinepaquet1346]

Thanks for all these great videos and your wonderful book. I’ve had your book for a few years but the videos brought a deeper understanding, especially verticals, horizontals and focal point.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you are enjoying both the videos and books Catherine. They compliment each other nicely

[@sapienproductions]

KZbin and to some extent Instagram is my art school. I'm probably too old now to study it and too poor in time and cash but you and a small handful of others on KZbin are absolutely brilliant and have helped my art come on in fits and starts. Awesome tips again. Thank you for everything you do, i really do appreciate your time and teaching. Congratulations on 100 episodes.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me so happy to hear Matt. Glad you are enjoying the videos and getting so much out of them

[@bradfordyorks5055]

Looking forward too the next 100! All great stuff, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful! Thanks Bradford

[@skyofhoney7]

Congratulations! The quality has never wavered. Love this video.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Beth. Means a lot

[@patjeffers9431]

Gosh Ian, many thanks and congratulations on sticking with us to 100! Yet another most helpful video and here's to the next 100! We can hardly wait!!!🎂👏👍🤗

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Many thanks! Delighted you have enjoyed them Pat!

[@patjeffers9431]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Your teachings have been immensely beneficial. You have a gift to make even the somewhat complex understandable. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to share and to help so many.

[@evo-moment-37]

BFA in Illustration and you expanded on things I had to "teach" myself over the years. Wish you could have just taught me.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm glad you found it helpful

[@Mr-S.C.]

Congrats Ian, another excellent video which will guide many of us the right way in figure drawing, a difficult subject.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Absolutely. I am delighted you think so

[@HSkyler]

Congratulations and many thanks, Professor!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome!

[@annmarielopiccolo-carlsen7263]

Another practical and informative video….thank you! I have never attempted figure drawing…..still have so much to learn with simple mass shapes, value, et cetera. But, I agree, there is value in learning something new…… 100 videos…..amazing……congratulations……hoping for, at the very least, 100 more!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Ann Marie, thank you.

[@attiliadin]

Love the learning, thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it

[@PARoth2011]

Like it? Loved it! It’s amazing how much impactful information you convey in these little videos. As a beginner painter I am so grateful for all the effort and skill you so willingly share. ❤️

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you find the videos helpful Patrice.

[@albertdrapeau2382]

thanks so much Ian. Could you do a piece of incorporating the figure drawing into the picture plane, as you described at the end of the video? I would love to learn more about it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Albert, it's a good idea. Let me think about how I might do that. I'd need to take some good reference photos.

[@bronwenquick]

This was great, Ian. I just finished a drawing class, and we were doing figure drawing, something I very much enjoy doing. Now you've given me your video to come back on for reference! Hope you are having a wonderful day! Thanks again!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful. You are very welcome! All the best

[@MaryteRutkauskas]

Excellent video !

[@marciagklarosk5161]

Congratulations for the 100th! Thank you again for sharing such an interesting and helpful topic. I´ve never stopped to think about the overlapping layers.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful. Glad I could provide a new perspective

[@Grumpysusie]

Hi Ian, thank you for your 100, you have made quite an impact on the results of my artwork. This lesson on the Principals of Drawing in particular is very helpful but admittedly, I will have to watch this 1000 times for it to truly soak in because drawing is not my forte. However, drawing has been deeply on my mind for quite sometime, like a voice in the distance calling me through the fog. I will listen to the voice now, it kind of sounds like you! Have a happy day!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for watching Susie! Drawing is something that takes practice, practice, practice. So that is okay. I hope this video helps you in the process, and makes it more fun

[@annmariethomas9968]

Congratulations to you on 100 wonderful episodes and thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much! And thanks for watching Annmarie!

[@rosaliefunk1629]

I am a recent viewer to your channel. Thank you for doing this. I have learned from your videos. I love portraiture and figure best and really appreciate you for bringing this to us. ❤️

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@miguelsuarez8010]

I used to draw the sculptures at the Met Museum in NY. That was a great experience.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Miguel, they're great because they are usually so well lit and the light and dark masses so clear.

[@miguelsuarez8010]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition and they don't move! haha..

[@lynda8852]

I have just watched your figure drawing video and I wondered if you have any videos for beginners who want to draw I have watched a lot of your videos this week having found you about a week ago and I have gained such a lot from them . I feel I have a good grounding of how to go about doing art altogether . I have saved all of them for reference as I go along Thank you so much for the time effort and generosity you have given me on here Best wishes Lynda

[@sacrebleu1371]

What a wonderful subject, sir. Thank you for adding it to your series for everyone! I love human figure drawing. It was my second art class, about 20 years after my beginning drawing, but it was/is alive and wonderful. We were not given instruction though, just ctitique. I found out they assumed you had 2 years of instruction prior, though line drawing was the only requirement. For me, I bloomed... It was what made me love art. Had injury, went back to it right before pandemic and have been waiting to get to do it again. A photo just doesn't work for me, the way 3-D offers so much information!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I felt the same when I first started drawing the figure. Just, as you say, bloomed. And I am happy to get back to it again now as well.

[@craigseaborn4222]

excellent video Ian , I like the statement about the plaster cast and drawing it for two years before trying real people.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Craig.

[@francoforleo4971]

Congrats! May your channel grow from strength to strength…. ! 🙏🎨🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Franco!

[@derekcooney747]

Keep on keeping on Ian, this week, brilliant, learn ing still. Need to watch it a few times to. Sink it in more.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Absolutely. Drawing takes time and practice. Thanks for watching Derek

[@richardcalderwood472]

Congratulations on your 100th weekly video - epic - and hopefully you will keep them going. I, like many, learn so much from you - they are a generous and wonderful gift to those of us trying to improve our skills. Not only is every topic rich in content and superbly delivered, they are also truly inspirational - my Tuesday tonic that keep me going.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Richard. I appreciate your telling me.

[@phyllisjeanfulton]

Great review. It’s been a few years that I’ve enjoyed the figure. I’m inspired by your lecture. I’m headed back in and feel really rusty- but less fearful with your teaching. Thank you 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Awesome, thank you! I hope you enjoy the process Phyllis

[@andreawoods6277]

Congratulations Ian on 100! I think a lot about overlaps in landscapes and what I see in the figure but did not take it to the depth (muscles) as the background reason for those overlaps. I appreciate your thoughtful breakdown of the process, 1-5, and your careful explanations. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Andrea and found it helpful.

[@svetlanaproskurovska6795]

Congrats with the 100 episode jubilee! You are doing a useful educational work It helps us to pick the tips to improve our work

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much! It has been a lot of fun. All the best

[@macdasi]

Your videos always keep on educating me, much appreciate.

[@ilovepainting58rosa84]

Great information great video

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gaylecroissant7444]

I love your instruction, inspirational. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you! You're so welcome Gayle

[@Ztandard32]

Thanks for this. I started watching your videos because I do a life drawing class and I generally find landscapes a little boring, but you make them interesting and I really like the way you make this happen. Thanks for these tips because although I knew most of them I do not always consider them as much as I should and I will today. I hope you talk more about life drawing in the future.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Garin, delighted you are enjoying the videos. Even the landscape ones!

[@prakashkelkar1288]

thank you for sharing with us....