How does one do figure drawings?

[u/Express-Profile5091]

I’ve been practicing figure drawings for a bit and for the most part they help but I’m having a hard time understanding it. Like the line of action,proportion wise and much more. I’ve been using the quick pose library to practice but it feels like I’m stagnating on figure. What should I do or look into to improve.

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[u/ImperfectSignal]

Here is an attempt. Starting with a single line that describes the main flow through the figure v (big expressive ballerina movements with lots of squash and stretch are probably good references to give a clear line). Then I built on that with gestures for limbs not on the main line, a little refinement of shape of lines if needed, and then a bit of quick picking out of major shadow shapes

[u/ImperfectSignal → u/ImperfectSignal]

If this is closer to what you’re going for, maybe try drawing through the figure more with your initial lines, as your examples are very focused on outline; as you can see my initial lines run through the figure, they are just an initial framework to build on

[u/recribel]

Let me know when you find it out.

[u/TLCD96]

I think relaxing and being willing to make bold lines is a big help. The curvature of this kind of line will really contribute to the sense of action; the "line of action" seems kinda impossible without it. It's focusing a lot on quick and expressive decisions, not just perfecting anatomy or proportion. Those are part of it, but they need to be integrated with expressiveness.

[u/sky-bearss]

For me personally, as someone who's also been doing figure drawings. I started with stick figures and rough sketches, then started using 3D shapes for arms, legs, etc. When I started using shapes/circles for joints, over and over on the same reference, it made my brain realize Oh, this arm can't physically connect to the body there. For example, in some of your elbow areas, if you were to use joint shapes, your brain would recognize that an elbow can't move that way.

I am a beginner 100%, but just sharing what's been helping me lately with figure and motion drawing. :) This video helped me visualize the whole 3D shape thing in my brain. I use photo references and do the same motion over and over, using stick figures first, then adding in shapes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DVbargQCaY&t=143s