The number one strategy for learning how to draw figures is to actually draw figures. There really is no substitute for this. Figure drawing is best learnt by drawing figures, in the same way that learning to drive a car is best served by actually driving a car. Reading about drawing may help, as may talking to others about drawing, but none of this will make anywhere near as much difference as actually committing to paper your impression of a figure.
Just as it is no surprise that ‘practice makes perfect’, it should also be no surprise to learn that drawing figures in an optimum environment is better than drawing in less than perfect conditions. And just as learning to drive with an experienced instructor is preferable to going it solo, learning how to draw figures will be more effective if done with an experienced tutor.
Attending a life drawing class is almost certainly the best thing you can do.
In a life class conditions for practice are close to perfect. You have space, light, an easel, and somewhere to place your drawing materials. Everything is in reach in an environment set up for the job. You also have access to a tutor who can direct your learning, introduce new techniques, and offer advice on you drawings The tutor can help you to see some of the strengths in your work, and also some areas for improvement.
One other significant benefit of the life class is that it will have at least one model, a figure for you to draw. The life model will adopt and keep poses suggested by the tutor. The models are not worried about their nudity (or have overcome their worry) and in a class you needn’t worry either. It will seem quite clinical. The model’s body is just a challenge for you to draw.
At a life drawing class you will also get the opportunity to see the work of other artists and to share your work with them. This may seem daunting, but remember that all the artists there are there to learn and to improve their work. I have always found a real camaraderie at classes, with people willing to share and learn from each other and from the tutor.
Drawing from life beats copying a figure from a book every time. You have to make sense of the figure, work out what you will draw, how you will approach your drawing, what technique you will use – in short you have to work out the drawing problems yourself.
The combination of the right environment, an experienced tutor, and an experienced life model make your learning conditions ideal. With all that taken care of, all you need to do is to draw. Maybe try out a new technique for drawing. Maybe try a new medium, or different paper. All in a safe, non-distracting space.
Where will you find a life drawing class? Try the prospectus of your local community college, or community centre. Or try an internet search for life drawing in your city. Find a phone number – and make that call!