Reading Notes 10 - March 6th

100 Tuesday Tips

Push it

Push character posing to make a clear statement.

Define line of action and a clear silhouette.

The 3 Steps

Character Drawing/Posing Process:

1.  Quick, bold, gesture

2.  Shapes and angles

3.  Volumes

Simple Volumes

Suggest volume and perspective through receding curved lines.

Line of Action

 - Easier to see on characters without as many limbs and in mid-air.

 - Spine is always part of the line of action.

 - Props and can/should become a continuation to the line of action.

Power/Dominance

 - Dominant characters should be higher on screen/composition.

 - Use clear lines of action to define relationship of power.

 - Open vs closed = confident vs unsure.

Gesture Drawing

 - Don't overthink it.

 - Keep it simple.

 - A few simple lines are often more direct than making it very detailed.

 - Putting the character in a simple situation can give feeling.

More Tips on Gesture Drawing

 - Interlock curves to create rhythm.

 - Keep limbs clearly defined.

 - Emphasize the leg which carries the most weight.

Shorthands

Strip your character down to big shapes.  Only keep what can be used.  Use and re-use over while creating a story or composition.

 - Animals can usually be stripped down to the spine.

 - Certain head positions can be used and re-used.  They should become second-nature.

 - Shapes, stances, and attitudes should be represented in just a few lines.

More Acting, Less Anatomy

 - Simple characters should be used to explore the acting possibilities.

 - Suggest clothing and shadows if they add to your story.

 - Sketching should be fast and loose.