©Enzie Shahmiri Oil on canvas
We often look at things, but do we actually see and understand the underlying anatomy or structure of our subjects? These elements, which are so crucial to making a painting solid are often lost by the flatness of reference photos. I am one of those people that has to familiarize myself with the "what to look out for" elements. What I mean by this is that every time I get ready to approach a new painting, I do a little refresher course by simplifying my subjects, just like the images below and by looking how other artists have handled the subject at hand.
Draw these shapes, very lightly, arranged just as they are in the example:
- start with a triangle
- add circle for the cheek
- a rectangle for the face
- add a curving arch for neck.
- Add the eye (a semicircle with a pointy hat shape)
- 'cut off' the corners of the rectangle to make the nose
- add the bump of the chin
- draw nostril and mouth
- Add an s-curve for the throat
- add a long mane and draw the ears.
- Erase your working lines and fix any bits you don't like.
Strengthen the drawing with a firm pencil or pen line, or add shading or color.
My painting of Cinnamon can be ordered below:
