Figure Drawing for Artists

CHAPTER 10THE LEGS AND FEET

Imagine if the standing stones of Stonehenge, after holding still for so long, simply decided to walk off. That just begins to describe the marvel of our hip and leg design. Further, imagine those stones rooted into small flying buttresses that not only distribute the weight, but also soften the impact of that active/inactive dynamic. That describes the feet. The legs and feet are beautiful, powerful, and can be a challenge to capture on the page. Let’s see how we can refine those strategies we’ve already discussed as we explore the lower extremities.

Study of a Male Nude, Stretching Upwards, c. sixteenth century, ...