<a href="https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/5906-anatomical-drawing-specialization">Anatomical Drawing Specialization

In this lesson, I will talk about what inspires me, the importance of working uniquely from life, and how I continue to learn from great artists of the past.

Influences | Shane Wolf

Module 2

Join Miguel Bustos Gómez, also known as Zursoif, to explore the intricate structure of the human body. From bones and joints to muscles and movement, you’ll discover how to capture both form and function in your drawings. Build a portfolio of anatomical illustrations that bring accuracy, expression, and life to your art.

11 lessons (2h 36m)

Anatomy Basics

To start, I will show you the materials I will work with during the course. I will also teach you how to draw basic 2D and 3D shapes. In addition, you will learn how to create textures to represent the bones and muscle fibers.

Now you will see how to draw the planes and represent the bones of the torso and the spine.

Torso and spine

I'll start by explaining how to draw the bones and muscles that make up the shoulder joint. In addition, you will learn how to represent their movements.

Shoulder and arm

In this lesson you will learn to draw the bones and muscles that are part of the elbow and wrist joint. I will share some tricks so you can represent their movements.

Forearm and wrist

Generally, there is always a huge fear when it comes to drawing hands. Therefore, in this lesson I will teach you how to draw the bones and muscles that are part of the hand and how to represent their movements.

Hands 1

During this second part of the lesson, I will continue to explain how to draw hands from different points of view.

Hands 2

To begin with, you will learn how to draw the bones and muscles that are part of the hip and thigh.

Hip and thigh

Now, you will learn to draw the knee and the leg, in addition, I will give you tips to draw the bones and muscles that make them up quickly and easily.

Knee and leg

Feet

You are ready to face a new challenge! Therefore, in this lesson I will explain how to draw the bones and muscles that make up the foot. I will also explain how to draw them from different points of view.

22m

Views

In this lesson you will see which views you need to draw to have enough references when drawing.

Here I will show you some ways to collect anatomical information such as catalogs, reference books or anatomical plates.

Ultimate compilation

Module 3

Explore the beauty of life through the precise art of anatomical illustration with Ella Nitters. Using graphite pencils, you’ll learn to capture the fine details of both human and animal forms, from delicate linework to shading and texture. Discover how scientific accuracy and artistic sensitivity combine to create drawings that feel alive.

14 lessons (2h 50m)

The Materials

Before getting into action, I will explain all about the materials you will need and why I chose graphite pencil for this course. I will also give some suggestions for quality brands.

Sketching Lines and Shapes

In this lesson, you will learn the basics about sketching and drawing lines and basic 2D shapes. I will give you tips and tricks on how you can improve your drawing.

Drawing Volumetric Shapes 1

This lesson is about drawing volumetric shapes from a linear perspective. You will learn how to build up volumetric shapes, starting with basic shapes and moving towards more complex ones. You will learn how to work on the basic shapes during this first part of the lesson.

Drawing Volumetric Shapes 2

Now that you have learned everything about the basic shapes, I will teach you everything about working on the more complex objects.

Rendering with Graphite Pencil

It's time for you to see how to experience drawing with graphite pencils in varying hardness. I will also explain how to render with graphite pencil by drawing layers.

Rendering Volumetric Shapes

Lastly, you will learn about the theory of light and shading. Then you will learn how to render some basic volumetric shapes and construct cast shadows!

Reference and Research

What are you going to draw? I will show you my process for choosing the object I will draw. I will also share some tips about good references. Then I will encourage you to learn more about it by researching and making sketches. In the end, I will teach you more about drawing through observation.

Let me show you how to create the line drawing that will form the basis for your final drawing. Then I will share some ways to transfer the line drawing to the final paper.

The Line Drawing

In this lesson, I will take you through the rendering process in a step-by-step way, and I will show you how to create an intricately detailed end result.

The Rendering 1

I will continue sharing some tips and tricks to create depth by thinking of photography, sharpness, details, and fading towards back.

The Rendering 2

Lastly, I will teach you how to make core shadows smooth and flowing. You will also learn to reflect light to make sure it is a little darker than halftone.

The Rendering 3

Scanning and Coloring the Graphite Drawing 1

In this lesson, I will show you how to transform your black-and-white graphite drawing into a colored one using Photoshop.

Scanning and Coloring the Graphite Drawing 2

In medical illustrations, bones are still often depicted as light brown for clarity, more in contrast with other structures like ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules. That's why I will show you how to choose the color of your drawing depending on what you want to do with it.

Introduction to Carbon Dust

To finish this unit, I will show you how you can use carbon dust as a base layer to create a smooth drawing using graphite pencils and eraser pens.

Here I'll provide an overview of the functions and properties of the drawing materials, as well as basic handling techniques.

Module 4

Discover the expressive potential of charcoal with Mildred Hankinson as she guides you through the art of figure drawing. From quick sketches to detailed full-length portraits, you’ll explore how lines, shapes, and anatomical details come together to capture the human form with elegance, rhythm, and depth.

13 lessons (2h 36m)

Materials

Let's start with the first thing to know. In this lesson, I'll discuss the basic guidelines of figure drawing: simple rules and fundamental concepts.

Drawing Guidelines

The Model

Now you'll learn how to work with and pose a model, as well as avoid common pitfalls when using reference photos.

Gesture is the foundation of every drawing. In this lesson, we’ll discuss how to find and establish the gestural rhythms of the human form.

Gesture

Shape

Now I'll show you how to transform lines into simple shapes and simple shapes into nuanced contours.

In this lesson, I will demonstrate how to create quick sketches using the information we’ve discussed so far.

Quick Sketch

The figure can be broken down into basic three-dimensional forms. In this lesson, we’ll discuss how to draw and conceptualize these forms.

Basic Form

Complex Form: Planes and Values

Here you will learn how to use basic forms as a guideline to develop a more complex structure by dividing each of the sides into smaller, more accurate sections called planes.

Now I will provide a demonstration of quick sketches, this time using value to create the illusion of form and planes.

Quick Sketch with Value

Anatomy can be an extremely complex subject to study and can easily overwhelm artists. Fortunately, only a very basic version of anatomy is necessary for conveying a realistic human figure. Let's start with a discussion of basic anatomical landmarks and masses and how to avoid common errors.

Anatomy

Torso Study

In this lesson, I’ll demonstrate how to add anatomy to a simplified torso form.

For the final demonstration, I will develop a figure drawing using all of the elements we discussed in our lessons: shape, form, and anatomy.

Final Demonstration 1

I have already defined the gesture, created the contour, and started adding flat values to my drawing, so now I will add some darker values, dark accents, and anatomical details.

Final Demonstration 2

In this lesson I will tell you about the materials we will need to make our realistic figure drawing. It is important that, whenever possible, you stick to the specific materials that I recommend in the list of additional resources at the end of this unit.

Module 5

Build a solid foundation in figure proportions with Diego Catalán as you analyze the body from the inside out. You’ll study surface forms alongside bone and muscle structure to understand how anatomy drives what you see. Step by step, learn to sketch proportionally, train your eye, and develop full-figure drawings with clarity, confidence, and nuance.

32 lessons (8h 7m)

Materials

The block-in of the drawing 1

In this lesson I will teach you how to plan the first lines of the drawing, its composition and scale, and the use of the different academic drawing tools. In this way we will build a solid beginning from which to progress, defining the parts that make up the body in more and more detail.

The block-in of the drawing 2

We continue to pay attention to blocking in the drawing, which is one of the most important parts of the entire process. The marks that we are placing have to be reversible, especially the first ones, since we will constantly be checking the fit.

The block-in of the drawing 3

We finalize the block-in of the drawing by cleaning and adjusting until we reach a synthetic silhouette that describes the reference image quite tightly.

Proportion and anatomical blocks

In this lesson I will tell you about the classic proportional canon, the specific canon of our Peter model and how to locate the bone structure under the skin. Also of the anatomical blocks that make up the body through the subcutaneous points of the skeleton.

Action, balance, gesture and 3D shape 1

In this lesson we will begin the analysis of the pose that we are going to draw in terms of action and internal gesture through the way in which the different blocks of the body interact. In addition, we will see how to locate the location of the skeleton and analyze its flat construction and its volumetric surface decomposition.

Action, balance, gesture and 3D shape 2

We continue to analyze and collect information about the pose that we are going to draw.

We draw the interior of our silhouette 1

In this lesson we will go on to apply the concepts of proportion and volumetry to our fit through the internal axes, overlaps and sections that we have previously analyzed. Thus, we can correct our drawing and prepare it for the next construction phases.

We draw the interior of our silhouette 2

We continue to work on our fit, focusing on the proportion and construction of the head and its various elements.

We draw the interior of our silhouette 3

We continue drawing the interior of our silhouette until we have the lace to lines sufficiently defined.

The light

In this lesson I will explain the elemental physics of light and how it affects the different volumes of the body. Thus, we can apply these principles to the development of the drawing as we go modeling the surface.

Shadow pattern introduction

In this lesson we will introduce the flat pattern of the shadow as a correction element of the drawing and we will refine the internal elements as much as we can to prepare you for the anatomical monographic lessons.

The thorax and pelvis: bone and muscle analysis

In this lesson we will talk about the combined chest-pelvis block, its interrelationship, structure, and major bone and muscle reliefs.

The refinement of the drawing: we finished the torso 1

With the data we have on its bone and muscle structure, we are going to interpret the reliefs of the model and draw in final detail this entire section of the pose.

The refinement of the drawing: we finished the torso 2

We continue to work on the torso adding detail with patience and consistency.

The refinement of the drawing: we finished torso 3

We finalize the details of the torso of our drawing for now, leaving the textures work for later.

The skull and neck: bone and muscle analysis 1

In this lesson we will talk about the skull and neck, its structure and main bone and muscular reliefs.

The skull and neck: muscle and bone analysis 2

We continue the analysis of the different anatomical characteristics of the skull and neck to face the drawing of the head.

Refinement of the drawing: we finished head 1

In this lesson we are going to finish the head, detail the features and execute the modeling with precision.

Refinement of the drawing: we finished the head 2

We continue working on the different details, lights and shadows of the face of our drawing.

Refinement of the drawing: we finished the head 3

We finish modeling the head and neck of our drawing.

Arm, forearm and hand: bone and muscle analysis 1

In this lesson we will learn the construction and function of the arm, forearm and hand, and we will study their bone and muscle anatomy.

Arm, forearm and hand: bone and muscle analysis 2

We continue to analyze the different features and elements of the arm, forearm, and hand in our reference image.

Refinement of the drawing: we finish arm, forearm and hand 1

In this lesson we will apply what has been discussed about the construction and anatomy of the arm, forearm and hand to execute the final modeling of the drawing.

Refinement of the drawing: we finish arm, forearm and hand 2

We continue working on the modeling of the arms, forearms and hands of our drawing.

Refinement of the drawing: we finish arm, forearm and hand 3

We continue to finalize details to finish the finishing of the arms, forearms and hands.

Thigh, Leg, Foot: Bone and Muscle Analysis 1

In this lesson we will analyze the lower limb, thigh-leg-foot, through its bone and muscle structure.

Thigh, Leg, Foot: Bone and Muscle Analysis 2

We continue to analyze the anatomical characteristics of the thighs, legs and feet to apply this knowledge when working on our drawing.

We refine the drawing of leg 1

In this lesson we will finish the drawing of the lower limb applying the concepts learned about structure and anatomy.

We refine the drawing of leg 2

We continue adjusting and detailing to finalize the drawing of our model from the waist down.

In this lesson we will make the final adjustments by reviewing the drawing as a whole. We will define some of the edges and lose others to achieve a naturalistic result and to focus the attention of the eye on the most relevant details.

Final touches

Conservation and farewell

With the drawing already finished, I will make some minor adjustments before commenting on some aspects for the conservation of your finished project.

Module 6

Capture the energy of the human form with artist Shane Wolf as he reveals how to bring movement and presence into your figure drawings. Beyond technique, you’ll explore how to connect with your model, blending accuracy with expression. Through practical exercises and guided steps, discover how to portray the body with vitality and authenticity.

26 lessons (6h 11m)

Materials and Basic Preparation 1

Here I am going to show you all the tools I use for my graphite drawings and demonstrate how to prepare them.

Materials and Basic Preparation 2

Let's discuss in further detail how I get my materials ready.

In this lesson, we will be talking all about value. We will be creating several value scales with our pencils in order to learn about their strengths and limitations. And I will also teach you a very simple yet very important technical fact of using graphite that is key to making a technically sound drawing.

Value and Value Scales

In this lesson, you will learn the differences between the light value range and the dark value range of the world, about the different types of lighting and shadows that exist, and also how reflected lights (or reflections) work.

Light and Shadow

In this lesson, I will teach you what I find to be, by far, the most powerful self-learning exercise anyone can do to improve their own visual accuracy.

Shape Exercises

Measuring: Do’s and Don’ts

In this lesson, I will show you the proper way to measure something in space, in our case a model (but of course measuring works for anything in the physical world you would like to draw).

Whether this will be your very first time working with the live model, or whether you have a lot of experience working from life, I would like to share with you some important notions that I have come to develop and understand over the years that often go overlooked.

How to Welcome the Model

What is Dynamic Figure Drawing?

In this lesson let’s talk about how to set a pose. I also think it’s a good idea to take a moment and distinguish a little between what we might simply call “Figure Drawing” from “Dynamic Figure Drawing.”

Important Anatomy Basics 1

In this lesson, I will show you key anatomical points and lines on the live model that help us really “seize” a pose, in particular when we’re after dynamic figure drawing,

Important Anatomy Basics 2

We are not done yet going over the fundamentals of anatomy.

Developing Your Visual Memory - Five Minute Exercise

In this lesson, it’s time to have some fun developing our visual memory, a skill that is rarely worked on these days, but one that is of tremendous utility when seeking the fleeting moments of dynamic poses.

Short Pose Sketching 1

In this lesson, which is divided into three installments, we will be sketching from the live model using various pose lengths from 5 minutes to 15 minutes. Each pose length gives us opportunities to take our sketches to different places.

Here, I will focus on the 10-minute pose stage.

Short Pose Sketching 2

Short Pose Sketching 3

We are now going to add five more minutes and work on a 15-minute sketch.

Beginning the Dynamic Figure Drawing 1

This lesson will cover the first full hour of the drawing: choosing the pose (and why), talking about how the light falls on your model, beginning the drawing, and managing your time.

Beginning the Dynamic Figure Drawing 2

Round one is in the books. At this stage, we should focus on asses the proportions and shape of the sketch.

In this lesson, we get to the halfway point of the drawing. This is an important stage of the work and some important decisions are made. I will teach you about beginning rendering, and how to manage the remaining model time.

The Halfway Point 1

We can gather tons of valuable information when the model breaks the pose.

The Halfway Point 2

This third and last lesson of the unit, which I have divided into five parts, is all about the strength and delicacy of rendering, and the choices made in terms of edges and finish.

Finishing the Drawing 1

The 7-minute break is over and we are back to work.

Finishing the Drawing 2

Another 7-minute break is over and we will focus now on the horizontal and vertical planes of the model and the sketch.

Finishing the Drawing 3

This is the last round, time to work on the areas that need detailing.

Finishing the Drawing 4

There are still some edges and contours that need detailing. Let's clean them up.

Finishing the Drawing 5

How to Take Care of Your Drawing

In this lesson, we will talk about how to protect your drawing as well as creating a certificate of authenticity for it.

Continue to Work from Life

So how do you continue to improve your dynamic figure drawing skills? In this lesson, I will talk to you about numerous ways to do so.