Master Figure Drawing: No Reference Needed!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Simplifying the Human Figure
   1. Using Shapes to Simplify the Body
   2. Finding Your Comfort Zone
3. Loosening Up: Practicing Small Figures
   1. Filling the Canvas with Simplified Figures
   2. Benefits of Practicing Small Figures
4. Using Schematic Poses as Guides
   1. Incorporating Schematic Poses into Illustrations
   2. Ensuring Proportions with a Cross on the Face
5. Tricks for Drawing Elbows
   1. Creating Straight Lines for Arm Placement
   2. Overcoming Challenges with Elbow Placement
6. Using the Border Effect
   1. Activating the Border Effect
   2. Correcting Volumes and Adding Details
7. Adapting Figures for Different Body Types
   1. Adjusting Muscles Using the Line Art
   2. Managing Opacity and Painting on the Layer
8. Drawing Figures to Fit Different Shapes
   1. Using Shapes as Templates
   2. Applying Simplification Techniques or the Border Effect

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore various techniques to draw poses without the need for references in Clip Studio Paint. While references can be helpful, being able to draw poses without relying on them is a valuable skill for any artist. We will discuss simplifying the human figure, practicing with small figures, using schematic poses as guides, tricks for drawing elbows, utilizing the border effect, adapting figures for different body types, and drawing figures to fit different shapes.

Simplifying the Human Figure

Using Shapes to Simplify the Body

To draw poses without references, it is essential to simplify the human figure into shapes. Experiment with different ways of simplification, such as using oval or circle heads, stick or cylinder-shaped limbs, and marking elbows and knees with a ball or a line. Find the method that works best for you and makes drawing poses easier.

Finding Your Comfort Zone

Each artist has a preferred way of simplifying the body. Explore different methods and stick to the one that feels most comfortable for you. This will enable you to develop a consistent approach to drawing poses without references. Don't be afraid to try new techniques and adjust as needed.

Loosening Up: Practicing Small Figures

Filling the Canvas with Simplified Figures

An effective exercise for loosening up and practicing poses without references is to fill a blank canvas with small, simplified figures in various poses and angles. Focus on capturing the overall gesture and form, rather than worrying about details or perfection. This exercise allows you to explore different poses and angles freely.

Benefits of Practicing Small Figures

Practicing small figures can yield surprising results. It helps to generate more interesting poses and eases the pressure felt when working on larger illustrations. The smaller scale allows for better proportion control and encourages experimentation. Don't underestimate the power of these small exercises; they can greatly enhance your ability to draw poses without references.

Using Schematic Poses as Guides

To draw poses without references, you can create a simplified figure on a separate layer as a guide. Mark the parts of the body that can move or bend using lines or circles. This skeletal sketch acts as a framework for your poses. Try different human body schemes until you find one that suits your style and makes drawing poses easier.

Incorporating Schematic Poses into Illustrations

You can use the poses you've created as guides in your actual illustrations. Simply select the desired figure, copy and paste it onto your canvas, and scale it to fit. Lower the opacity to use it as an underlay and start sketching. The schematic pose will provide a solid foundation to work from, ensuring greater accuracy in your final illustration.

Ensuring Proportions with a Cross on the Face

When using the schematic poses, mark the center of the face with a vertical line of a cross and position the top center or the lower part of the eyes using the horizontal line. This technique helps you establish the angle and maintain proportions while sketching facial features. Experiment with different angles and observe the impact on your overall pose.

Tricks for Drawing Elbows

Creating Straight Lines for Arm Placement

Drawing hands at specific points can be challenging, especially when connecting them to the shoulders. To overcome this, create a straight line from the wrist to the shoulder using the straight line tool. Then, draw a perpendicular line at the center of the previous line. Finally, connect the arm parts at the elbow, which should align with the perpendicular line. This trick simplifies the process of connecting the hand to the shoulder and ensures better accuracy.

Overcoming Challenges with Elbow Placement

If you struggle to get the arm and shoulder proportions right, the elbow line technique can be a useful alternative. Although it may not work for all angles, it provides an alternative solution when other methods prove difficult. Experiment with different approaches and use the one that works best for your current pose.

Using the Border Effect

Activating the Border Effect

The border effect in Clip Studio Paint helps in correcting volumes and adjusting outlines. To activate the border effect, create a new layer and enable the border effect option. By default, the border color is white, but you can change it to black. The border effect applies a black line art to the edges of everything you draw on that layer.

Correcting Volumes and Adding Details

To make corrections or add details to your sketches, draw shapes with the mapping pen using a larger size. This will create a rough human figure. When erasing or adding thickness to the drawing, the line art automatically adjusts to the changes, allowing for easy volume corrections. To emphasize specific elements like hands, use a darker color to mark those parts. Remember that the border effect is only applied to the edges of the layer.

Adapting Figures for Different Body Types

Adjusting Muscles Using the Line Art

You can easily adjust the muscles of your figures using the border effect line art. Draw the figure with the line art and focus on making certain muscle areas more pronounced. The line art will adjust to reflect these changes automatically. Experiment with different body types and explore how different muscle proportions can affect the overall appearance of the figure.

Managing Opacity and Painting on the Layer

When using the border effect for guidance, you may sometimes need to lower the opacity of the layer. However, this can make the drawing appear too dark due to the border effect. To solve this, you have two options. First, you can rasterize the layer to flatten the border effect into the drawing. This allows you to lower the opacity while maintaining clarity. Alternatively, you can use a hue saturation luminosity correction layer to increase luminosity and then clip it to affect only the layer with the human figure.

Drawing Figures to Fit Different Shapes

Using Shapes as Templates

An interesting exercise to improve your ability to draw poses without references is to use shapes as templates. Utilize the rectangle or circle tools to create different shapes and challenge yourself to fit a human figure into that space or follow the shape. Apply your preferred simplification technique or the border effect to outline the figure within the shape. This exercise enhances your spatial understanding and pushes you to think creatively.

Applying Simplification Techniques or the Border Effect

Whether you opt to simplify the human body into shapes or utilize the border effect, both methods can be utilized when drawing figures to fit different shapes. Experiment with different approaches and select the one that best suits your artistic style and preferences. These techniques provide versatility and enable you to adapt your drawings to various compositions and design requirements.

Conclusion

Drawing poses without references is an essential skill for any artist. By simplifying the human figure, practicing with small figures, using schematic poses as guides, employing tricks for drawing elbows, utilizing the border effect, adapting figures for different body types, and drawing figures to fit different shapes, you can develop the ability to draw poses from imagination with confidence and accuracy. Embrace these techniques, explore different methods, and challenge yourself to go beyond the limitations of references. With practice and experimentation, you will unlock a world of creativity and artistic freedom. Stay tuned for our next tutorial, where we will delve into adding clothes to our characters. Keep practicing, and see you next time!

Highlights

• Learn how to draw poses without references in Clip Studio Paint
• Simplify the human figure into shapes for ease of drawing
• Practice with small figures to improve gesture and form
• Use schematic poses as guides in your illustrations
• Apply tricks for drawing elbows to achieve better proportions
• Utilize the border effect for volume corrections and outlines
• Adapt figures for different body types using the line art
• Explore drawing figures to fit various shapes and compositions
• Enhance your spatial understanding and creativity
• Develop the ability to draw poses from imagination with confidence

FAQ

Q: Can I draw poses without any references?

A: Yes, with practice and the right techniques, you can develop the ability to draw poses without relying on references.

Q: What are some benefits of practicing with small figures?

A: Practicing with small figures allows you to loosen up, explore different poses, and experiment without the pressure of creating a perfect illustration.

Q: How can I use schematic poses as guides in my illustrations?

A: Create a simplified figure on a separate layer and use it as a reference to sketch poses in your illustrations. This will ensure better accuracy and proportions.

Q: How can I overcome challenges with elbow placement in my drawings?

A: One trick is to create a straight line between the wrist and shoulder, followed by a perpendicular line at the center. Connect the arm parts at the elbow, using this line as a guide.

Q: What is the border effect in Clip Studio Paint?

A: The border effect applies a black line art to the edges of everything you draw on a specified layer. It helps in correcting volumes and adjusting outlines.

Q: Can I adapt figures for different body types using the line art?

A: Yes, by adjusting the line art, you can emphasize different muscle areas, resulting in figures with varied proportions and body types.

Q: How can I draw figures to fit different shapes?

A: Utilize shapes as templates and challenge yourself to fit a human figure within or around those shapes. Use your preferred simplification technique or the border effect to outline the figure.

Q: How do these techniques improve my ability to draw poses without references?

A: These techniques enhance your understanding of proportions, spatial relationships, and creative problem-solving, enabling you to draw poses more confidently and accurately without relying on references.