Figure drawing - transitioning between "draw from reference" and "draw from imagination"?

Question

When I draw human figures from reference, my drawing looks wrong but I can see what went wrong and (hopefully) correct it by looking at the reference.However, when I draw human figures from imagination, my drawing just looks wrong, and I have no idea why.What are some tips for successfully transitioning between "drawing human figures from reference" and "drawing human figures from imagination"?

Answer 1

Great question. Wish there was a quick answer to this but unfortunately there is not. Drawing the human figure well(realistically) from the imagination is one of the hardest things to do in the realm of drawing. The required knowledge of anatomy and how to apply this to a limitless number of human body types and possible poses is truly daunting. However, it is achievable with time, effort, sincere interest, and what may be called talent or natural predisposition.

Drawing figures well from the imagination will be determined by your experience drawing from reference. Your mind will not be able to simply come up with missing information for your figures and must be based on something. At first the best thing to do is to look for references for the figures you want to draw and if you can't find what you need online, in a book, or wherever... is to make one yourself. Take photos of yourself or others who can be posed appropriately for your needs. If you keep drawing steadily from references and from life over time you will build your visual knowledge and drawing from the imagination will become easier and easier.

Hope this helps.