Teaching resource Anatomy

Introduction

The ribcage and pelvis form the centre of the human body. In this lesson we will show you how to simplify these body parts to create anatomical drawings. 

The rib cage can be simplified into this simple egg like shape. Reducing the ribcage into this basic shape will give our drawings an anatomical structure. 

The pelvis on the other hand can be simplified into a shape appearing like half an egg. 

By describing the pelvis we are able to depict the flow and weight of a pose. The angle of the pelvis is normally in opposition of the angle of the rib cage. 

Exercise 1

Position your model in a pose where one shoulder is higher than the other. This will mean the ribcage and the pelvis will be close on one side of the body and further apart on the other. 

First draw the ribcage and pelvis in basic shapes in colour pencil. This will give a basic composition. Then try to fill in the rest of the body with a graphite pencil. 

Repeat this with two other quick poses. Each time focus most on the ribcage and pelvis. 

Exercise 2

Now we will do a longer pose. Once again try to find a pose where the body is imbalanced. This time try to slow down and imagine you are drawing from the inside of the body outwards. Consider the weight and direction of the pelvis and ribcage, then complete the body and finally move on to the limbs.