What are the benefits of studying anatomy for an artist?

Answer 1

Anatomy teaches the proportions of the human body, the underlying structure, the way the body moves, etc. The more accurately you can depict the human body, the more you can intelligently deviate from it (abstract it.) I have a BFA in painting and when I look at abstract art, I can always tell the difference between someone who abstacts the human body based on a realistic knowledge of it and someone who doesn't. These are all subjective ideas though. It depends on what your purpose is. I personally found it very helpful because it was related to what I was doing.

If you look at renaissance art, there is a big difference between the early depiction of the human body, and the depiction of humans carried out by Michelangelo, who was one of the first artists to study anatomy by dissecting cadavers.

Answer 2

You will get proportions and functions correct. The curator of a museum once pointed out to me a Titian and suggested I examine it closely. There seemed to be something amiss about an arm. He explained that the painting was likely performed for a commission from the subject of the painting. The head and hands were remarkable. However, the cloak (the easy part?) was performed by apprentices and could be correct only if the subject's arm was broken! Also to know where muscles are and how they bulge under the skin, a study of anatomy (from drawings?) removes the skin. A model may not be able to keep his (her?) muscles tense for you during a long sitting. A study of anatomy should also help you judge the success of an artist in rendering the human body. Of course Marvel comics must study anatomy because their big secret is to make life bigger than real life when sketching Heroes.

Answer 3

I studied anatomy after I took art classes in high school, didn't really change my perception of light, darkness, or movement. Is your art learned or a God given talent? Why only draw or paint human form? It might help, but anatomy to me was to better understand what the body is about not how to draw better. Why not just look at someone and study their body or shape instead of wasting time on anatomy class? I say good day!

Answer 4

Anatomy as a subject is a difficult one but it'll be a good idea for an artist to learn surface anatomy.

Answer 5

When I draw, it is "stick figure" for basic size and pose. Then I add the "muscles" over the figure. Know the shapes and location of muscles, joints, etc. makes it easier to draw a realistic figure. Have knowledge of anatomy helps.

Answer 6

Learning the structure of the human body so that when you draw people, you have a more intimate understanding of your subject.

Also, it gives you a sense of "form follows function."

Answer 7

You need to completely understand the human body and its movement in order to draw, paint, or sculpt the body.