Artists, is this really necessary to produce a great drawing?

Question

Every drawing book I get it tells you to start with a stick figure (referred to as "pipe figure in the book") then add on layers until you have a finished person. But this is very hard for me. I can copy a drawing better without doing this, but it says to never try and draw an already finished drawing.

Is it really necessary to draw "pipe drawings" first. And if so, why am I having such a hard time with it?

Answer 1

The problem with learning from a book is that it teaches how the author does his or her work.

For a rank beginner, this can be quite useful, but, for someone, like youself, that already has some drawing talent, the books may lead you in an unnecessary direction and wast a lot of the student's time. Even in a classroom situation, a good teacher can "coach" an individual artist to strengthen existing talent, and lead into fruitful exercises.

Even as a child, I was drawing "balloon" figures while my classmates were still, barely, handling stick figures. My characters hand fingers and clothing and other details my compatriot's lacked.

Now, when drawing from life, I block in large shapes and ratios, then shaded areas, and, finally, details. The stick figure never goes into my drawings.

Answer 2

For some, I think it is just easier to do a 'pip-drawing' first and then add layers of details. Personally, I don't do this and find it a waste of time. I'm just like you and I can't even draw a stick figure and then draw the details. I prefer to start off with the basic outline and then draw in the details.
So, to answer your question, no, I don't think it's necessary to draw the pipe-drawing first. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I never draw the stick figures when I start a drawing. I tried it before and it's not a bad method, but I think if you just study what you are looking at for a while, it can work out just as well.. But the stick figures, do you mean all of those weird circles stuck to each other and random lines so you can get the outline?

Answer 4

No, not at all necessary.
Whatcha mean by "layers"? Like first make the stick figure, then the skin, then clothes?
If its that method... well, I think its a good one. You can correct the body structure early, then see if you have the curves right (in relation to the bone structure), and if the wrinkles of the clothes you put make sense.
But that method isn't necessary. In drawing, no method is!
Sometimes I use it, sometimes not. With practice and continuous alteration, the end is the same.

Answer 5

The stick figure (or pipe however the book you're using refers to it) helps you to create different body positions for your own characters/people. If you want to draw your own characters then this is a good way to start. You may be having trouble recognizing where all of the body parts are or what they look like (shape, size, length, etc) which is why the stick figure is so confusing to you.

Answer 6

Stick figures give you the proportion that you need. They don't have to be perfect. If you just start drawing a head and keep going the body will always be out of proportion in relation to size compared to the rest of the body. It takes practice; loosen up and do some stick figures quickly in different poses then start the drawing you want to accomplish.

Answer 7

Drawing books are meant to teach elementary sketching and drawing. I don't use stick figures and there is no rule that you must. Draw what you see. When you get good at copying other drawings go out and draw nature. Pipes are helpful only with full figures in order to get the perspective correct.

Answer 8

It's necessary because that's the method by which your renderings will have proper rhythm and accurate perspective. Those nuances aren't always apparent or reproducable from merely tracing a subject (besides, tracing won't prepare you to draw from life, but the pipe drawings will.) Good luck to you. Practice, practice, practice... Happy Holidays.

Answer 9

I don't ever draw like that.
I just can't. My figure's proportions turn out wrong when I do.
It's not neccessary though.
I've created many things without using it. That's just a method alot of people like to use. It doesn't work for everyone. You cam even come up with your own method.
Just don't try to use it if it doesn't work or messes everything up. It really shouldn't matter if it's used or not as long as you're satisfyed with your finished work.

Answer 10

These books were written by someone who was a sculptor, who thought he knew enough to write a book. Sculptors may start with a wire armature for support and pack on layers of clay until they get the shape built up fully. Trying to make a drawing this way is sort of silly.