Research Project

Research Project: Anatomy Studies

For the past few weeks, I wanted to find the best methods for practicing sketching and sculpting anatomy. My main focus was on on muscle groups of the torso and limbs.

For sketching and labeling muscle groups prior to sculpting, I used the figure drawing book and copied down drawings in order to get a good grasp of the muscle groups.

Sketch and labeling:

Zbrush sculpts:

Torso and Neck Anatomy:

There are various classifications of these muscles. Torso muscles can be categorized as anterior, lateral, and posterior regions. They can also be categorized as abdominal, scapular, and pectoral regions. Finally, they can be categorized by the depth of the muscle: superficial, intermediate, or deep layer.

Arm Anatomy:

Arm muscles can be classified by the physiological function (flexors, extensors, pronators, supinators, abductors, and adductors.) Similar to torso muscles, they can also be classified by regions or compartments.

Leg Anatomy: 

Upper muscle groups include the gluteal group, quadriceps group, adductor group, and the hamstring group. The lower leg consists of the flexor group, the extensor group, and the peroneal group.

During my sculpting progress, I encountered a reoccurring issue of not being able to find good photographic references that displayed the body parts at all three angles. I mentioned this in class so Nick recommended this book to me:

https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Training-Anatomy-Frederic-Delavier/dp/0736092269/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxdSHBhCdARIsAG6zhlV57UpMuKPGa-b5pvW7C7F8p4Ke6epzMnJHs5WGNk7lHLcetCswJugaAmTSEALw_wcB&hvadid=174205857968&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9011786&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=18123511592212806938&hvtargid=kwd-59389386&keywords=strength+training+anatomy&qid=1626721109&sr=8-1&asin=0736092269&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1 

According to Nick, this book has good references of muscles in action, and in various poses at multiple angles.

I came across Scott Eaton's courses online and now have a plan to sign up for the courses that begin in October 2021 since summer session is already in-progress. 

I reached out to a FIEA alumni student who also took all the Scott Eaton courses last fall to see if they were worth the cost. The alumni said that although the courses are pricey, they were the best courses she has taken in her art career. She took all three courses: Anatomy for Artists, Digital Figure Sculpture, and Portraiture & Facial Anatomy for Artists.

The courses were listed on the website: https://www.scott-eaton.com/courses

References:

Winslow, Valerie L. Classic Human Anatomy in Motion: The Artist's Guide to the Dynamics of Figure Drawing. Watson-Guptill, 2015.