A sketch of a model – Drawing critique

Figurative artwork by Sam, Drawing Academy student

I wanted to send this drawing because I need professional critique. I’m attending weekly life drawing classes locally, but my art teacher doesn’t give any feedback other than “great job.” I know I have a lot to learn in life drawing and showed this sketch to my family; they said it was good, but maybe they just wanted to make me happy.

I would really appreciate if you could tell me what is not right with this drawing and how can I improve.

Thank you
Sam

Dear Sam,

Many thanks for your drawing.

It is very good, well done. Many art students would love to have your drawing skills.

I can see that you use helping lines and proportions, which is the right way to draw figurative artworks.

There are some small points you can double-check:

1. The head is not connected to the neck correctly. It sits a bit more forward than it should. The neck, however, is placed on the shoulders quite well.

The sternocleidomastoid muscle of the neck, which you marked correctly, inserts to the base of the skull right behind an ear. In your drawing, there is a gap between an ear and this muscle’s insertion point.

2. One shoulder is smaller than the other one.

3. Model’s right arm is shorter than the left one.

4. The ribcage ends a bit high. It should end at the elbows level.

5. The ear is a bit too small; it looks similar in size to the eye.

6. The symmetry of the pelvis can be improved.

There are some other details that you will get better with after practicing more. All these points are minor and do not spoil the overall appearance of your artwork.

There are two important things to keep in mind when doing life drawings – anatomy and proportions of a human body. You have the knowledge of both, now it’s a matter of using what you know in practice.

Another tip that will help you in figurative artworks is drawing all body parts in pairs. If you draw one arm or a shoulder, immediately draw another one. This way, it is easier to keep proportionate dimensions.

Once again, thank you for your wonderful drawing. I like it a lot.

Keep drawing, draw from life, draw often.

Best regards,
Vladimir

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