Learning body parts

newto3d

Hi Guys,

I keep attempting to do characters, either in 3dsmax or zbrush. I feel like i'm getting into a bit of a rut. I think i suck at mainly because of lack of knowledge when it comes to anatomy.

So i thought i'd keep it simple and do individual body parts. Starting off low poly as I can were it still looks good. Can you please advise me on where i could be going wrong.

I feel like im starting to get the shapes, but it just looks terrible, is it edge flow that could be a problem? draw overs totally welcome, really want to learn. Thanks

[IMG]http://www.miatech.co.uk\images\frontview.png[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.miatech.co.uk\images\sideview.png[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.miatech.co.uk\images\perview.png[/IMG]

Dimfist

This is a good idea to start at basics. If you look at the reference you will see that a womans outside of her leg is like an elongated s. you are close but you will notice it more in the ref if you pay attention. All women are a bit different but this one in paticular, her inner thighs are a bit further apart.
The biggest error I see is your feet. It looks like you have a mix between the shoe and the foot. If you are going for anatomy, get those feet shaped correctly!
Remember the foundation of all anatomy is the skeleton, so don't forget how that affects the muscles and skin. These are 'landmarks' where the skeleton comes close to the skin. Use these to help you establish a good anatomy.
Keep at it. Proper anatomy is very tough and I am still working/struggling with it every day.

Mcejn

This isn't a great approach. You're likely to just confuse yourself more trying to learn anatomy this way. You can grab an anatomy/gesture book or two and learn that way; or you can just look up reference online and start drawing and studying what humans look like and how to interpret that in 2D first. You should also look at how other artists have already solved rendering those 3D forms in 2D - this can be useful for learning tricks to help you convey certain aesthetics.

This will give you a better understanding of what is actually going on with a human leg on the surface and underneath. That will in turn help you better understand what you're actually modeling and make things easier for you going into a digital modeling or sculpting tool.

It's not a short road but it's tried and true and will make you a better artist. Good luck and don't give up!

Dimfist

Mcejn, how many hours did you spend drawing noses, hands, eyes? You don't think there is any benefit to practicing that way? I myself have never just did a leg but I spent countless hours drawing hands and did several in zbrush to try and get the hang of it.
To OP, you should definitely have a folder full of anatomy references. There are also tons of websites http://www.anatomy4sculptors.com/ as an example. I just got myself a 2 foot tall anatomy sculpture as well from anatomy tools.

Mcejn

That is my point. Drawing them and studying them in 2D will be far more beneficial for the developement of his skills in the long run. In either 2d or 3d. Instead of modeling a lowpoly silhouette version of a leg, he could draw many different types of them in a shorter amount of time and just drill down on studying that way first.

Dimfist

Agreed!

newto3d

totally agree on drawing as much as possible for anatomy, something i am also running with hopefully get there one day

with regards to fairly low poly models, sticking to anatomy has got to be hard right? as the more polys you have the closer you can shape the muscles and bones?

so with my leg above, with that amount of polys what would you have done different? am i totally off with where my edges are? or is it im just not grasping the full 3d aspect of it, and placement of verts. ie making the leg rounder?

Sorry if it sounds like im talking gibberish. always makes sense in my head

Thanks.