How long did it take you to learn human anatomy?
polycounter lvl 4
Question is for sculptors and painters alike. How much time has passed since you started learning anatomy till you were able to draw/sculpt a realistic human character from scratch? With no basemesh, references, overpainting etc. - you open a clean file and you can draw/sculpt a human right there, with no help.
I'm not asking "how long it takes" - I'm asking how long it took you to get there.
Replies
Who doesn't use reference? O.o
Yeah, do yourself an almighty favour, make use of those refs.
I hale from a traditional painter/sculptor (...base relief) background and still references are an integral element in order too capture a accurate representation, well close enough anyway. Anatomy is a life long quest in a fruitless search for perfection few have mastered although in my humble opinion quite possibly during the classical Greek sculptors or indeed Renaissance Masters would number among said 'few' but even then Da Vinci, Buonarroti Simoni and Raphael utilised cartoons as preparatory drawings prior to transferring the approved work too plaster, cadaver research notwithstanding.
EDIT:
In terms of "how long" studying anatomy in my case on and off, best recollection began around about 1982, whilst attempting a Fine Arts degree course of study (...partial completion) aged 21.
It took me 3 years to get to a decent level where most issues were no longer 'in your face type' that every student could spot, but for the level required for AAA gig it took me longer. Still it is always an ongoing process, you will keep learning. Every time you you 'master' something you will notice another 'big' issue with your work and so on.
ned_poreyra said:
I think I was misunderstood. I know that people use references. But some people are on such a level that they no longer need them to get a decent result. Like Kim Jung Gi for example
He's 44, but he didn't reach that level last year, he can certainly draw like this for quite a while. I'm just interested how long (statistically) does it take to get there. I thought that a couple of people will reply and I would be able to calculate the average learning time. But apparently this is way more rare than I expected and there is currently no one like this on Polycount at all (or they didn't notice this thread for some reason).
I think you've totally misunderstood the scope of the foundational tenet you had queried.
...may I ask, are you a visual artist?
Well, I'd suggest as a resource that'll shed more light whilst providing professional insight regarding Anatomy but only one of a number of artistic principles known collectively as the The Fundementals Of Art rather than attempt to explain why in fact your question seems to me at least, meaningless.
An example from my perspective that profoundly illustrates work by a Baroque Master, which during the course of his short career drew and painted from life, just ordinary people quite literally chosen right off the street too model for his paintings, hence renown down through the centuries as the father of figurative realism alongside a theatrical use of Chiaroscuro.
"Disposition" - Caravaggio circa: 1600 - 1604
And what if there was? And the answer was three years. What would that do for you?
Even for purely concept work they may have a mood board of sorts.
I mean maybe can manage with muscle memory, but honestly what is the point? If you have references use them.
Its not like you're pulling up porn as references on a busy day at the studio.
Also I think more than understanding the fundamentals of human anatomy, its getting comfortable with gesture and form that will help more.
This is why a life drawing class adds so much more to an artists workflow, since you learn so much about the flow of the human figure.
Same with speed sculpting which I highly recommend.
Could you post some of your work we can help.
I've visited your artstation, since its more cartoony work, given your question are you looking to learn to do more realistic character work?
Also I love love your rick and morty fan art! Your other pieces are great too! Really nice renders and innovative compositions.
"Looking at Kim Jung Gi performing I wouldn't say it's a useless ability."
Now If your end goal is to find employment in the entertainment or for that matter other peripheral sectors of the CG industry i.e. medical, aeronautics, industrial design, military sim, archvis....etc, etc...it most certainly is I'm afraid!
However your call if spending decades in order to replicate the attribute demonstrated in your linked example is a viable skillset too achieve, then fine by all means go forth...
BUT! personally it's just an inconceivable waste of time and effort to even contemplate doing so.
Study anatomy bruv. You can do it!