Shape Design /// Part 1 : Seeing Abstract Shapes in the Figure
Added 2025-04-24 19:30:07 +0000 UTCThe fundamentals of shape design are often discussed in the context of character design and illustration. However, I’ve rarely seen them applied directly to figure drawing—and I aim to change that!
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Before you can design with shapes, you first have to see them. In this video, I present several exercises to help train your eye for shape recognition.
But it’s not just about seeing shapes—we also want to identify their unique character. Abstract forms can evoke surprisingly specific ideas, and learning to recognize that opens up new possibilities in your creative process.
Train yourself to see shapes on both a macro (big picture) and micro (detail) level. You can quickly capture the overall expression of a pose through its enclosing shape. Likewise, once you recognize the character of smaller shapes, you’ll be able to translate them to your drawing with more confidence and conviction.
So if you ever place down timid lines, this is for you!
Comments
Great lesson Lane. I’ve watched it a couple of times to let it sink in. Very good foundation for blocking out form and light. Thanks!
Tdiz1
2025-10-08 01:15:53 +0000 UTCThanks Norman! Molly Bang's book is one of my favorites. Shape composition is such a fascinating subject, because it reveals that you don't need more detail to make a strong drawing, but rather more purpose and intent in the arrangement of elements.
Lane.Draws
2025-04-29 17:28:52 +0000 UTCGreat lesson and fun exercise. I do these kinds of things when I just find a fragment of. time to put in some art practice. Some other sources of shape discussion that I've found of value: Sinix design on you tube has a good lecture on shapes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6yJO9gKSAI&list=PLOm4KQPS4iSxFtqh2fB8sPG42B2AjYbMv Wonderful book by a children's book author about shapes etc https://www.mollybang.com/Pages/picture.html
Norman Bonney
2025-04-29 01:20:04 +0000 UTC
