EXPLORING THE TORSO SIDE VIEW

EXPLORING THE TORSO SIDE VIEW

Skeleton The visual landmarks of the skeleton in profile are the 7th cervical vertebrae, acromion process, inner margin af scapula, and backbone. The backbone's four curves cervical (forward), thoracic (backward), lumbar (forward), and sacra (backward)-arrange the head, chest, and pelvic girdle over the legs for balance. 

Trunk Muscles The upper torso muscles-as well as the scapula, which is anchored by muscle to the spine, ribs, and arms-follow and influence all arm movement. Mid·torso muscles, such as external oblique, rectums abdominal, and latissimus Doris, bend, twist, and stabilize the rib cage and pelvis. Muscles below the pelvic girdle activate the legs. 

Diagram of Landmarks It is lack of fat in addition to degree of muscularity that deter­ mines surface definition. To render the female form, it's important to become familiar with fat deposit areas, including the flank (iliac crest); buttocks (gluteus); and stomach (abdo­ min), especially below the navel. Mammary fat accounts for the smoothness of the breast. 

Drawing Tips Female figures display a more fluid contour than do male figures, largely because of the female's extra fatty layer, which serves a reproductive purpose but also obscures muscular form. Muscular structure is basically the same for both sexes, but the width and angle of the pelvis makes the skeleton more recognizably male or female. 

EXPLORING THE TORSO TIPS

EXPLORING THE TORSO TIPS

 Proportion The pelvic girdle is about 1 head high, and the torso-from trochanters to 7th cervical vertebroe-is about 3 heads high.

Simplified Figurette Sketching with simple lines and basic shapes is a good way to establish the base of a figure drawing.

Tips The nipples, 1 head-width apart, are vertically aligned with pelvic landmarks and diagonally aligned with the acromian pro­ cesses.

Detail Note the relationship between the skeletal and muscular struc­ tures (A). The linea alba (interrupting tendons) of the rectus abdominis create a "six pack" appearance as they arch progressively higher toward the sternum (B). Two of the interrupting tendons line up with the 10th rib and the navel (e).

Trapezoids represent the overall bone structure of the torso from both front and rear views. Here you can see the same three·part division. 

This simplified sketch from the back view includes an important feature: a line from the 7th cervical vertebrae to the sacral triangle. 

On an erect figure, the bones of both the lower ribs and the upper spine are apparent, where­ as the lumbar region looks like a furrow. 

The shape of the trapezius is similar to that of a kite (A) or a four­ pointed star (e). The simplified shape of the latissimus dorsi suggests the appearance of an upside-down triangle (B), with a diamond-shaped sheath removed from its upside-down apex (D). 

The simplified torso from the side view has a bean-shaped appear­ ance, but the same proportional divisions of the torso apply.

The simplified figurette in profile makes use of the bean and oval shapes that appear in the pro­ portional drawing at left. 

The simplified figurette in profile makes use of the bean and oval shapes that appear in the pro­ portional drawing at left. 

The serratus anterior muscle starts alongside the first eight ribs, then ends at the inner margin of the scapula (A). Its main mass appears as a bulge underneath the latissimus dorsi (B). At the muscle's origin (on the ribs), it looks a little like the fingers of a hand (e).