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).