Anatomy quick tips
STRUCTUR AL NOTES ON THE TORSO
CHARLIE PICKARD continues his ten-part series of quick tips on anatomy; this month, he explores the core elements of illustrating the torso
The torso is probably the single most fundamental part of the human figure. The reason for this is that it houses and protects the organs that are so important to our ability to survive and thrive.
It is the engine of the human machine and while we can go some time without the limbs, even functionally replacing them with prosthetics, without the torso we are lost. I say this because I want to impress upon you the fact that careful study of this fascinating structure is just as important to our artistic study and should be respected. This is the topic of this month’s anatomy guide.
It is from this structure that most actions and gestures begin. This makes total sense if you consider that the other parts of the body are appendages or branches rising out of this central trunk. Due to this, many artists begin their figure drawings by careful observation of this central form and branch out from there.