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Anatomy isn't THAT important
🕑 Added 2021-07-21 16:52:54 +0000 UTCComing from me, that might seem like an oxymoron. However, it's true. It was a mistake many of my peers and I made during our early years of anatomy training in college. We had just learned the bones and muscles and all of us were eager to demonstrate our understanding of what many would argue is the most important fundamental basic in visual artistry. But, the opposite was true - atleast for a while. Why? Well simply put, when one has no knowledge of anatomy, they try to draw what they see. If one has a good understanding of shape theory(how to combine curves and straights), then one can produce very appealing images even with a limited understanding of the subject matter at hand.
This page of Nima by Enrique Fernandez is a very strong example of shapes importance over anatomy. Nima is greatly exaggerated. Her feet are tiny, her waist and ribcage are narrow, and together they contrast her large thighs. The man's shapes are very rectangular and straight. Fernandez isn't relying too much on his expansive anatomy knowledge, but rather on his more instinctive understanding of shapes and how they convey a message to a viewer.
In stark contrast to Enrique, Keisuke Itagaki's Baki the Grappler showcases what many do wrong. I don't wanna appear like I'm hating on the man and his work, but in the diverse pool of hypertalented comic and manga artists, Itagaki's art leaves much to be desired. His muscle knowledge isn't bad, but it isn't anything incredible either. He understands it better than the average person, but over emphasizes the shapes to where there is no balance, harmony, or message other than this guy is swole af. Characters are purely smaller or larger versions of other characters. 
In my own journey, I've been finding the balance between anatomy and shapes. I will indefinitely continue to draw outrageously muscular characters, but exploring shape language on top of anatomy only makes for more intriguing artwork. 
Robert Valley further pushes shape language. He creates a reality so skewed and distorted, yet believable. The reason I thought of making this post was because I see many of my followers who are inspired by me or have learned from my YouTube videos ignoring shapes in order to showcase how well they are beginning to grasp anatomy. This in of itself is perfectly fine. But I feel somewhat responsible for holding them back on what they can really accomplish if they didn't focus so much on anatomy. Good art doesn't have to be accurate. It doesn't even always have to be believable. The most important thing is that it's pleasing to look at. If it has that and the other aspects, then you're a mighty fine artist.
Hope you enjoyed.
Comments
Great share Koteri!
Reggie
This reminds me of when I studied Ernie Barnes’ work in high school
You're welcome little Mall
Glad they help!
I almost passed on after reading the title. These posts help a lot though. 🙏
Luke SS
I really appreciate you saying this. I feel like as there’s such a psychic battle for artists to go through about what they feel like they need to know how to do vs what they want to do. Anatomy is deffo a big element to this battleground that both empowers and creates toxic insecurity. I agree with you! I really like hearing this perspective from someone who’s known for their great use of anatomy. It’s important to remember that seeing > knowing and that all it takes is just doing it and not doubting yourself.
damn this hit home ty
Donna
Don't worry i also think the baki art looks weird too, like muscles are cool but these guys are disgustingly muscular to the point where the muscles you wouldn't normally see appear in broad daylight. Not trying to be disrespectful.
manderlee
I definitely think this is why I struggle to piece together anatomy—I have terrible memory so remembering every bone and muscle by name is near to impossible for me. However, I learned that breaking figures down into shapes is how I’ve improved the best. It’s kind of a tough mindset to get out of, at least for me anyways. I feel like I gotta know every odd and end of anatomy to be “good” at it or “understand” it, but as a visual person that doesn’t really work. Great post grandpa roosh👨🏽🦳👍🏽
Donna
Will keep in mind, I'll definitely experiment with shapes more, while trying to keep the integrity of my anatomy. Tbh anatomy is really boring to me but it helps me put pencil to paper, I dont have to worry about what goes where or how does this move. Im more interested in color theory and landscaping, I follow you for your art and lessons. Anatomy isn't the only thing I wanna learn from you. Thanks for the tip
Can't wait to see the results!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I like exploring shapes. It's probably my favorite thing. I'm knees deep into anatomy studies right now, and I don't think it would be a bad idea to add some of this knowledge into the mix
Recently came to this conclusion after studying anatomy go about 5 years. I would study it for a while then take a break from it and draw objects, perspective etc... Though i know my anatomy isn't great I have recently come to the same conclusion. The shapes matter for sure. Great post man!
