THE FIGURE
So why mix figure drawings in with animation? Figure drawing is a essential practice for any aspiring animator and seasoned animator for that matter. It has been since the first animators began work with Walt Disney and still today, animation studios offer figure drawing workshops in the studio. It’s not so much about the ability to render the figure accurately as it is the continual practice and understanding that there is no “right” way to draw the figure. It’s a creative exploration every time.
I like to approach drawing the figure with varying degrees of creativity. At times, I’ll academically approach the drawing by striving to understand anatomy, proportion, light, etc.
Other times, I’ll let my creativity begin to flow by exaggerating the shapes, gesture, and style of the form.
Sometimes I’ll even completely disregard “reality” and strive to achieve something unique to my aesthetic senses.
Whether it be in the way I use the conte, or by exaggerating the proportions, or even throwing in some inspiration from other sources, I have found that abandoning the academic constraints of figure drawing and relying on my own creativity and imagination, flexes those brain juices that allow for unique creative solutions in more than just drawing the figure.
Each drawing was done in conte on newsprint using a live model. Since newsprint deteriorates quickly, each drawing is scanned and reproduced on high quality, acid free archive paper and wrapped around a custom made wood frame. There are approximately 150 unique drawings (salon style) on display in the exhibition. Here’s a few more to check out….
As I put together images for the exhibition, I’d be interested in which ones you guys actually like the most. gestural and figurative, or exaggerated, or totally weird?
I personally love the gestural and figurative drawings. I have trouble keeping drawings that concise because I agonize too much over details.
looks like 2D+1,
flat with time..
cant wait to see your next (feature film) project…
I’m not an artist, so can’t say anything clever about your work from a technical perspective. That out of the way, I do know what I love, and I absolutely love your art! In fact, I was immediately engrossed in how simple, full, beautiful and touching your rendition of ‘Thought of You’ is. But then, on further investigation, I found you toy with many styles, and seem successful in implementing all of them! As much as I’m trying to avoid ‘ghetto talk’ here: Damn! I also loved the Alien short movie that was voiced by your daughter! In truth, all of your material thus far is so inspiring I cannot begin to tell you how envious I am of you, yet thoroughly glad to have discovered your work. ‘Ryan Woodward’ is now a name firmly engraved in my mind. I say this simply because one doesn’t often come across truly talented, distinctly original, gumptious creators like yourself, so I thank you, on my own behalf, for adding such a wonderful mark to this world. You’ve made it a more inspiring place!
Not being an artist but an avid art lover, I’m hesitant to do as you request and tell you which of the posted drawings I like the most. In fact, all of them are moving and wonderful, and I would hang any or all of them on my walls. However, you asked, so I’ll list the ones that struck me the most. Of the Academic Contra Figure Drawings, 7, 8, 9 (of 10) with 9 being my favorite: I like the strength of gesture, the follow through of the lines and shading, and the masculine aspect. Of the Xaggerated Contra Drawings, 3, 4, 6 (of
with 6 being my favorite: The simple lines conveyed human emotion and gesture though some were much sassier! Of the Unique Aesthetic Drawings, 1, 3, 4 (of 5) with 4 being my favorite: Elements of humanity are still present though narrowed to the singular, and the curves are unexpected though still muscular/masculine. Of the other Contra Drawings, I have a bunch of favorites for the reasons listed above: 4, 5, 14, 18, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31, 33, 36 with 31 being my favorite.
I hope this is the sort of feedback you wanted, and thanks so much for posting such beautiful drawings. I came to this portion of your site via the wimp posting of “Thought of You” and can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed the video. I’ve played it for as many friends as will indulge me and shared it on fb. To some, it might be a boy-loses-girl story, to others a loss through death. To both of those interpretations, I question the woman at the end folding in despair. Is she the one who is suffering the loss? You definitely created a mystery! Thanks so much! I look forward to the book and DVD. Please send out a notification when they are completed.
thanks for the detailed comment wagnerp43. This helps me a lot.
Anytime! My eyes had a grand feast! I’m not sure how I inserted a smiley face, but I’m sure you knew what I meant.
Have a wonderful show–
i really love your work and the flow timing ,morphing follow through ,i love each and every frame of ur animation ,its really awesome ,animation of effects is too good ,i just wanna say ur really good ,keep it up all the best for your future
Of the academic approaches, I prefer the very last frame. I love all of the exaggerations! They are very interesting. I especially like the second frame and the women with large hips (6,7). I also really like the fantasy/sci-fi pieces; of them I prefer 1, 2, 5. From the general: 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 30. I can see your imagination in the general pictures especially. I really love the dress depiction (2); it appeals to my fashion design. See blog & etsy: http://isaprecious.blogspot.com/ http://www.etsy.com/shop/isaprecious 30 appears like motion, and it is beautiful.
I love your depictions of dance; from an amateur dancer and artist! You did dance right; with your art having multiple interpretations. I think when you allow your different styles to melt and mold, the best combinations are possible. They are not restricted by form or perfection.