Anatomy for Comics, Graphic Novels, and Sequential Art (Studio & Zoom)

Comic and graphic novel illustrators demonstrate varied skills that, when applied in wider art contexts, can provide highly effective tools for figure drawing and painting. Based on the working methods of comic illustrators, Anatomy for Comics, Graphic Novels, and Sequential Art will help artists add greater dimension to their figure drawings. Whether you’re considering producing graphic novels, a body of work that follows a sequence, or simply searching for fresh approaches in anatomical drawing, this workshop will enhance your ability to present the human figure in a more dynamic way.

This is a guided workshop delivered by way of demonstrations, drawing the life model, discussion, and answering artists’ individual questions.

Topics covered will include:

Gestural drawing methods to effectively describe ‘action lines’
Using anatomical knowledge to simplify representing the body in a convincing way
Effectively drawing the silhouette of the body, allowing the viewer to easily ‘read’ the figure
Standardising or exaggerating the figure for dramatic representation
Approaches to describing foreshortening with clarity
Ways to dynamically pose a model
Developing observational and intuitive skills to amplify anatomical features
Drawing the figure in action
Establishing simple sequences for the figure

Tutor- Dolph van Eden
Technician- Alex Beck

All levels welcome; online and in studio

Required materials: Cartridge/ drawing pad or loose sheets, B or 2B pencil(s), eraser, pencil sharpener, simple colour media (e.g. pencil crayons, watercolour paints, etc). Paper and pencils available to Skylab attendees

Optional/ non-mandatory materials (personal recommendation): A2/A3 Daler-Rowney Smooth-Drawing 96 g/m2 pad or loose sheets, Xerox photocopy paper, Mitsubishi Uni clutch pencil (or other 2mm clutch pencil), Pentel P209 pencil or equivalent 0.9mm mechanical pencil, B grade leads for all pencils, Tombow Mono Zero eraser, Faber-Castell 185800 Perfection pencil eraser with brush, a range of Faber-Castell Polychromos or Crayola coloured pencils

In Studio and on Zoom with different camera angles
In Studio: £65
Zoom: £55
More information and tickets here