Finding My Way Through the Human Form
When I hit a creative block or find myself dissatisfied with something I’ve made, it puts me in a bit of a funk. My go-to remedy? Sketching the human figure. As artists, it’s one of the first things we’re taught—it’s fundamental, grounding, and deeply tied to where my art comes from.
Usually, I’ll lean on blind contour drawing during these moments, letting loose and seeing what emerges. But this time, I stuck with a simple pencil sketch, something more intentional. As I worked, I found myself drawn to the emotional weight in the figure. There was something raw and unspoken about it—anguish is the word that kept coming to mind. I can’t help but wonder if my subconscious guided me to choose this image to draw.
From there, I wanted to explore it further. I photographed the sketch and brought it into Adobe Fresco. I outlined the sketch in a think black ink stroke and began adding volume through one mid-tone and pure black to bring out the depth of the form. I kept it simple, focusing on how the interplay of elements could amplify the figure’s emotional tone.
These moments remind me why returning to the basics can be so powerful. The human form feels like home—a creative anchor that helps me process and move forward. It’s a reminder that even in frustration, there’s room to explore, grow, and create something meaningful.
