>>3412024Well I don't know your current level and the subject is a bit long to cover in a single post but I'll try to come up with some advice based on the mistakes I've made.
If you're advance you can start with details but usually it's a good idea to begin with a gestural curve or an envelope (as they call it) since it's really easy to get tunnel vision and loose track of the proportions and make the figure bigger or smaller as you go through the canvas.
To avoid making your figures stiff try to be conscious of this unbalance quality or "contraposto" as they call it. See pic, when most of the weight is on one foot the arms and shoulders twist off-axis from the hips. It make your figures look very dynamic and more natural, since barring the "standing soldier" pose the figure is never completely symmetrical.
The human body itself is asymmetrical from head to toe though. It's very common to straighten everything out make it look like a snowman.
Also, make sure you understand the structure of anything you're drawing, even the parts that won't be seen in the final picture. Say, you're drawing a hair ribbon, a collar or any other accessory. All those things have thickness to them. It's a common error to draw them as if they were sheets of paper. You need to see how it's wrapping around the surface of the forms; very important when it comes to any form of clothing, so pay special attention to the areas that are turning around the form to the other side (you'll see those curves become more severe around the corners of thevolume). Most forms of clothing can work as cross contour lines which are great for showing volume. Make loose sketches on a separate piece of paper to make sure you understand how this stuff is wrapping around.
But you know, if you want to make your drawings look professional you really have to study. It can get very strenous but it's a very rewarding experience if you're up to the challenge.
Well, good luck!
