In this lesson, Patrick introduces the “A.U.D.” method—Analyze, Understand, and Draw—as a structured approach to simplifying complex anatomical forms. You’ll learn to break down the figure into manageable shapes, using tools like mnemonics and key landmarks. Patrick also demonstrates the balance of gesture and structure while guiding you through the challenges of “Render Hell,” ensuring you don’t lose the dynamism of your drawing in the process. By the end of this lesson, you’ll develop a refined ability to analyze shapes and enhance your figure drawings with confidence and creativity.

This lesson belongs to Figure Drawing for Fantasy Art. In this 12-week course, renowned fantasy artist Patrick Jones will guide you through the essentials of fantasy figure drawing and its crucial role in his painting process. You will learn to capture dynamic gestures, simplify complex anatomy, and develop compelling characters that drive narrative art. Patrick will demonstrate how foundational drawing elements—structure, rhythm, and composition—directly influence his painting decisions, from color selection to lighting. Additionally, you’ll delve into bonus content on directing models for reference shoots, where Patrick shares his techniques for capturing emotion, action, and storytelling through live poses. By the end of this course, you’ll possess the skills to create powerful fantasy figures and bring them vividly to life.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.