This anatomical study is by the artist and educator Mariane Elias. It focuses on the Artistic Anatomy of the Torso, specifically utilizing a method known as Simplified Volumetric Construction.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the principles shown in the image, organized into professional artistic concepts that you can use for further research.

1. The Core Principles of the Sketch

The drawing doesn't just show muscles; it shows mechanics. The artist uses a specific color-coded system to explain how the human body moves in 3D space:

* The Action Line (Green): This represents the orientation of the spine. It dictates the "flow" of the pose. In gesture drawing, this is the most important line because it captures the energy before the details.

* The Shoulder Girdle (Red): This highlights the tilt and pitch of the clavicles and shoulders. Notice how the red line is rarely perfectly horizontal; it tilts to counter-balance the hips.

* The Mass and Core (Blue): This indicates the volume and depth. By shading one side, the artist defines the "Turning Edge"—the point where the front of the body turns into the side.

2. Key Topics for Your Research

To master this style, you should search for the following professional art terms:

A. Gesture Drawing & Line of Action

This is the practice of capturing the "essence" of a pose in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Search for "Line of Action in Figure Drawing" to understand how the green line in the image connects the head to the torso.

B. The "Squash and Stretch" Principle

Notice the torsos in the image. On one side, the ribs and hips are far apart (Stretch), and on the other, they are pinched together (Squash). Search for "Torso Squash and Stretch" to learn how to make your characters look flexible rather than robotic.

C. The "Bean" and "Robo-Bean" Methods

These are famous teaching methods by artists like George Bridgman and Proko. They simplify the ribcage and pelvis into two masses (like beans or boxes) connected by the waist. Search for "Proko Robo-Bean" to see how to turn these sketches into 3D forms.

D. Contrapposto

This is an Italian term used in classical art. It describes a pose where the weight is shifted onto one leg, causing the shoulders and hips to tilt in opposite directions. Search for "Contrapposto in Figure Drawing" to understand the balance seen in these sketches.

3. Analysis of Volume and Overlap

What makes Mariane Elias’s work stand out is the use of Overlapping Lines.

Look at the middle sketch in the top row: the chest overlaps the stomach. This creates Depth. Instead of drawing a flat outline, the artist uses "wrapping lines" to show that the body has thickness.

Pro Tip: When you practice these, don't start with the muscles. Start with the Orientation. If the green line (spine) and the red line (shoulders) are correct, the muscles will naturally fall into the right place.

Theory is the foundation, but practice makes the difference. Watch the video to discover the secrets of torso drawing through Mariane Elias’s method. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow to stay updated with everything new in the art world.

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