The Serpentine Line.

Michael Whynot. Figure Study, 2013. Red chalk.

I marvel at how often the human form can be described, through its underlying gesture, with a simple S curve; a serpentine line which flows through the figure, creating a unity of the forms. The draftsman should search for this line constantly in his drawings. Its use will allow them to relate the whole, as opposed to a mere reporting of the parts.

At times, light itself appears to flow through this twisting channel like water, shimmering atop the upraised forms, creating shadow as the forms turn away. Look for this aspect of light and use it to describe the forms. If you don't see it, then create it, because it is there, subtle though it may be. Never fear to enhance any quality which will bring dimension or clarity to your drawings. The purpose of art was never to copy nature, but to reveal true nature.