By Matt Fussell
Drawing feet is like drawing anything else. It's as simple as breaking the feet down into simple shapes and drawing the shapes. Most people struggle with feet for some reason. They also don't like to attempt drawing feet.
They resort to all kinds of crazy tactics to avoid drawing feet. They may try to draw the figure so that the feet are left off of the finished surface. Or they may try to cover up the feet with really large grass blades. (People will try crazy tactics to avoid drawing hands too.)
Stop all of this craziness. Just draw the stinking feet! (pun intended) It's not hard.
Let's take a look at the basics of how to draw feet. Remember, think shapes. So, what are the basic shapes that make up a foot? Well, a foot is generally a wedge shape. At the end of the wedge, are the toes. The shape for the toes may be a crescent shape depending on the angle of the foot.
Most of the time, the toes can be defined within a rectangular form. At the opposite end of the wedge, you can define the form for the ankle. It can also be defined by a rectangular form, or perhaps a cylinder. Don't over think it. Just break the foot down into shapes and it is easy to draw.
As I mentioned, drawing feet for some is a frustrating experience. Figure drawing in general is challenging. This is mainly because there are no formulas that exist for drawing people. The figure also changes when viewed from different angles increasing the challenge.
When it comes to feet and hands, the same challenges exist. Often, students find it convenient to simply hide hands and feet in a drawing, avoiding the challenge. Hands could be hidden in pockets, and feet hidden behind tall grass.
The best way to improve is to attack the challenge "head on". Don't avoid drawing feet because it is perceived that they are hard to draw. Instead, practice drawing feet so that you can improve.
It's true that there are no formulas that exist for drawing feet, but there are some simple forms and shapes that can be observed.
When the form of the feet is broken down into easy to draw forms and shapes, the process of drawing becomes easier. Learning how to recognize these forms is the real secret to drawing feet or really anything else for that matter.
When it comes to drawing feet, there are three basic forms to identify. The first is a wedge shape that can be found in the middle of the foot.
The second is a curved "block" that exists in the location of the toes. The last form is another curved "block" at the heel of the foot.
Identify and draw these forms first, then draw the contours. When drawing the feet is approached in this manner, your odds of success increase.
Basic forms involved in drawing feet...
Here's a look at the basic forms in another view of the foot...
Notice that the same shapes are present no matter what position the foot may be in.
Once the basic shapes have established, then the light source can be determined and shadowing can be added to the foot to create the illusion of form. Remember to add value in a consistent manner.
Here's another look at the process with two feet that overlap...
First, define the shapes.
Then, add the value to define the form and the light source.
The video tutorial below features excerpts of a one hour Live Lesson that appearing in the member section of the site on February 20, 2013. To see the full one hour session, complete with commentary, visit drawing feet (members only).
Here are some more art lessons that you may like...
How to Draw a Person Standing
How to Draw a Person Lying Down
Figure Drawing Tutorials
