|
|
Balance
When you set up a pose, you will need to take into account its center of
gravity. This center is typically located in the underbelly of a human,
just above the crotch. The weight of your legs makes up for almost half of
your total body weight.
The position of it in regard to the "resting points" of the body says
something about the balance of the body. The following examples
demonstrate this.
Red circle = centre of gravity
red arrow = direction of gravity
green arrow = resting point |
 |
Standard walk As you can see, the centre of gravity lies
between the two resting points. This results in a balanced stance. |
|
 |
Fall Here the center of gravity lies next to the resting
point. This is inbalance, causing the body to move sideways to the left. |
 |
Balancing act Well, what it says. This is possible because
the body is 'spread' fairly symmetrically. Compare with the next one... |
 |
Here the body leans to the right, causing in balance. You
will notice that the center of gravity shifts a bit to the right as well. |
 |
Run stick figure, run When running the centre of gravity
lies in front of the resting point. As you can see (or feel), this is an
unbalanced pose resulting in a falling motion of the figure. He won't fall
of course, because he is running at speed and will put a foot in front of
the other preventing him from hitting the ground. (Physically you want to
propel the mass - referenced by the centre of gravity - forward, thus
having the propelling force - from the feet - at the rear.) |
 |
Leaning The figure is at rest because the centre of gravity
lies between the two resting points: one foot and a shoulder. The foot of
the crossed does not contribute to standing (it's at rest, hanging). |
 |
Crouching tiger, hidden dragon Eh.. I mean a high kick.
Because the centre of gravity is to the right of the resting point the
body will 'fall' towards the right, giving it a kicking momentum towards
the right. Btw, this is a wrong way to kick, people say. |
|
|
Of course you do NOT have to make the pose a balanced one.
An unbalanced pose conveys dynamics, action and motion, while a balanced
pose results in a calm and tranquil image.
The above is just an aspect you should consider when you set up a pose. It
can enhance your drawing greatly in a natural looking way. |
