I am happy to now be able to offer you access to the industrially 3D Printed skeleton kit that goes with the Simplified Anatomy component of the course, allowing you to go through the full process.
I think the simplified approach taught here is more or less in the sweet spot of anatomy study for the artist.
Here's why:
1. Follow embedded 3D models: Unlike the flat pages of a regular book, here you sculpt the forms in coloured clay based on step-by-step 3D models that you can rotate on your screen (rather than wading through books looking for the right angle to understand what the form of a muscle is)
2. Strategic Simplification: These forms are simplified where appropriate - for instance, in the observed human body, the forearm flexors are usually seen as one general mass, rather than the multiple small muscles that compose this group - and the shape of this group as it interlocks and flows with other forms of the arm is what we are interested in as artists
3. Touch is a powerful learning tool: Involve your hands and spatial sense as you model them onto the 3D printed skeleton - this is the most fun and intuitive way to grasp the way the forms relate to one another
4. Colour Coding: My simplified colour coded system keeps each muscle or muscle group separated mentally, and gives you a way to colour code your study of any reference you choose to - in the course I suggest colour coding life drawings, tracings of photoreference or figures from imagination - consistent colours help you to stay in control of the masses.
5. Covers key poses/actions: Characteristic patterns emerge with certain actions - the pose of this 3D printed skeleton allows you to see:
-A twisting, tilted torso in contrapposto (weight on one leg)
-A bent versus straight knee
-A bent versus straight ankle
-A bent versus straight elbow
-A forward thrust shoulder versus a more retracted and lifted shoulder
- A pronated forearm (palm down) versus a supinated (palm up) forearm
6. The Simplified Anatomy component is related to and integrated with the practise of figure drawing.
I wish it was around when I started trying to figure this stuff out!
It is an approach that balances simplification (so that you are not overwhelmed) with robustly deepening your knowledge of the form, or 3D shape, of the visible elements of the human body. Detailed écorché (flayed figure) courses are great if you can find one and and can afford it, but in the end we need to simplify when thinking about the human body observed from life . Also, if you are thinking about doing a complete écorché, getting an overview through my colour coded system will help you to orient yourself as you go into full detail.
In the full kit you receive the 36cm skeleton model, all the required coloured clay and a simple sculpture tool
It has been a challenge to get it produced on industrial 3D printing machines at a cost affordable to you, the end user studying anatomy, but I am very happy with the strength and accuracy of the result (and have tested it myself going through the entire process and filming it - this will be embedded in the course notes soon.)
You can order with or without the coloured clay (it is about a kilo of clay so there is the shipping cost to take into account - therefore you might like to source it locally if you are located outside Australia and have an art supply that stocks this.
This tool can save you a lot of time and hassle (and money!) as you study artistic anatomy, which can otherwise be extremely challenging. Simply by getting the kit and following the process in the course, the insights and connections will come naturally.
Testimonials:
Wayne, Brisbane
Vicky, Brisbane
Martin, Brisbane