Russian academic drawing

Looks nice, but maybe a bit to dark overall. And the lights in the shadow areas feel a bit to light, especially on the ribs.

Overall great job.

Hi Elizabeth,

For most everything on this page, I really have to commend the structural analysis, especially the rib cage, pelvis, and clavicles. I think the torso from the front is also quite good, although the halftones in places are too even, preventing the big planes from standing out as much as they should.

The most substantial issues are found in the torso from the back directly above. I feel that there is too much of what my teachers called “geography” instead of “topography,” which simply means a lack of form with lots of lines encasing shapes instead of delineating said kinds. I do think that the scapula and deltoid are looking good. The structures of the back itself are a bit flat. I would start by simplifying as always the light and shadows, which I know can get confusing, but also making sure that when you find yourself encasing a form (turned shape) with too many lines, begin by reconsidering the edges of the line/value around that form. Everything in your drawing is a bit too sharp.

As for the structure, I think the rib age on the right side is too high, and almost completely lost on the left. Indeed, it isn’t easy to finds on the back, but it needs to be exaggerated. And finally, the important thing is to always consider the significant plane changes:

Horizontally on top: scapula, rhomboids, rhomboids, scapula.

Horizontally on the ribs: Angle of the Rib to Angle of the Rib on the other side

Vertically down the back: Upper Trapezius, Scapulas, Ribcage, Lumbar Spine, Sacrum.

I hope this helps, the work is excellent.

Best,
Iliya