#arttip

"Desaturate your drawing" is sometimes the first tip new artists learn to check values, but it is inaccurate.

Try using a black layer set to color on top, or experiment with the Proof options your art program might have!

I recently conducted a study into the torso and chest, and these are some drawings I came up with while I worked. The last is Artorias, before and after my study. It turned out pretty well. Here are some of my notes and findings!

Front Facing The lines on the neck (the ones that you can feel in your neck when you turn your head) are important muscles. The line starts right at the corner of your jaws (Beneath your ears), and travel towards the center of your collarbone.

The Collarbone connects to the top of the shoulders and points down towards the center of the sternum. Males will typically have broader collarbones than females due to the shape of the muscles/shoulders/armpits.

The peck muscles internal inside lines (over the sternum) lead to the sides of the neck naturally.

The peck muscles external lines (which reach up towards the arm pit) have an invisible line that can lead towards the center of the throat. The invisible lines and bottom of the pecks make an almost upside down heart shape.

The stomach has two plains, the ones on the center that have the abs and the ones more to the side. Ensure that whenever you shade the stomach you shade these areas as well.

Your sides have notable bumps along them. Making guidelines, the sides are generally marked by the Oblique and Serratus muscles, or they are generally in line with the abs.

The Oblique and Serratus muscles generally lead to the middle of the abs and lead to the center of the abs.

The bump that's under the belly/pelvic area is about 1/3rd of the distance down between the belly button and X

Side Facing The pecks generally align with the person's nose, or extend past the nose by roughly a half inch.

The front of the shoulder typically extends a bit past the corner of the jaw (below ear).

The bottom of the Teres Major muscle aligns with the nipple.

The abs are not flat/vertical. They are slanted towards the stomach.

The top arc where the glutes meets the torso almost reaches the belly button.

The head CAN be thicker than waist at this angle

The curve of the back is still further out than the back of the neck by approx an inch. This curve also perfectly alligns with the belly button.

Back and Butt extends further than the back of neck.

Back facing Easiest if you start with the main muscle on the back, the one that connects the neck and neck bumps together and is ninja star shaped: The trapezius.

The small white diamond shape in the Trapezius (where the spine is visible) has its side points allign with the top of the collar bone.

Trapezius meets shoulder at a point that is vertically aligned with the middle point of the serratus.

Teres Major and Minor line leads up towards the armpit.

Top of the Dorsi muscle underlaps the trapezius at a point that is vertically alligned with the side of the neck.

Like the side view, the Dorsi Muscle's top aligns with the nipples.