Oehler, Bernice Olivia [Hrsg.]: Figure sketching (London, 1927)

^ Position

The various positions of the body are both
infinite and difficult, but of endless interest.
All movements are based on the structure of
the body, and a few of structure determine
their direction and limitations.

The spine allows the head and body to bend
forward and slightly backward at the neck
and waist. The spine also twists enough to al-
low the head and body to turn somewhat from
side to side.

The arms move in a ball and socket joint at
the shoulder in a rotatory movement on hinge
joints at the elbow and wrist.

Do not make arms or legs curve all the
way, but bend at the joints. The thighs
move on a ball and socket joint at the hips
with a partially rotatory movement, and on
hinge joints at knee and ankle with a twisting
movement to the leg similar to that of the
forearm.

The toes move on hinge joints but not so
freely as the fingers.

To learn positions draw them. Remember
foreshortening of parts.

Draw figure lying down, half reclining,
sitting, standing, bending forward, raising
arms, reaching forward, standing on one hip,
standing with feet braced apart, head and
body turned, kneeling on both knees, kneel-
ing on one knee, in front, back, and profile
views, etc., etc.

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