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Anatomy Workshop Volume 3

A Workshop
by Charles Hu

Skeletal Structure, Mechanics and Proportion with Charles Hu

intermediate
2h 17m 1s
6 Lessons
A Workshop
by Charles Hu
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In this human anatomy tutorial series titled Skeletal Structure, Mechanics and Proportion, instructor Charles Hu will break down the human skeletal system in terms of how it relates to drawing a dynamic figure. Starting with basic proportion and structure, Charles breaks down the human skeleton into 9 primary structures: the head, shoulder, rib cage, spine, pelvis, arms, legs, hands and feet. He breaks down the primary landmarks and planes of each structure and identifies features on specific bones important to the mechanics and motion. Charles also discusses the skeletal mechanics of each structure to provide the mechanical understanding of the system in order to achieve more realistic and dynamic figure drawings.

6 Lessons

01Overview of the Human Skeletal SystemFree

In this lesson, the first of his workshop, Charles Hu emphasizes that understanding skeletal structure, proportions, and mechanics is fundamental to accurately depicting the human figure. Without comprehending how bones move and connect, artists learn that drawing bodies in different perspectives convincingly is a challenge. Charles provides foundational knowledge that enables artists to move beyond simply placing shapes and instead understand the underlying structural logic that makes figures appear realistic.

Duration: 22m 39s

Overview of the Human Skeletal System
02Skeletal Features of the Human Skull

This lesson teaches a systematic approach to drawing anatomically accurate skulls by breaking down complex forms into manageable geometric shapes. Charles emphasizes understanding the underlying three-dimensional structure rather than simply copying surface details. Artists learn that mastering these fundamental proportions and spatial relationships is essential to convincingly draw heads in any position or perspective.

Duration: 31m 2s

Skeletal Features of the Human Skull
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03Shoulder, Sternum, and Rib Cage

In this instructional lesson, Charles emphasizes understanding skeletal anatomy as the foundation for accurate figure drawing. Charles emphasizes the importance of identifying key anatomical landmarks, such as the sternum, to ensure proper body alignment. Artists discover that by understanding how bones articulate and relate to one another spatially, they can create more accurate, three-dimensional representations of the human figure.

Duration: 21m 17s

Shoulder, Sternum, and Rib Cage
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04Skeletal Features of the Human Arm

This lesson emphasizes the importance of understanding skeletal structure for creating anatomically accurate figure drawings. Charles stresses that knowing key bony landmarks, particularly at joints, provides reference points that define the boundaries of muscle groups. Artists learn that visualizing bones with subtle edges and understanding rotation help depict arm positions and create more convincing, structurally sound drawings.

Duration: 13m 29s

Skeletal Features of the Human Arm
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05The Human Pelvis

Charles provides multiple visualization strategies and proportional systems to make drawing the pelvis more approachable. The main takeaway is that learning these anatomical landmarks helps artists understand where muscles connect and how the body functions. Artists learn how these relationships ultimately lead to more convincing and naturalistic figure drawings.

Duration: 24m 29s

The Human Pelvis
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06Skeletal Features of the Human Leg

In the final lesson of his workshop, Charles explains that mastering skeletal anatomy is the foundation of figure drawing. By understanding bone proportions and landmarks, artists can create more accurate, dimensional human forms. Charles encourages regular practice drawing skeletons in a variety of poses from imagination, as this knowledge is invaluable when progressing to more complex anatomical studies involving musculature and complete figure work.

Duration: 24m 5s

Skeletal Features of the Human Leg
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Skills Covered

Who’s this Workshop for?

This workshop is developed for intermediate to advanced artists who want to elevate their figure drawing skills through anatomical understanding. Charles Hu's training is perfect for concept artists, illustrators, animators, and fine artists who need to create convincing human forms with proper proportions and dynamic poses.


Beginner-level artists with basic drawing fundamentals will also benefit significantly from this structured approach to anatomy. Students, hobbyists, and professionals who are seeking to strengthen their foundational knowledge will gain the mechanical understanding necessary to create more believable and expressive characters across various artistic disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this workshop, artists will have acquired a comprehensive understanding of skeletal anatomy essential for creating dynamic and proportionally accurate figure drawings.


Key skills include:

  • How to identify and utilize the nine primary skeletal structures in figure construction.
  • How to recognize key anatomical landmarks and planes for accurate proportion mapping.
  • How to apply skeletal mechanics principles to create realistic joint movement and poses.
  • How to break down complex human forms into manageable structural components.
  • How to understand bone relationships that affect surface anatomy and muscle attachment.
  • How to integrate anatomical knowledge with dynamic figure drawing techniques for improved realism.
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Workshop
Anatomy Workshop Volume 3
Skeletal Structure, Mechanics and Proportion with Charles Hu
A Workshop by Charles HuFigure Painter
intermediate
2h 17m
6 Lessons
Instructor Charles HuFigure Painter

Charles Hu is a figure painter and art instructor with over 26 years of experience teaching figure painting and sketching. A 2002 graduate of ArtCenter College of Design, he was hired by the school immediately after graduation to teach, beginning a long career in education and mentorship.


Charles has been commissioned for portraits, illustration painting, character designs for films and game pitches, murals, and comic book art, including work for the film End of the Spear. His artwork has been featured in ImagineFX Magazine and exhibited at Wendt Gallery, demonstrating his expertise in both classical and contemporary figurative art.

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