Three approaches to drawing

These are three approaches to drawing that I find useful to understand.  Some people draw for fun and don't really care about learning or having progress but for those of us who do care, we need a measuring stick to track our progress.  The best way to improve is to work on improving in areas or methods that you are weaker in.  The three approaches as summarized are:

1 - Drawing by measuring relationships between features and using shapes to create a simple building structure.  I simply call this the 2D method for clarification since you will measure flat shapes like squares, rectangles, triangles, etc.

2 - Drawing using three dimensional forms to create the illusion of space and masses.  This can be called the 3D method because you will think of everything as solid forms such as cubes, cylinders, spheres, etc.

3 - Drawing based on gesture focuses on movement and the life of the character.  I'll call this the gestural method.  This is where you feel the pose.

Here are my examples of how each approach differs on a simple subject of a little girl's head.

Most of the time you will infuse two or even all three of the methods into one drawing.  But sometimes, one method will clearly serve the purpose of your piece.  You just have to decide which one will best deliver what you want to say through your drawing.

If your drawings tend to look flat, maybe you should work on the 3D method and use masses and forms to make your character(s) appear more solid.  If you draw using gestures and end up with sloppy scribbles, work on cleaning up your drawing to a finished level.  If your drawing looks stiff and lifeless, you should probably practice some gesture drawings.

I am not saying anything new here, just regurgitating past lessons to help myself remember some basics and hopefully give whoever is interested some ideas.  If you have questions and or comments, I'd love to hear them.  Otherwise, have fun drawing!