PrøvGOLD- Free

Anatomy quick tips - HOW TO STUDY THE BACK MUSCLES

ImagineFX|January 2023
CHARLIE PICKARD continues his ten-part series of quick tips on anatomy; this month, in the final instalment, he explores a few structural notes on the back
- CHARLIE PICKARD
Anatomy quick tips - HOW TO STUDY THE BACK MUSCLES

The back of the torso in figure drawing is often viewed as one of, if not the most difficult and complex area of the body to depict and learn. This is not without good reason; the back reveals and hides many of its structures depending on the body fat present in the model, the level of muscular development and even the position of the pose! At times, learning this structure can seem overwhelming to students.

However, if we take a structured approach to learning the many forms that create the back and break down the problem into easy-to-grasp, learnable chunks, we can approach it with confidence.

The first thing that will help us in this endeavour is to understand the reason for this complexity. As with all areas of the human form, the shapes of the back are created by its function. The more complex the function, the more complex the muscles required.

The main functions of the back are twofold. Firstly, it holds us upright. This is one of the special features of the human animal and it requires large, strong muscles.

The second function (and the reason for the complexity), is to allow as much movement of the arm as possible. To allow for this function, we have a free moving scapula. Meaning, unlike other joints in the human body, the scapula doesn't move within a static joint. It shifts across the ribcage, which is actually the reason for most of the movement of the arm. Try to move your arm without moving this bone and you will immediately understand its necessity. The various movements of this bone across the ribcage accounts for much of the back's complexity. The back is truly a marvel of organic engineering and the following are a few notes on the study of this beautiful form.

1 Boney landmarks 

As with all of the body parts that we have looked at so far, any study of the back must begin with a fundamental understanding of the boney landmarks on its surface.

Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av ImagineFX.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra January 2023-utgaven av ImagineFX.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA IMAGINEFXSe alt
Designing Dreams
ImagineFX

Designing Dreams

Alan Wen speaks to three concept artists about the varied and iterative processes that make up one of the most misunderstood crafts in the game industry

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2025
Technique focus GIVE DIRECTION WITH SHADOWS
ImagineFX

Technique focus GIVE DIRECTION WITH SHADOWS

Jenny Brozek guides the eye to her character's face with the assistance of some sharp wedges

time-read
1 min  |
August 2025
DRAW A DYNAMIC DINOSAUR
ImagineFX

DRAW A DYNAMIC DINOSAUR

Find out how EL GUNTO improvises a T-rex from scratch, using contrast, shapes and more for a striking illustration

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2025
CREATE A DEMONIC VIDEO GAME COVER
ImagineFX

CREATE A DEMONIC VIDEO GAME COVER

Discover the process masterful battle artist Thomas Elliott followed to create an epic shot for Doom: The Dark Ages

time-read
1 min  |
August 2025
ImagineFX

Greg Staples

Dream space The comic artist and illustrator tells us how he planned out a studio for all occasions

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2025
LEGENDS OF THEIR LIFETIME
ImagineFX

LEGENDS OF THEIR LIFETIME

The creative team behind smash-hit Netflix series Arcane reveal how they pushed the show's animation even further for the second season...

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2025
Boulies MagVida
ImagineFX

Boulies MagVida

UPS AND DOWNS An electronically controlled, height-adjustable desk could bring health benefits and give your productivity a boost

time-read
1 min  |
August 2025
Apple MacBook Air M4
ImagineFX

Apple MacBook Air M4

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Feather-light and punching above its weight, the latest Air makes for a stellar machine with its new chip

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2025
Drawing and Painting on the iPad with Procreate
ImagineFX

Drawing and Painting on the iPad with Procreate

TABLET MASTERCLASS Want to know everything about how to work with Procreate? Brad Colbow's course could be your answer

time-read
1 min  |
August 2025
Lost in the mists of time
ImagineFX

Lost in the mists of time

Dark matter Fantasy novel Cotswold Mist weaves myths, ghosts and beasts into the heart of the English countryside's heritage sites

time-read
1 min  |
August 2025

Vi bruker informasjonskapsler for å tilby og forbedre tjenestene våre. Ved å bruke nettstedet vårt samtykker du til informasjonskapsler. Finn ut mer