Overview
Lessons
Reviews
Instructor
Sign in

Stylized Figure Drawing

with René Córdova
4.2 (97)
Learn basic male and female anatomy from a practical point of view with Marvel legend René Córdova.
Spanish English, Spanish [Auto], 1 more French
3+
hours
19
lessons
Beginner
level
René Córdova

Your Instructor

René Córdova has over 13 years experience in the illustration industry, working for clients such as Marvel, Lego, DC, Amber and Karaokulta. He started out as a cartoonist which he still really enjoys.

All Courses
Get access to this course and 55+ more
$59 / year
$235 / year
+
Gift an annual membership (Free)
Get Started
  • Cancel Anytime
  • 30-Day Money-back Guarantee

Only this course
$24.99 USD
Get Single Course
  • 30-Day Money-back Guarantee
Explore the course
3+
hours
19
lessons
Beginner
level
Spanish
English, Spanish [Auto] , 1 more
Subtitles
  • French

What you’ll learn

  • Learn the basic structure of the male & female anatomy
  • Learn how to properly clean up lines of your sketches using different pens and erasers
  • Learn how to add volume to your characters by bearing in mind rules of geometry and anatomy
  • Learn how sketching solid body structures enables you to effectively draw in different styles
  • Learn how make body structures for Toon style
  • Learn to apply principles such as exaggeration and character development to the Cute style
  • Learn practical ways on how to draw clothes on characters so it looks natural and realistic
  • Learn to sketch female and male characters in different poses and perspectives and with different expressions
+ See more

Description

Do you want to create characters for comics, video games or animated feature films etc.?

Then you need to be able to draw the human figure quickly and properly.

Marvel legend Rene Cordova teaches you the basic principles of drawing male and female figures in a easy to understand and practical way.

The goal of this course is for you to build a solid foundation in figure drawing so you can easily draw characters in different styles.

Rene also includes bonus videos, like the importance of having a sketchbook, drawing the male and female figure in a multitude of poses and with different expressions.

+ See more

Who is this course for

  • For beginners to art directors looking for a more practical way to draw the human body using structures.
  • For those who want to create characters for comics, video games or animated feature films.
+ See more

This course includes

  • 3+ Hours of on-demand videos
  • 6 Reference images
  • PSD source files
  • Downloadable brushes
  • Certificate of Completion
+ See more

Used in course

+ See more

What you'll need

  • Just a paper/sketchbook and a pencil
+ See more

Lesson Plan

Drawing the Male Anatomy
Expand all sections
01

Introduction to Drawing Basic Body Structures

09:59

Start your Subscription to continue watching
Start your subscription to get access to this class and 55+ more on 21 Draw
Get Started

In this video, Rene will give a general overview of male body structures and how to begin constructing them, using a photo as a reference.

02

How to Clean Up Lines

17:26

In this video, we will learn how to digitally clean up lines in our sketches, using different pens and erasers. We will refine our body structures, leaving a clear structure to build on.

03

Volume

18:24

In this video, Rene will teach us his method for adding volume to the bodies of our characters. We will apply the rules of geometry and anatomy to create solid-looking muscles and body parts.

04

Exercise 1

01:13

In this video, Rene will give us an exercise to practise drawing body structures from three different perspectives.

05

Changing Styles using References

22:53

Start your Subscription to continue watching
Start your subscription to get access to this class and 55+ more on 21 Draw
Get Started

In this video, we will learn how to draw different Toon styles and character designs based on real-life references. Rene will show us how body structures are the key to expanding into different styles.

06

Toon Style

22:59

In this video Rene will demonstrate how body structures should be used to create the Toon style. We will see the importance of using these structures as a base and how they apply to both formal and Toon styles.

07

Cute Style

19:29

In this video Rene will show us how we can apply the principles of body structure to create ‘chibi’ and ‘cute’ styles. We will learn to apply principles such as exaggeration and character development to give life to our ‘chibi’ and ‘cute’ style drawings.

08

Exercise 2

00:51

In this exercise, we must draw figures in dynamic poses, in either a formal or a Toon style.

Lesson Plan

Drawing the Female Anatomy
Expand all sections
01

Female Body Structures

00:47

This video will give a brief introduction to female body structures and an overview of what to expect in the coming classes.

02

Body Structure (Female Anatomy)

26:26

In this video Rene will show us how to approach drawing basic female body structures adhering to a formal style. We will be applying the basics of body structure, taking into account the subtleties of the female form.

03

Drawing Clothes on Body Structures

29:32

In this video we will learn how to draw clothes on our characters. Rene will demonstrate the importance of body structures and how they play an integral role in creating clothes that look natural and realistic.

04

Exercise 3

00:40

This is an exercise video in which Rene will present us with a selection of photographs to be used in the current exercise. We will need to choose one, and use it as a reference for a drawing.

05

Body Structures in Motion

13:35

In this video, we will learn how to represent motion and dynamics in our drawings in a natural, realistic way. Rene will teach us how to use dimensions and our own common sense to produce the desired results.

06

Sketching (PART 1)

09:54

In this video, Rene will teach us how to apply our knowledge of body structures to produce different Toon sketches. He selects a few different ideas to show we can vary our sketches in terms of pose, motion and dynamics.

07

Sketching (PART 2)

09:34

In this video, Rene will be developing one of the sketches he worked on in the previous Sketches video. He will demonstrate how to add clothes and personality, using body structures as a base.

08

Excercise 4

00:44

This is an exercise video in which we must create both a male and a female character based on the body structures that we have been working on.

Lesson Plan

Bonus Material
Expand all sections
01

The Sketchbook

04:33

In this video, Rene will teach us the importance of owning a sketchbook and why we should have it to hand at all times. We will also learn how Rene personally uses his sketchbook, and the methods he uses to get the most out of his sketching.

02

Tip #1

11:36

In this video, Rene will give a demonstration of sketching the female form in a multitude of poses and expressions.

03

Tip #2

11:30

In this video, Rene will show us the utility of sketching the male form in various poses and perspectives in his sketchbook, highlighting the importance of body structure.

Student Feedback

97 customer reviews & ratings

4.2

Course rating

Log in to leave a review or rating.
5 star
59 %
4 star
20 %
3 star
11 %
2 star
6 %
1 star
7 %
Best Suited for
Beginner
The level is determined by a majority opinion of students who have reviewed this class. The teacher's recommendation is shown until at least 5 student responses are collected.

(Based on 97 reviews)

Most Liked
Helpful Examples 59
Great step-by-step process 56
Clarity of Instruction 55
Showing 10 reviews of
97
reviews & ratings
BL
Ben L.

4 years ago

Verified Purchase
I Really loved listening René Córdova talk. I am not done with the series yet, But hearing some of his history (being 30 before deciding to join the art world!) was very inspring to me as someone who just started thinking about an art career at 25. Also... I never thought to start the face by dr
+ Show more
awing the mouth!! (The face is definitely one of my worst places right now). He has some great advice that I would expect from an art teacher. Thanks! Can't wait to watch more!
I recommend it for All levels
4 people found this helpful
S
Simone

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
I don't understand spanish and sometimes the subtitles were off by like a word or two but that didn't matter. I understood what was being explained and the clarity especially with how he draws made me better understand things. I really, really enjoyed these classes
I recommend it for Beginner
3 people found this helpful
PB
Paco B.

4 years ago

Verified Purchase
I like this course a lot. It was helpful and engaging. It accomplished my expectations and it was awesome.
I recommend it for All levels
1 person found this helpful
AV
Alejandro V.

4 years ago

Verified Purchase
A must do course
I recommend it for All levels
1 person found this helpful
P
Polina

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
Thank you very much for the inspiration! I'm a beginner and got useful advice from that course. Now I know what I need to work on.
I recommend it for Beginner
1 person found this helpful
P
Pasha

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
That course was really inspiring! There are advice about the way you need to work on your drawing which is good for beginners. Even though I don't understand Spanish I could easily keep up with English subtitles.
I recommend it for Beginner
1 person found this helpful
J
Jack

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
Rene delivers a great course and is endearing throughout. Inspirational for all the other artists who have chosen this path at a later stage in life than others.
I recommend it for Beginner
1 person found this helpful
KD
Kadeem D.

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
As a Ta hopping backing into illustration and improving everyday. This is a great refresher course to help me get out of my drawing funk.
I recommend it for All levels
1 person found this helpful
TH
TRUONG H.

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
Thank you!
I recommend it for Beginner
1 person found this helpful
Ana A.

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
I loved it! It was precisely what I was looking for. All his explanations clarified a lot of doubts I had over the years. It was really helpful and it was worth the time and price. I am very inspired now and can't wait to start applying what I saw here. Thank you very much!
I recommend it for Beginner
1 person found this helpful
See more reviews

About the Instructor

René Córdova
Freelance character designer 2 courses

René Córdova has over 13 years experience in the illustration industry, working for clients such as Marvel, Lego, DC, Amber and Karaokulta. He started out as a cartoonist which he still really enjoys.


Follow René on

Full bio

Bonus Offer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 21 Draw?

21 Draw is an online learning community where students of all skill levels can learn how to be a better artist. Our contributing artists and instructors are the best in the world.

Our streaming platform on www.21-draw.com makes it possible for anyone to watch hundreds of video lessons by industry legends who have worked for Disney, Marvel, DC, Dreamworks, Pixar & more. A membership gives full access to our streaming platform.

On books.21-draw.com you can buy our popular learn-to-draw ebooks and physical books, separate from the courses, and they too are also delivered to you by the heavyweights of the art industry.

159 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

What is included in the membership?

Membership includes unlimited access to all 55+ courses taught by the world’s best artists PLUS new courses as they are released.

Each class includes 10-20 video lessons that are 7 minutes long on average. Most classes include exercise sheets, assignments, and layered PSD or PNG files.

Some classes include the ability to chat with the instructor in a public forum, e.g. if you want feedback on your artwork.

226 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Do I receive a certificate after I complete a course?

Yes! When you complete a 21 Draw course, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you can download and share with your friends, relatives, co-workers, and potential employers!

170 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Are these online or offline courses?

21 Draw courses are on-demand (pre-recorded) video tutorials that you can watch online with any digital devices anytime and for an unlimited number of times! This means you can easily watch (and rewatch) them at your own pace and convenience.

433 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Can a beginner follow along?

We have classes for all levels, even for those with zero drawing experience. In general, artists at all levels can benefit from these courses—whether beginner, intermediate or advanced.

308 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Do the courses teach digital or traditional art?

Many lessons in our courses apply to both digital and traditional art. In a few tutorials, digital drawing software, e.g. Photoshop or Procreate for iPad is required. However, for the majority of lessons it is more about the underlying concepts and all that is needed is a pen and paper.

275 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Can I download the course videos?

You can download the course resources (exercise sheets, assignments, PSD files, etc.) from the site, but you cannot download the video lessons to your computer.

282 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

How much does a membership cost?

Normally it costs $235/year. However, there is a special sale running now for a limited time: Save 75%! This means you can get an annual membership for just $59 USD/year.

If you purchase the annual membership at a discounted price, it will remain at that price for each consecutive year, so long as your membership is not cancelled.

502 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

How does the 30-day guarantee work?

If for any reason at all you are unhappy with our courses or feel it isn’t what you are looking for—then just fill out this form or email us at [email protected]. We’ll be more than happy to give you a full refund within 30 days of your first purchase. No questions asked. Just a guarantee you can trust.

237 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

How do I cancel my membership?

You can easily cancel your membership renewal on your My Account page. Follow the prompts to cancel (Billing > Change Plan > Cancel Membership) and your membership will immediately be terminated. Please note: Refunds ONLY possible within 30 days after the date of purchase.

If you have more questions, please check out our Knowledge base or write to us here. We’re happy to assist in any way we can!

203 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

More from 21 Draw

About 21 Draw

21 Draw offers online courses and books on how to be a better artist for students of all skill levels. Our contributing artists and instructors are the best in the world.
Explore Courses & Books
Access to all courses
Get access to this course and 55+ more
$59 / year
$235/ year
+
Gift an annual membership (Free)
Get Started
(including this course)
OR
$24.99 USD $39.99 Single Course
Lifetime access
No commitments
Cancel Anytime
30-Day Money-back Guarantee
Still not sure?
Check out our FAQ
Start your Subscription to continue watching
Start your subscription to get access to this class and 55+ more on 21 Draw
Get Started
René Córdova Stylized Figure Drawing
Get all-access
Save 75% on annual membership + Give one for FREE. Get started