# Exaggerating bodies line by line **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 22, 2024, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194 "2024-03-22T10:04:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/21 "2024-03-26T17:47:48Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > It also doesn’t really sound like something produced by someone whose first language isn’t English. Exactly. In my first link she uses the word “preparatory” 5 times in that ‘sentence’. And also “tonal”. Those don’t seem like words a non-native speaker would use. ---
**Author:** ![Amber13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/amber13/32/13807_2.png) [@Amber13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amber13)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2024, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/22 "2024-03-27T10:27:26Z")
I’m wondering of how artists draw lines for thin and wide legs when drawing line art? No one draws lines of thin and wide legs in the same style, there’s no single style, depending on the style of the artist, how do they draw lines for thin and wide legs? do they draw lines that close or far from each other depending on their style? ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2024, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/23 "2024-03-27T14:38:47Z")
Why can’t you figure this out by looking at existing line drawings? There is not one single style but there are a limited number of techniques for doing this. There are books and videos on drawing that go into detail on this subject also. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2024, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/24 "2024-03-27T14:58:31Z")
All I know is that Jack Kirby’s delicate ankles would be snapping right and left in a real superhero brawl. [![](https://image.isu.pub/230718004034-f8663ca531e9d7080a37c9599641b3f6/jpg/page_1_thumb_large.jpg) ](https://image.isu.pub/230718004034-f8663ca531e9d7080a37c9599641b3f6/jpg/page_1_thumb_large.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Amber13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/amber13/32/13807_2.png) [@Amber13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amber13)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/25 "2024-03-28T06:11:04Z")
I did look at existing line drawings, yes. I want to know what this technique called when you make the legs wide by making the lines far from each other and thin legs by the making lines close to each other? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/26 "2024-03-28T06:26:35Z")
Are you talking about the _pose_ of the figure? Or the actual pencil line? The line weight creates the shape and boldness of the drawing. Contouring makes the line look thin or fat. Shaped or straight. Strong or weak. Perspective helps the viewer put it all together to make it appear the way the artist wants. You can fool the eye with proper shading and contouring. After that it’s just whatever you feel looks good. It’s on the Artist to create. It’s to the viewers liking if it works or not. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/27 "2024-03-28T06:38:42Z")
I’m not entirely sure what is being asked here. But as a calligrapher, I do know that it’s all in how the pen is positioned. Using a broad-edge nib dip pen, and proper positioning, I can make “thicks and thins” appear when I want. I assume that cartoonists know how to use their tools similarly too. I have used drafting pens and crowquills when doing illumination outlines. Neither affords the ability to do “thicks and thins,” (well, crowquills a bit), but I’m sure cartoonists also use the same tools when the need arises. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/28 "2024-03-28T07:03:00Z")
I was gonna mention how the pencil is held and used. Or the actual lead. If mechanical pencils are used you can get a good Rapidograph. You’ll have many lead choices. Then there’s charcoal nibs and draughting pencils. So many choices. So many ways to use them. I prefer Verithin brand or Black Eagles. Like you said @Spoons , I’m not really sure what the question is either. ---
**Author:** ![Amber13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/amber13/32/13807_2.png) [@Amber13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amber13)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/29 "2024-03-28T07:16:21Z")
I was talking about contouring legs, I was wondering what’s the technique called when they draw lines for thin and thick legs, do they draw lines close from each other to make thin legs and draw lines far from each other to make wide legs, not line width. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/30 "2024-03-28T07:18:30Z")
As they say, @Beckdawrek , you can take a horse to water, but a pencil must be lead. Ba-dum-bum! Good point (no pun intended) on Rapidographs. Great pencils, that I love to use. Draughting pencils, which I would call carpenters’ pencils. Very handy for sketching. Thanks, **Beck**! ---
**Author:** ![Amber13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/amber13/32/13807_2.png) [@Amber13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amber13)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/31 "2024-03-28T07:26:41Z")
I forgot to mention that legs are either drawn with visible thighs with the calfs not visible, the calfs visible but not thighs, or the thigh and calf not visible, it’s also common for artists drawing cartoons with the knees not visible, but the lines of legs being thin and wide varies. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/32 "2024-03-28T07:35:36Z")
The simple answer is _contouring lines_ How you put it on the paper is your own artistic style or eye. There are many Line drawing sites online you can access to learn terminology. How to do it? Well, it’s kinda impossible to tell you how. Maybe take an art class. The best way is to practice. Erase. Practice. Crumple the page. Start again. And practice more. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/33 "2024-03-28T07:40:51Z")
> [@Amber13](#): > > I forgot to mention that legs are either drawn with visible thighs with the calfs not visible, the calfs visible but not thighs, or the thigh and calf not visible … Are you talking about comic artists? Rob Liefeld comes to mind here. His female superheros had calves and thighs, and on a different note, were most assuredly mammals. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/34 "2024-03-28T07:42:17Z")
The OP hasn’t said but I think we’re talking about _anime_ type artwork of some kind. I did some caricature art for a time. There is a term I used _implied line_. I don’t know if I learned it in school or read it somewhere. I used it in drawing hair. These were charcoal drawings for the most part. But if the subject was light haired I could make the hair seem blond with thin thin lines with a very sharp lead. It would give it an airy quality that caught the light. Eyes and hair are tough with charcoal because you need to imply the color. I know little of comic or anime art from my own hand. Still it’s art and I’m impressed by lots of it. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/35 "2024-03-28T07:48:44Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Maybe take an art class. The best way is to practice. Erase. Practice. Crumple the page. Start again. And practice more. Yes. Take an art class. I well remember taking graphic design at a college years ago. There were many designs I discarded, thanks to that class. Like anything else, you don’t do a finished draft on the first go-round. You do studies, most of which will be pretty bad. But one will stand out. You build on that standout, and you get a fine finished product. If our OP wishes an answer to his or her question, then I’d suggest that he or she take a graphic design class at a college. Learn dip pens, “thicks and thins,” and typography, and then the OP may be able to answer his or her own question. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/36 "2024-03-28T08:04:34Z")
As an aside, let’s look at the female figure pictured on the package of this medication: [![](https://www.statnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-1481953358-768x432.jpg) ](https://www.statnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-1481953358-768x432.jpg) I can tell you exactly how it was done. It involved a broad-edged nib, twisted at certain points. But it definitely depicts a woman. A couple of studies, a couple of tries, and I could have done this one in pen and ink; it’s not difficult. But there are “thicks and thins,” requiring knowledge of how to use a broad-edged nib. I suppose the image could be rendered in brush and ink, which I can also do. But the point is that “thick and thin lines” don’t mean anything when depicting a human. What matters is the actual depiction. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/37 "2024-03-28T12:04:23Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > As an aside, let’s look at the female figure pictured on the package of this medication: Looks like she is running from something, looking behind ger in fear. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/38 "2024-03-28T12:56:43Z")
> [@Amber13](#): > > I was talking about contouring legs, I was wondering what’s the technique called when they draw lines for thin and thick legs, do they draw lines close from each other to make thin legs and draw lines far from each other to make wide legs, not line width. I _think_, from this post, the OP is not asking about how to vary line widths, such as with a broad-edged pen nib. The OP is asking what is the technique called when you draw lines farther apart to depict wide legs, and closer to depict thin legs. So an elephant leg might be drawn with lines like so: ``` | | | | ``` And a table leg thusly: ``` | | | | ``` I don’t know that there’s any drawing technique with a name for this, other than…drawing what you see? Accurately depicting the subject of your drawing? Or, if drawing stylized figures from imagination with exaggerated features, such as a cartoon, it may be referred to as the artist’s particular style. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/39 "2024-03-28T13:00:16Z")
It as a little to do with the distance between lines and much to do with how and where those lines curve. I’m not an artist but I’ve known several and they had books full of detailed examples. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2024, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194/40 "2024-03-28T13:07:57Z")
OP, can you put up an example of what you’re talking about? Why are you being specific about legs? Is this what you’re asking about? > **[How To Draw Legs, Step by Step, Drawing Guide, by Dawn - DragoArt](https://dragoart.com/tut/how-to-draw-legs-4811)** > > Wow, I can't believe that some of the recent tutorials I submitted have already made it to the top 50. That is totally insane. What I will submit next [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exaggerating-bodies-line-by-line/999194.md?page=3)