How to Draw the Torso with the Bean Shape Method

In this figure drawing tutorial you will learn how to draw the torso using the bean shape method and why it is so effective.

Why Learn this Particular Approach to Figure Drawing?

The bean shape method is beneficial because it simplifies the complex anatomy of the torso, making it easier to understand and draw. 

It also helps in establishing the movement and flow of the body, giving your figures a more dynamic and lifelike quality. Plus, it aids in visualizing the torso as a three-dimensional form, which is crucial for creating depth and realism in your drawings.

This method has been used in figure drawing education for many years but gained popularity through the teachings of Andrew Loomis in his book, “Figure Drawing for All it’s Worth.”

Here are some of the benefits of this method:

It simplifies the complex anatomy of the torso.

It helps establish the movement and flow of the figure.

It encourages thinking more organically about the body.

It makes twisting the figure much more intuitive.

Let’s do some drawing so that you can see how this technique can help you draw the figure more confidently.

Drawing the Figure with the Bean Shape Method

Step 1 — Draw Some Beans. 

You can imagine a human figure if you like but I tend to draw these in a more abstract manner and then see what I can come up with as I draw over them.

You can also try this method when studying from life. By combining the two approaches you will begin to commit more of the figure drawing process to memory and develop your own style.

Step 2 — Drawing the Torso with Simplified Forms

For the upper torso, draw an oval and then cut out the bottom with a triangular shape. This will give us a simplified form of the rib cage.

Another way to picture this part of the body is an action figure with the arms detached. For the lower pelvis, draw a set of floating underwear. I know it sounds silly but trust me, it works.

By the way, I learned these particular visualization techniques by watching a Youtube video from the amazing comic book artist Jim Lee!

The drawings that I created below are to show you how I think about these particular forms but you don’t need this amount of detail.

I rendered these for you in this way, so that you could use them for reference. So you can simplify these however you want.

By merging the bean shapes with these forms, we aim to develop a more organic and less mechanical drawing style

The bean shape encourages us to not draw the upper and lower portion of the torso, straight and stacked on top of one another. It lends to a more organic approach, which is very important in figure drawing.

Step 3 — Combining the Bean with the Simplified Forms of the Torso

Now let’s combine the two types of illustrations together. This approach should allow you to draw a more organic version of the torso if done correctly.

Here is a step by step drawing to help illustrate the process that I use — 

As you can see by the illustration above the bean shape allows us to envision the twisting and tilt of the pose rather easily.

When you draw from life, pay attention to the pinch and stretch of the midsection of the body. You will notice it in many expressive and dynamic poses of the figure.

Notice that on the left ( from our view ) of the figure, the torso is stretched and on the right, the torso is pinched with a bit of twist as well.

Again, the bean shape method helps us to draw this particular area more naturally.

Use this Method in Your Figure Drawing Studies

Now practice this approach with some reference and see what you come up with. A good site to use is Line of Action, where you can work with timed poses and test various techniques to improve your skills.

I hope you have enjoyed today’s figure drawing tutorial and I am here if you have any questions or need clarification on any of the drawing techniques that I have shared with you today.

How to Draw the Torso Using the Bean Shape — Video Demonstration

To further learn this drawing technique I have created a Youtube video for you that illustrates the process, step by step.

You can watch it here — 

Thank you very much for viewing my content and good luck with your art!

Robert A. Marzullo

Ram Studios Comics

IF you want to understand more techniques on Figure Drawing, I have a full course where you can study and learn at your own pace…

Figure Drawing the Body in Action

Full Online Course – Click here!

For more written art tutorials, check out this page – https://ramstudioscomics.com/index.php/comic-art-and-drawing-tutorials/