“An understanding of the bony structure of the forearm
and hand is necessary to draw its gestures, in the same way that knowledge of the skull helps with drawing the head”
from section 'Human Nature' in 'Draw like Da Vinci'

ANATOMY

Michelangelo's David Anatomised..., chalk drawing by contemporary Australian artist Susan Dorothea White

Susan White has spent many years studying and drawing actual human specimens. Her anatomical art includes the 'anatomisation' of icons such as Michelangelo's David.

The artist co-established the Step into Leonardo's Shoes anatomy drawing workshops for the public at the University of New South Wales School of Medical Sciences. She lectures occasionally in 'Anatomy Through Art'.

"The workshops are designed to improve the life-drawing skills of artists and anyone interested in the human body. Students were able to draw muscles, tendons, fascia, joints and bones. Sketching sessions were interspersed with illustrated talks on the influence of anatomy in art history, with slides on works by artists such as da Vinci, Rodin, Alice Neel, and Hokusai."

Patricia Karvelas, Drawn and quartered, The Australian – Higher Education (2003)