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Description
I separated these four layers to show the method of drawing with 3D models that I prefer. Going left to right - 1.) The main idea is dashed off when doing the thumbnails. It's just a placeholder. As long as YOU know what it's supposed to be, any old scribble will do. If you forget, the description in the written script will jog your memory. 2.) Chose a 3D model pose that approximates the layout figure and drag it over it in the panel on its own layer. 3.) Analyze/Deconstruct/Extrapolate: Ghost the model, add a layer, then draw the gesture with flow lines and block in the volumes. 4) Finish: Ghost the construction, add another layer, ink over adding details.

It's important to understand that this is not about tracing the model (it's not even about drawing the model!); it's about building the figure from the ground up, exercising your skill and control over the subject matter and reference, just as you would in a life drawing class. The difference is that you draw right over the reference model. Resist the temptation to take the shortcut of drawing the model; don't get stuck on the surface. Exercise your ability to "see" by looking behind appearances. Find the energy flow, the rhythm - feel it in your own body as you imagine yourself striking the pose - and draw it with flow lines. Then switch to volumetric drawing to construct the parts. Draw them as you imagine them - don't copy the model. Change what you like. (Here I didn't like the length and angle of the neck and shoulder, so I changed it. Season to taste.)

I like this method because I get to exercise all the drawing basics, which is important, since the digital environment tends to push them aside, until they atrophy. Use digital to reinforce drawing fundamentals, not to replace them. I mean, where's the fun in drawing by not really drawing?

Description
I separated these four layers to show the method of drawing with 3D models that I prefer. Going left to right - 1.) The main idea is dashed off when doing the thumbnails. It's just a placeholder. As long as YOU know what it's supposed to be, any old scribble will do. If you forget, the description in the written script will jog your memory. 2.) Chose a 3D model pose that approximates the layout figure and drag it over it in the panel on its own layer. 3.) Analyze/Deconstruct/Extrapolate: Ghost the model, add a layer, then draw the gesture with flow lines and block in the volumes. 4) Finish: Ghost the construction, add another layer, ink over adding details.

It's important to understand that this is not about tracing the model (it's not even about drawing the model!); it's about building the figure from the ground up, exercising your skill and control over the subject matter and reference, just as you would in a life drawing class. The difference is that you draw right over the reference model. Resist the temptation to take the shortcut of drawing the model; don't get stuck on the surface. Exercise your ability to "see" by looking behind appearances. Find the energy flow, the rhythm - feel it in your own body as you imagine yourself striking the pose - and draw it with flow lines. Then switch to volumetric drawing to construct the parts. Draw them as you imagine them - don't copy the model. Change what you like. (Here I didn't like the length and angle of the neck and shoulder, so I changed it. Season to taste.)

I like this method because I get to exercise all the drawing basics, which is important, since the digital environment tends to push them aside, until they atrophy. Use digital to reinforce drawing fundamentals, not to replace them. I mean, where's the fun in drawing by not really drawing?