This phrase describes a resource, often visual, that aids artists, illustrators, and animators in accurately depicting a human figure in a reclining lateral position. Such a reference can take many forms, including photographs, drawings, 3D models, or even written descriptions that detail anatomical landmarks and weight distribution when the subject is resting on their side. For example, an artist might use a photograph of a person lying on their left side to inform the rendering of muscle contours, skeletal structure alignment, and the way fabric drapes in that particular posture.
The use of guides for creating accurate portrayals of human forms offers substantial benefits. It ensures correct proportions, realistic anatomy, and believable poses, which ultimately contribute to the overall quality and credibility of the artwork. Throughout art history, artists have relied on various methods for depicting the human figure accurately, from studying live models to utilizing anatomical drawings. The availability of readily accessible photographic references has significantly democratized the ability to create realistic depictions, regardless of the artist’s immediate access to live subjects.
