I'm still coming to grips with this myself, which is why I am trying to teach myself how to become better at anatomy.
How am I doing this? Here are a few things that I keep in mind:
-Look at real life pictures. Copy them directly, or even trace them for a start to gain some idea of how things work! No artist, no matter if they're self taught or not, has just woken up with a perfect understanding of anatomy or the ability to accurately replicate a picture. It takes practice, but it's worth it!
-Study anatomical diagrams (muscles, skeletons)
-Learn about more than just one kind of creature (I took anatomy courses on lions, but I also take a huge amount of inspiration for my dragons from greyhounds, horses, bears, birds, and humans)
-Realize that most mammals have the same general structure of muscles, just at different proportions. We all have pecs, we all have abs, just in slightly different sizes and positions.
-PRACTICE! And practice more than just a single pose or angle (I need to do this more, myself. I always tend to draw from the same 3 angles.)
- Branch out! Try new things! Never tried drawing bugs before? Do so now, and you might gain some inspiration!
- Realize that you are ALWAYS improving. Look back at your old stuff. Then look back at your new stuff. Appreciate your accomplishments, and also think about the things that you can improve upon!
- Keep a positive attitude! I never thought, in a million years, that I would be where I am now. I've improve so much since joining deviantArt, but I couldn't have done that without a positive mindset on my art. Yes, I sucked at anatomy, and I still have a looooong way to go! But I keep reminding myself that I CAN get there - that place I want to be at with my art is not unobtainable. It may be just out of reach for now, but as long as I keep walking, I will get there!
- Lastly, NEVER say "I wish I could be _______ some day. I'll never be as good as _______". Stop that. You'll never get anywhere with that mindset if you keep putting yourself down and comparing yourself to others. Instead, take some INSPIRATION from the people that you admire, but aspire to become the best artist that YOU can be, not a replication of someone else.
Just be you
Now get out there and DO SOME ART!
