How to draw armor 1

Ok, drew this after getting a request to do some stuff on armor. This will probably be part 1 of a series.

So, armor. Not as knowledgeable about it as I am about weapons, but I'm no slouch with it either!

First, you may notice that this is fantasy-style armor *gasp!*

Armor is something I enjoy being a little flexible with, actually, and if anyone looks at my stuff, (what little there is with armor) they will notice I have a thing for kinda big, bulky armor. I don't know why, honestly.

First thing -you still have to be sure not to overdo things. I like big armor, but it's still important to remember that even light armor can be heavy and obtrusive. Children and women typically should not be wearing armor that weighs in excess of 60lbs, if you take a real-life perspective. I mean no offense by this; it's just rational -hell, 40lbs is a lot to carry and move in. And be wary of making it too bulky, because unless the wearers' only duty is to stand still like a wall of steel-encased meat shields, the armor should allow them to move.

First thing to decide when creating armor: is it defensive armor of offensive armor? Defensive armor is heavy and covers almost every part of the body -this is the European mindset towards armor. Offensive armor serves to protect just enough to make attacks. Japanese armor is more like this -it is usually around 20-40lbs lighter than European armor, and offers more maneuverability -interestingly enough, I believe the protection for Japanese armor was about the same as European armor, despite having less-extensive plating. Other Asian armor falls somewhere in the middle of the two.

Be sure to remember that armor needs to be "hung" and strapped onto the body, so think about how the body contours and where articulation occurs -which parts need to be unrestricted by plating and straps (armpits, elbows and wrists, knees, ankles, etc.)

It also needs to protect the vital areas -the helm should take care to protect the eyes as much as is necessary, and the skull (including the cheeks, temples, jaw, etc.) Often armor protects the "outside" surfaces of the body and is open or unprotected on the insides (inner arms, inner thighs, upper ribs, neck.) Chain mail or leather can protect between gaps in plating.

Any questions?

I will draw other types of armor as well, if desired, but I hope this is a good start.

Other arms/ armor related sketches: