Figure it Out! Human Proportions

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Preface Proportions are simple measurements that allow you to self-check your work and to make the necessary adjustments.

Proportions exist for almost every part of the body, and are surprisingly consistent from person to person. Until now, you probably relied on intuition to draw the facial features and the body. Sometimes intuition worked, but sometimes it didn’t.

And sometimes, it may have “looked right” when, in fact, the proportions were off.

Figure It Out! Human Proportions will give you the tools to draw the correct figure every time. No more guesswork. Here— plainly written and clearly illustrated—is all the essential information for artists at all levels, demonstrating the proportional relationships of the head and body from all angles: front, side, and back.

Why waste time worrying if you drew an arm too long or too short, or if the ears are too high or too low? It’s better to know than to guess. Knowing the correct proportions allows you to feel confident and can greatly accelerate your learning curve in figure drawing.

This essential guidebook to human proportions takes a fresh approach. The study of anatomy is, of course, important— and recommended. But it’s also a subject 8

that takes time to learn. Proportions, on the other hand, can be applied immediately.

Some artists use photographs for reference.

But that only works if you’re drawing the same pose as in the photo. If you alter the pose, the reference material may no longer apply.

Proportions have typically been taught with complex diagrams and measurements of questionable usefulness.

But if you’re looking for a practical guide, then this is the book to own. It prioritizes information to focus solely on what’s relevant to drawing the human figure. And it’s organized for easy reference, beginning with the head and working its way down the body.