One technique for producing accurate sketches and drawings is to view the subject alongside the drawing surface.
To compare the image of a live subject to the drawing, position the drawing board to the model so that both appear side by side at relatively the same size. Place horizontal lines to align the subject with the drawing from top to bottom.
To compare the image of a photograph to the drawing, hold the photo to the side of the drawing so that both appear side by side at relatively the same size. Place horizontal lines to align the subject with the drawing from top to bottom.
One method of blocking-in is to sketch the figure in mannequin form with individual body parts. A small wooden artist’s mannequin may also be of use in observing basic body proportions.
A live model can be a relative, a neighbor or someone you observe in a café. The best model can express personality just through his appearance. While it is important to understand the human form, it isn’t necessary to draw nude models to learn figure drawing. You may need to work out some of the form of the body underneath the clothes to gain a more accurate interpretation of the model. This can be done by lightly sketching the body form before working out the details of the clothes.