Proportion

Creating an accurate drawing depends upon a true understanding and interpretation of proportion. Simply stated, proportion is nothing more than a size relationship. Perhaps the easiest way to begin learning about proportion is to think of a 12-inch ruler. An object that is half as long as the ruler is six inches; one three-quarters or 75 percent of that length would be eight inches. Calculating measurements is an easy, mechanical way of dealing with proportions. However, an artist must learn to observe and deal with proportions in a more subtle and sensitive manner when exact measurements are not so easily determined.

Find points or “landmarks” that you can use to relate the size of one shape to another. For example, at what point does the handle intersect the side of the mug? Is it three-fourths of the way up, or closer to five-eighths? Practice and repetition will improve your ability to render proportions correctly. Training your eye to estimate and compare measurements will also increase your sensitivity to subtleties.

Use Visual Markers to Render Proportion Accurately

Here I used such visual markers as the folds in my subject’s clothes and the position of her body in the chair to achieve accurate proportions in the drawing.

One Cool Outfit

Charcoal, Conté and white chalk on toned Canson paper

18" × 24" (46cm × 61cm)