How To Draw Women Men and Children

Human Figure Proportions

The Greek statues determined the standard of beauty in art. Proportions vary in individual cases, but they are valuable as a foundation from which modifications may be made.

The height of a man is usually eight heads; that is, the head is one-eighth the length of the body.

The height of a woman is about seven heads.

Overall, height can be divided into four equal lengths:

1. From the top of the head to the arm-pit.

2. From the arm-pit to the middle of the body.

3. From the middle of the body to the knees.

4. From the knees to the soles of the feet.

Total width from finger-tip to finger-tip is the same as height from the top of the head to the toes.

The face may be divided into three equal parts:

1. Top of the forehead to top of the nose.

2. Top of the nose to the bottom of the nose.

3. Bottom of the nose to the bottom of the chin. The ear is the length of the nose and is parallel to it.

The top of the shoulder to the elbow is twice the length of the face.

The elbow to the wrist is one head.

The hand is three-quarters of a head from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist.

The foot is one-sixth the length of the body.

These proportions are rough guides, of course, and can be tailored to suit the body style desired.

Drawing the Human Figure

Avoid drawing the faces too upright. Slight off vertical gives a more natural look.

Beginners often make facial features too small but also sometimes too big. The error is most often noticed around the eyes.

A normal eye should have the pupil placed slightly under the upper lid. Do not draw lines directly under the eye. This gives the impression of soreness. Make eyelashes and eyebrows sparse.

The ears should not be longer than the nose. They should be level with the nose.

Avoid These Mistakes

-- Don't make the mouth too small.

-- Keep the space from the eyebrows to the top of the head tall.

-- Do not make finger nails too distinct or prominent.

-- Do not make goose-necks on women nor bull-necks on men and children.

-- Do not make the arms too long, unless you are making a caricature and wish to produce an ape-like effect.

Using Guide Lines

When drawing a clothed man or woman, first draw the naked figure in faint lines. Erase these guidelines after the clothes have been drawn. This is especially useful in getting feet oriented in the proper direction before drawing shoes.

Hands

As a guide to drawing, hold your own left hand in the desired position and use it as a model to draw from. Hands are most difficult to draw correctly, but with practice can become easier. Blocking in is required to draw hands and feet correctly.

Drawing Human Figures in Action

Balance is key. A figure drawn out of balance gives the viewer the impression of a falling figur e.

Use this simple rule to get the balance right:

-- Draw a vertical line from between the feet upward. If half the total figure lies on either side of this line then the figure will appear balanced.

James Vincent, creator of a free online version of a drawing course used buy thousands of art students, invites you to Learn How To Draw Now.

Author:: James Vincent
Keywords:: how to draw women, how to draw men, how to draw
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