The human figure is built according to specific proportions.
The human figure is a complicated subject for drawing. The most common mistake people make is to draw without careful consideration of the proportions of the human body. People will immediately see that something is not quite right in the drawing. The arms might be too short, or the head too large. Fortunately, there are ways to establish proper proportion, using a simple guideline to establish the relative length of the different body parts.
Instructions
1. Assemble some good reference images of the person or figure you want to draw. Choose a person standing with arms to the side for your first drawing. Examine the figure and how the arms and legs are situated on the body. Measure the head length, from the chin to the top of the head, and the width of the head. Write the dimensions. Use these measurements to help you with the rest of the drawing.
2. Mark points on your paper to establish proportions. Draw the height of the figure at approximately 7 head lengths high. Start at the top and draw the oval shape for the head. Outline the neck and draw the shoulders about 3 head widths wide. Draw the outline of the arms against the side of the body. Draw the fingertips, ending 3 head lengths from the ground. Indicate the wrist 1 head-length from the fingertips.
3. Draw the hips 4 head lengths up from the ground and the pelvic area about 1 head length from the hip to the top of the inside leg. Check that the torso is about 2 head lengths from the hip to the chin. Finish outlining the legs and feet of the figure. Take a step back from the drawing to check if the proportions in your drawing look realistic. Keep in mind that every person is a little different, but these guidelines should help create a good starting point.
4. Draw the eyes in the middle of the head on either side above the nose. The corners of the mouth should line up with the center points of the eyes. Draw the ears on each side of the head at the same height as the nose. Use reference images that show close-ups to fine tune the facial features.
5. Shade the figure by darkening the side facing away from the light source. Draw lines to indicate creases and folds in the clothes or skin. Keep shading until you can see the figure acquiring some visual depth. Use a chamois cloth to blend the shading into lighter areas. Rub it lightly toward lighter areas, but make sure to preserve important highlights.
6. Clean your outlines and erase smudges with the eraser to finish your drawing.
