How to Measure Angles Accurately in a Painting

If the angles aren't correct as you paint, the perspective of the finished artwork may appear off. Follow these steps to accurately measure your angles. As you become more skilled with your artistry, you don't need to rely on these tools as much.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Light source
• 2 straight objects, like a pencil or brush
• Compass
• Scissors
• Plumb line or piece of string with weight attached
• Protractor

1. Shine a direct light on the subject you're painting to make the angles more distinguishable. The easier the angles are to see, the easier they are to measure.
2. Use items in the background as reference points to measure as well as objects in the still life. Train your eyes to pick out the details.
3. Imagine the angle as two hands of a clock. Figure out what time it is. Replicate the time on your painting.
4. Put your brush against your model to set one leg of the angle in your mind. Then copy the angle to your drawing.
5. Place two straight objects in your hand. Hold them so they overlap at the angle. Set them against the still life to set the angle. Now check the angle in your painting.
6. Utilize a compass to measure the angles. If you don't have a compass handy, use a pair of scissors instead.
7. Create a simple plumb line from a piece of string with a small weight attached. Attach your homemade plumb line through the center of a protractor to get an exact measurement. It gives you a vertical measurement that you can then use to measure your angles.

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