How to Draw Proportions of the Human Form

When drawing the human form, it is essential that you learn how to proportion the body correctly. Once you learn the basic principles of proportion, it is easy to apply them to drawing everyday. With time and practice, soon drawing human forms in proportion can come naturally.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin by drawing the head. The scale of the rest of the body depends on the head. It can be a preliminary rough shape for now.

2. Measure out seven more lengths equal to the head, and mark the spots from top to bottom with a light dash. When done, there should be eight equal sections including the head. An average adult's head is one-eighth of the entire body.

3. Place the shoulders at the height of the top dash. Draw a man's shoulders about three times the width of the head. The woman's shoulders should be about twice the width of the head.

4. Sketch the waist of the human form at the dash third from top. The hips are half a section below that. A woman's hips are about the same width as her shoulders, while a man's shoulders are wider.

5. Mark two spots just below the fifth dash from top for the knees. Rest the feet on the bottom dash.

6. Add interest and character to the figure by altering the proportions a bit. You may make someone tall and lanky, or short and stocky. Some women have very narrow shoulders and wide hips, while some men have very square shoulders.

Tips & Warnings

• When changing positions of figures, remember to use a pencil or finger to measure length of limbs to keep them consistent.
• The proportion of children's heads to bodies is between four and six depending on age.