How to Apply Sight-Size to Real Life
You can paint real people using a 1:1 technique called sight-size. A subject sits in front of a canvas while the artist paints the subject using the subject's exact proportions. The sight-size technique can also be used to paint objects in real life. If you want to paint a proportionate picture of a person or object in real life, use the sight-size method.
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Instructions
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Position your canvas so that you can view it and your subject at the same time. Ask your subject to move as close as possible to the canvas or place an object as close as you can.
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Map your picture. Use your thumb to cover up parts of the subject or object from a distance. Move your thumb in front of your canvas and visualize the spacial relations between the parts of the subject or object you covered and the space on your canvas.
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Start painting the subject or object. Outline key features of the painting and then refine the details. Paint in a 1 to 1 ratio. Imagine that you could put your painting in front of the subject or object and not notice a difference in size between the subject or object in real life and the subject or object in the painting.
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