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2 methods for drawing the correct proportions : Sight Size and Comparative Measurement
When drawing realistically, one of the most important factors for a believable representation is to get the proportions right. Certain measuring techniques can be very helpful for both beginners and advanced users. There are two main methods: the so-called "sight size" and the "comparative measurement" (also called the "comparative measurement method").
What is that?
“Sight size” is the measurement method in which the subject being viewed is put on paper in the size in which the artist sees it. This is where the name comes from: “Sight size” literally means “sight size”. The drawing is created in comparison to what is seen on a scale of 1:1 .
How does Sight Size work? Step-by-Step
Position your drawing board as straight as possible (90 degrees).
Make sure you position yourself and your board so that you can see your design in a format that fits on your paper (or other drawing surface). Depending on which hand you are drawing with, you should look along the opposite side of the board when drawing and measuring (eg left side if you are right-handed). You should be at least an arm's length away from your board.
Make sure you are facing your board, with your center of body exactly between your subject and your board. For example, when drawing figures, it can be helpful to just overlap the edge of the board with the outermost point of the figure.
Mark your position with tape.
Find a central vertical line through your subject with one eye closed and draw it on your paper. A plumb line (see under "Measuring instruments") can help you get this straight.
You can now measure the most important heights of your subject as follows: Stand upright in your position, stretch your arms out in front of you (!) so that your "measuring instrument" is exactly horizontal in front of you (if you are using a "measuring instrument" such as a plumbline) and close one eye. Overlay the plumbline with the point whose height you want to transfer and make a mark where the plumbline intersects the vertical line on your paper. You can do this at any height, but it is helpful to start with the highest and lowest points of your subject and then work your way down the heights in order of importance.
Check (even several times) your heights depending on your highest and lowest points.
To measure the most important widths , assume the same position and pose as when measuring heights, close one eye, and measure the distance between the desired point and the imaginary central line on your subject. You can use a "measuring tool" to do this: if you're using a plumbline, use both thumbs to record the exact distance; if you're using a stable object (such as a pencil, ruler, etc.), use one thumb and the end of the object. Transfer the width by holding your measurement above your paper and overlapping one side (either the thumb or the other end) with the vertical line. You can do this with any width, but it's helpful to start with the widest point on your subject and work down the widths in order of importance.
Check your widths (even several times) depending on your widest point.
It is up to you whether you measure all the important heights first and then all the important widths, or whether you measure them alternately, so that you transfer one point (height and width) after the other.
Comparative Measurement, on the other hand, is used when something needs to be transferred that is seen as larger or smaller than it is shown in the drawing. This is the case when the subject is very close or very far away from the person drawing. For example, the spatial environment can influence the choice of measurement method - in a small room, you may not be able to move far enough away from the subject to achieve the appropriate format. In Comparative, the drawing is always created at a scale of 1:X to what is seen (for the mathematicians, with X≠1).
