Using a grid can help us draw a figure. We can use “heads” as a measurement for height. The average height of an adult is 8 heads. Generally,the elbows and belly button are 3 heads down, and the hands and midthigh area are 5 heads down.
WORDS TO LEARN
proportion: the relationship between the size of one thing and another.
By changing the number of heads, we can draw different figures. A figure 4 heads tall could be a toddler, a figure 7 heads tall could be a senior citizen (we shrink with age), and a figure 9 heads tall could be a comic book hero.
If we turn the grid on an angle, we can draw a figure standing sideways or three-quarters of the way and still keep its proportion.
We can even use grids to draw seated figures by shifting the boxes with the knees over slightly to the right. Then we can draw new lines to connect the knees to the thighs.
Try it out
1-We’ll make an 8-head figure, so draw 8 rows of 2 equal boxes to create a grid. The head fits in the top row, and the spine lines up with the center line. The shoulders and hips are mostly inside the grid, but it’s okay if arms and legs are a little bit outside.
2-Time for the outline. Drawing little dashes in some areas means you can draw clothing folds later without having to erase a bunch of solid lines.
3-Finish the outline. Add little squiggles for clothing folds where you drew dashes. Add some lines to represent clothing. This figure wears a jacket, a T-shirt, and jeans. You can copy this or dress him differently.
4-Finish your figure with a few more details.
5-Erase the sketch lines.
