Establish the General Proportions
Start with lines to indicate the placement and proportions.Because the weight of the body in this example rests over the man’s right leg, include a vertical line that goes from the head to the right foot.
Add top, bottom and middle horizontal lines. Then sketch a line halfway between the middle and top lines, then sketch another line between the last line drawn and the top line.
Sketch the Head and Legs
Most adults are about 7-1/2 heads high. The distance from the top line to the next lower line is one-eighth of the overall height. Make a line slightly lower and sketch an egg shape for the head, which should work out to about 7-1/2 units of the overall height. You can use dividers if you want to check your proportions. Sketch in the legs, placing the top of the inseam just below the middle line.
Add the Torso and Waist
Sketch the basic shape of the torso along with the waistline.
Add the Arms, Hands and Feet
Add the arms, with the wrists falling at about the middle line and the fingertips reaching mid-thigh. Sketch a line for the placement of the eyes. Sketch in the feet along the baseline.
Sketch in Details
Sketch in the details, including facial features and clothes.
Shade the Drawing
Add shading and details.
