Lesson 1: Figure in Proportion

Where is the exact "midpoint" of the human body?

How can we use the size of the head as a ruler to measure the rest of the body?

What common mistakes make a figure look like it’s "falling over," and how do we fix them?

Head-Count: A unit of measurement where the height of the head is used to determine the total height of the body.

Line of Action: A single movement line that follows the spine and sets the pose.

Midpoint: The center of the figure (usually the hip/crotch area) that divides the top half from the bottom half.

Sighting: Using a pencil at arm's length to compare the size of one body part to another.

VA.CR.HS.3. Refine and complete artistic work.
VA.PR.HS.5. Develop and refine artistic work for presentation.
VA.RE.HS.9. Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.

Ratio and Proportion: Using scale factors to solve visual problems (similar to math word problems).

Evidence-Based Claims: Every mark on the paper must be "proven" by a measurement taken from the model or reference.

DOK Level: Level 2 (Skills & Concepts) – Applying a specific rule (8-head system) to complete a technical drawing.

Fashion Illustration: How designers use "9-head" or "10-head" proportions to make clothing look more dramatic.

Video Game Design: How character artists use these base proportions to create realistic avatars for games like The Last of Us or Uncharted.

“The legs are the shortest part of the body.” (Correction: The legs actually make up about half of the total body height).

“The feet don’t matter.” (Correction: If the feet aren't placed correctly under the center of the neck, the figure will look like it's falling).

For Beginners: Provide a "Proportion Ladder" template with the landmarks (shoulders, waist, knees) already labeled.

For Advanced: Have students draw a figure in a "seated" or "crouched" pose where the 8-head rule must be adapted to foreshortening.

The "Head Count" Check: Students must be able to count 8 head-lengths from the top of their drawing to the bottom.

The Midpoint Test: Does the hip line sit exactly in the center of the drawing?

• Large drawing paper and graphite pencils.

• Long wooden dowels or pencils for sighting and measuring.

• Drawing Pencils
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• Paper