Art Lesson Plan on How to Draw the Human Figure
Step-by-step Life Drawing Class on the Proportions of the Body
Oct 2, 2009
Drawing the human form is often a trouble spot for art students because of its complexity. However, the beginner may be assured that there is a formula to drawing the standing figure from which to develop life drawing.
The Proportions of the Human Body
The art lesson may begin with a preliminary exercise where the students may be divided into groups of four. One student will measure the length of each student’s head and full body height. The measurer must then establish how many heads equals each student’s body height. The results may be placed on a chart for comparison between each group.
Formula to Drawing Human Figures
Most students will have a different height and a different head length. The results of each group however, are likely to show that most people will come to a similar figure. Some people will have a body height equalling eight times their head length or slightly more; some seven or slightly less. The idealised fashion croquis features a figure nine or even ten head lengths high with overly long legs. The average human form however, is seven and a half heads high (fig 1).
Drawing the Idealised Human Form
The following guidelines will show how to draw the idealised human form, although as demonstrated on the preliminary exercise, this will vary slightly. Fig 1 lays out the proportions of the idealised human form and may be used as a handout.
- The length of the body equals seven and a half head heights
- The width of the head from ear to ear equals four-fifths of the head length
- The top of the thighbone is located at half the body height (fig 3)
- The length of the hand equals the width of the head from ear to ear
- A perfect inverted triangle on the torso can be formed by intersecting the nipples with the belly button (fig 2)
Common Errors in Drawing the Human Form
Due to distorted perception in drawing, common mistakes may occur when drawing the human body. These are often:
- Drawing hands and feet too small
- Drawing limbs too scrawny or short
- Not drawing the skull deep enough
- Drawing eyes too near the top of the head
Life Drawing Exercise for Art Students
Although nothing will compare to sensitive observation in drawing life models, the art students may practice drawing figures in standing position by using the handouts provided which can also be used to improve drawing ability. The formula may serve as a useful guide when drawing or painting the human figure from life and may correct errors. However, as the preliminary exercise shows, people slightly differ in their bodily proportions.
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