Proportions of the Figure

Ideal Proportions - Male
Copied from Figure Drawing for All Its Worth
Ink on Paper

Since the ancient Egyptians, artists have used different idealised systems of body proportions to create pictures and sculptures that are realistic and pleasing. Most systems are based on measuring the body in units of some body part.

I first read about relative proportions in The Natural Way to Draw. Kimon Nicolaides presents a system in which the unit of measure is half the length of the torso:

• Top of head to collarbone = 1 unit
• Shoulders to waist = 1 unit
• Waist to top of thighs = 1 unit.
• Top of legs to middle of knees = 1.5 units
• Middle of knees to soles of feet = 1.5 units.

Valerie Winslow provides an interesting section about proportions in Classic Human Anatomy. She describes the system suggested by Nicolaides as “The Proportional System of Divisions”. She also explains diagrams based on figures that are 8 heads tall and 7.5 heads tall.

In Figure Drawing for All Its Worth, Andrew Loomis presents the ideal body as being 8 heads tall. He also shows figures based on 7.5 heads, 8.5 heads and 9 heads.

Quick Set-up of  Proportions - Male
Copied from Figure Drawing for All Its Worth
Ink on Paper

Winslow and Loomis both note that the 7.5 head system can make figures look stocky and that the fashion and entertainment industry use 9 and even 10 heads to create figures that are graceful or heroic.

Quick Set-up of  Proportions - Female
Copied from Figure Drawing for All Its Worth
Ink on Paper

The drawings on this post are copied from the Figure Drawing for All Its Worth. Loomis stresses the purpose of the exercises is to learn the divisions - not to accurately draw the anatomy, but I’ve given that my best shot as well.