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Start Art 8 21 www.painters-online.co.uk RT START l The distance between the eyes corresponds to the width of an eye, and this is also the width of the nose at the nostrils. To assess proportion accurately when drawing from nature, whether your subject is a piece of architecture, a figure or a portrait, you need to use the technique of measuring up. Hold your pencil with an outstretched arm in the direction of the subject.Your arm must always be stretched out fully, so that the distance is always the same.The distance to be measured (e.g. tip of nose to chin) can easily be found by closing one eye and marking the pencil with your thumb. Either work measuring like this from the start and transfer the measurements directly on to the paper or use it simply to check certain measurements, using the system above to compare the proportions. Whether you use this measuring technique or not, you must observe accurately. By continually comparing the emerging drawing with the sitter, you’ll get the correct proportions and spot any mistakes.A tentative stroke will give a proper feel for the proportions. Use several light, scribbled or sweeping strokes drawn next to one another. By continually comparing with the sitter, you can see the correct lines emerging and emphasise them.This is how you work on the individual facial features. Children The proportions of a child’s head are different from those of an adult. Children’s faces are broader and the facial features are soft and not so pronounced.The upper area of the head is larger in relation to the lower The generalised proportions of the head can be drawn up in a grid. half of the face.The younger a child is, the clearer the difference.This is due to the rapid development and enlargement of the brain in babies and young children.This causes the skull to grow faster than the jaw area. The shapes of the face, in particular the cheeks and the chin, are more rounded in children than in adults.The distance between the eyes (that are also rounder) is wider and the iris is larger in comparison to the visible white eyeball. Children’s noses are flatter and shorter and there is a greater curve to the gap between the The proportions of the head of a boy and a young child. For babies and young children, the upper part of the head is still quite large in comparison to the face. Proportions of the head of an adult man. Take the measurements of your sitter with the help of a pencil The proportions of a child’s face do not correspond to those of an adult