Figurative Fridays

Feb 72 min read

Expanding Perspective and Observation

As we continue our journey through Figurative Fridays, this week we shift our focus to another crucial aspect of drawing figures and forms—scale. While last week’s session introduced foundational gestures and structures, this week we explore how viewing and constructing figures with appropriate scale enhances our observational and drawing skills. More importantly, we align this practice with the third limb of SketchBooking, reinforcing our creative discipline.

The Challenge of Scale in Figurative Drawing

One of the biggest challenges artists face when drawing live figures is translating real-world proportions onto a limited sheet of paper. How does one take a 4’6” beauty and recreate her pose on a 17” sheet of paper while maintaining accuracy and flow? Understanding scale in figure drawing involves:

Proportional Reduction: Using guidelines and measurement techniques to scale down a figure while maintaining proportion.
Reference Points: Establishing key anatomical landmarks to preserve relative size.
Comparative Measuring: Checking proportions by relating one part of the figure to another.

Observational Skills in the Creative Process

Engaging in scale exercises strengthens our ability to see and interpret proportions accurately. By regularly practicing figures at various scales, we train our minds to adapt to different constraints while preserving accuracy. This directly supports the creative journey by reinforcing:

Active Seeing: Observing rather than assuming size relationships.
Spatial Awareness: Understanding how a figure fits within the given drawing surface.
Problem-Solving: Adjusting for exaggerated or reduced proportions with confidence.

Applying the Third Limb of SketchBooking: Asana (Posture & Structure)

Incorporating the third limb of SketchBooking into our study of scale means focusing on structural integrity within our compositions. Consider the following practices:

Finding Balance: Ensuring figures remain grounded on the page, avoiding distortion.
Gesture Before Detail: Establishing scale through quick, loose sketches before refining form.
Maintaining Alignment: Checking vertical and horizontal alignments to preserve proportional relationships.

This Week’s Practice

Start with small thumbnails to map out proportions before committing to a final drawing.
Experiment with different scaling methods, such as the grid technique or sight measuring.
Use landmark measuring to ensure consistency across different figure sizes.
Review your sketches critically, identifying areas where proportions may have been altered unintentionally.

By embracing scale as an integral part of figure drawing, we enhance our ability to translate real-world subjects onto a two-dimensional surface with greater confidence and clarity. Through this exploration, our journey in SketchBooking deepens, fostering both technical skill and artistic mindfulness.