Human Proportions

If you like to draw and paint figures, I have a great shortcut for drawing the adult male or female.  This is the basis for the figure based on eight heads high.  If you have tried eight heads and are not satisfied but it's the closest relationship you could find, this is for you. In short, you use 1/4 of a head for the neck, under the real head and use it for the shoulder line.

Half a body is 4 heads from the ground, that's 1/4 head over the space between the legs. This "center" of the body is at the bending line.

That's it, simple and accurate.

If you want to see the head's divisions go to Painting on Location. Human Proportions.