If you study artistic anatomy as I do you will eventually run into the issue of finding an accurate reference for the proportions of the skeleton. What you need is the proportions of an average height male of 7.5 heads as a standard. There are plenty of examples of human proportion of the figure that show the relative landmarks of the figure with the muscles and skin attached. Most measurements are taken form fleshy landmarks like the navel, niples or the bottom of the buttocks. These have limited use especially if you are building your figure from the inside out, as in the classic écorché method.
Simplified Proportions for Figure Drawing
The Average Proportions of Skeletal Components
These anatomical references are based on simple and consistent proportions of the human skeleton.
- The figure is 7.5 heads tall
- The pubic synthesis is at the mid-piont of the figure
- The rib cage is 1-3/4 heads tall, 1-1/4 heads wide and 1 head deep
- The pelvis is 1 head tall, 1-1/4 heads wide and 3/4 heads deep (including the sacrum)
- The femur is 2 heads tall
- The lower limbs (including the feet) are 2 heads tall
- The overall length of the arms is 3 heads, from the top of the humerus to the tip of the middle finger
- The humerus is 1-1/2 heads long
- The clavicle and sternum are both 3/4 heads in length
- The scapula is 3/4 heads high
Dr. Paul Richer Revisited
