Canon of ProportionLearning how to depict the human form.

Canon of ProportionAncient Egyptian DaVinci

Varies According to Purpose

DaVinc

Fashion

Magazin

e

Real Life

Comic Book

Hero

Movie Star

Neck = ½ head from chin to clavicle

Torso = 3 heads(3.5 from back)

Thigh to Knee = 2 heads

Calf to Ankle = 2 heads

8 ¾ heads tall(6’ 4”)

Hogarth’s Canon

Enlarge the Canon (2x Scale)1. Begin with the head .

2. Then, a vertical line to mark center axis:

The head is the unit of measurement. [8 ¾ heads]

From the vertical axis, work from the center of the figure out

Enlarge the Canon (2x Scale)

1. Begin with the head .

The head is the unit of measurement. [8 ¾ heads]

Enlarge the Canon (2x Scale)

2. Pay attention to size comparisons as you draw!

From the vertical axis, work from the center of the figure--out

Use the Canon as Inspiration

Spoof A Famous Artwork

You’ll need to find a copy of a famous painting.

Then Plan how you can incorporate the Canon into the painting: for a spoof to work, you have to maintain the recognizability of the artwork AND the canon.

Use the Canon as Inspiration

Tell a Story

Think of a situation—either humorous or serious—in which to embed the canon.

For example—the canon could be a statue in a museum, an Egyptian Pharaoh, a surfer, or in this case “Urban Cowboy”….

Find references to help you.

Ideas to build on:

Muscle man Contest

Superman

Boxers

Cave man

Fire Eater

Statue in a Museum