The positions of the objects, forms, and surface of our surroundings are an important part of our visual experience. Our ability to recognize objects depends on noticing the relative positions of their forms, especially in things we know well.  For example, the differences between two faces are often subtle variations in the proportions and the positions of facial features.  We notice these small differences easily, which helps us recognize familiar faces.

We understand the position of forms in space by where they appear in our visual field. To show the position of forms or objects in a drawing, we place elements at relative distances that are similar to the distances we see in our visual field.  When these distances are accurate, the forms in the drawing appear to sit correctly in the three-dimensional space that the drawing depicts.  If the distances are off, the proportions can look distorted.

Proportions

We can study the distances in our visual field using visual measurement techniques.  You can do this with a stick, pencil, or brush.  Close one eye, line up the tip of the stick with one end of a distance you want to measure on the subject, and mark the other end of that distance on your stick with your finger.  You can then compare that length to other distances in your subject.  We can compare similar distances in our drawing to keep proportions accurate.

Another visual measurement technique is using horizontals and verticals.  By holding a stick or pencil straight horizontally or vertically with one eye closed, you can observe how features align and where those horizontals and verticals cross the subject.  Using similar horizontals and verticals in your drawing lets you check the alignment of features and place them more accurately relative to one another.

Lesson 3 Assignment

Visual Measurement

Choose a complex subject with many parts for this exercise.  A still life with several objects or an entire room works well.  As you draw a rough sketch, use the visual measurement techniques found in part 2 to find the relative positions of the different parts of your subject.  Start with the larger forms first, such as the walls and ceiling if you are drawing a room, before moving on to smaller details.  Think of the process like solving a puzzle, using the sizes and positions you have already established to find where everything else fits.  Evaluate your drawing by how accurately the relative positions of the parts of your subject appear.

1. Spend the first 30 minutes doing the visual measurement exercise.
   
2. Spend 50 to 55 minutes drawing your object to the best of your current ability.  If you finish before your study session ends, draw it again until your time is up.  If you can’t finish within one session, continue working on it in the next. You can also take extra time if you want.
   
3. Reflect on your results and write about what went well and what you could improve next time.

Optional:

1. Share your weekly study plan in the #accountability channel on the course discord server.
   
2. Post your exercise results in the #exercises channel if you’d like feedback.
   
3. Share your drawing and photo in the #course-critique channel to get feedback from the community.

If you have any questions about the course, you can ask in the #course-help channel.