Mastering Observational Drawing: 2 Simple Tips for Accurate Proportions

Drawing from observation can be tricky, especially when it comes to capturing accurate proportions and subtle curves. I've been drawing for decades now and I still often find myself struggling to measure certain complex objects from difficult angles. So here are two simple but powerful tips to improve your observational drawing accuracy that I often lean on when drawing from life.

1. Observational Drawing Tip 1: Break Curves Into Straight Lines

Curves are often the most challenging part of a drawing - they’re easy to distort and difficult to measure. One practical method to tackle this problem is to break the curve into a series of straight lines.

By simplifying a curve into short, straight segments, you can measure angles and distances more easily. This approach lets you check proportions step by step rather than trying to capture the entire curve in one go.

Above an example of how curves can very easily get you into trouble. When was copying this Caravaggio painting and I drew the curves directly, the proportions were off. But when I broke those curves into straight lines, the drawing suddenly became much more accurate. It’s a small shift in technique that can have a huge impact on your observational drawing skills.

2. Observational Drawing Tip 2: Use Vertical Alignment to Check Accuracy - 'Plumb-lining'

Another simple trick for ensuring your drawing is accurate is to check where key points on your reference line up vertically. Imagine a painting or photo and draw invisible vertical lines from important features. I've heard called 'plumb-lining' because it's similar to if you held a plumb line up to a 3d object, closed one eye you would be able to see where that plumb line intersects key points as it travels down the object you're looking at.

This method helps you catch mistakes in measurements before they become major issues. For instance, when drawing Solomon J. Solomon’s Samson, I used red vertical lines to compare the positions of key points. It allowed me to adjust my line drawing quickly, keeping the proportions correct and saving a lot of time in corrections later.

Why I use them

Both of these techniques - breaking curves into straight lines and using vertical alignment - are about simplifying complex information. They make it easier to measure, compare, and transfer what you see, so your drawings become more accurate without needing to rely on guesswork.

Take Your Observational Drawing to the Next Level

If you’re learning to draw or paint from observation, these tips are just the beginning. On my YouTube channel, I regularly share practical drawing tips, full demonstrations, and deeper tutorials that help you develop accuracy and confidence.

Courses Coming Soon: For those ready to take a structured approach, I’ll soon be launching online courses that guide you step by step through observational drawing and painting, from beginner to advanced.

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