1. Canon of Proportion
Learning how to depict the human form.

2. Canon of Proportion
Ancient Egyptian DaVinci

3. Varies According to Purpose
DaVinc

4. 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

5. 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

6. Enlarge the Canon (2x Scale)
1. Begin with the head .
The head is the unit of
measurement. [8 ¾ heads]

7. 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

9. 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.

13. 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.

14. Ideas to build on:
Muscle man Contest
Superman
Boxers
Cave man
Fire Eater
Statue in a Museum