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Lesson 12 Sections:   12-1   12-2   12-JFF   12-IDEA
 (12-2) Principles of Art and Design: Proportion
Proportion is the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with each other. When drawing the human figure, proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body. And of course, the contrast created from having something out of proportion can attract attention in a hurry (as in the first image below)!
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Out of proportion figures are one form of contrast (the unexpected vs. what you expected).
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Proportion also gives us a sense of size and dimension.
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In this painting, "Boar Rider" by Adrian Smith, the proportion of the elf in relation to the boar gives us information about the dwarf's actual size.
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In this drawing by Andrew Loomis, it is the careful use of proportion that makes this woman look real and natural to us.
Examples using proportion creatively:
Page last updated April 6, 2019