Sighting techniques are essential tools for artists to accurately capture proportions, angles, and relationships in their drawings. These methods train the eye to observe subjects objectively, allowing for more precise and realistic representations on paper or canvas.

From the sight-size method to comparative measurement and angle sighting, artists employ various techniques to analyze and reproduce visual information. Tools like pencils, plumb lines, and viewfinders aid in this process, helping artists create more accurate and visually compelling artwork.

Importance of sighting techniques

• Sighting techniques enable artists to accurately observe and transfer proportions, angles, and relationships from a subject onto paper or canvas
• Help train the artist's eye to see the subject more objectively and analytically rather than relying solely on assumptions or preconceived notions
• Allow for more precise and realistic drawings by providing a systematic approach to analyzing and reproducing visual information

Types of sighting techniques

Sighting vs measuring

• Sighting involves using your eye to visually compare distances, angles and relationships between points without relying on precise measurements
• Measuring entails using tools like rulers, calipers or proportional dividers to obtain exact dimensions which are then transferred to the drawing
• Sighting is often quicker and allows for more fluid, natural drawings while measuring can ensure high accuracy but may result in stiffer, less expressive lines

Sight-size method

• Technique where the drawing is created the same size as the subject appears from a fixed viewing distance
• Artist stands back from the easel so the subject and drawing visually appear the same size, allowing for direct comparison of shapes and proportions
• Particularly useful for portrait drawing or rendering subjects with intricate details (lace, ornamental objects)

Comparative measurement

• Entails choosing a basic unit of measurement on the subject (eye width for a portrait) and using that to estimate the proportions of other parts
• The artist might determine the head is five eye widths tall, the nose is one eye width long, etc.
• Helps ensure the various elements are sized correctly in relation to each other

Angle sighting

• Artist positions their pencil or other straight edge to match the angle of a line on the subject
• The angle is then transferred to the drawing by maintaining the pencil at the same tilt
• Allows accurate depiction of the orientation of edges and planes, helping to capture perspective and three-dimensional form

Alignment techniques

• Involve noting where different parts of the subject line up vertically, horizontally or diagonally
• Artist may visualize or lightly mark plumb lines to see how features align (corner of eye lines up with edge of mouth)
• Horizontal alignments can help ensure features are placed at the correct height (tops of ears align with brow line)
• Diagonals help map the flow and movement within a composition

Tools for sighting

Pencil as sighting tool

• Pencil can be held at arm's length and positioned vertically, horizontally or at an angle to gauge relative proportions and angles
• Placing the pencil visually over the subject allows the artist to estimate comparative distances (height of figure is three pencil lengths)
• Pencil can also help find the midpoint or other divisions of a subject by rotating it until it appears to split the form equally

Plumb line for vertical alignment

• A weighted string serves as a vertical reference line to help map the alignment and orientation of the subject
• Can be held in front of or beside the subject to note where key landmarks fall in relation to the plumb line
• Helps ensure elements are vertically stacked correctly and symmetrical features are balanced

Viewfinder for composition

• A small frame made of cardboard, plastic or thumbs and forefingers held at arm's length to isolate the subject
• Allows artist to see how the subject fits within a rectangular composition and make decisions about cropping and placement
• Can be used to visualize how the subject will be translated to the proportions of the drawing paper or canvas
• Helps artist determine the eye level or horizon line of the scene

Sighting for accurate proportions

Sighting height vs width

• Comparing the vertical and horizontal extents of the subject helps ensure the overall proportions are accurately depicted
• Artist may use pencil or thumb at arm's length to measure relative height, then rotate it 90 degrees to compare to width
• Many subjects will have general proportional relationships (average human figure is 7-8 heads tall)
• Sighting can confirm or adjust these assumptions to fit the specific individual being drawn

Sighting negative space

• Observing the shapes of the spaces around and between parts of the subject rather than focusing on the objects themselves
• Negative spaces often have interesting, asymmetrical shapes that can be easier to accurately outline than the more complex positive forms
• Helping to see the subject as an abstract arrangement of shapes and spaces rather than a recognized object
• Negative space shapes lock together like puzzle pieces with the positive forms, ensuring the drawing is proportional

Sighting for perspective

Sighting vanishing points

• In linear perspective, parallel edges appear to converge towards vanishing points along the horizon line
• Sighting with a pencil can help determine the position of vanishing points by aligning the pencil with receding parallel edges and noting where the pencil points intersect
• Vanishing points are essential for depicting the illusion of depth and three-dimensional space on the flat drawing surface

Sighting horizon line

• The horizon line represents the artist's eye level, where the ground plane appears to meet the sky (visible horizon) or where verticals converge (invisible horizon in interiors, etc.)
• Sighting a horizontal pencil across key landmarks like the tops of doors, windows, figures, etc. can help locate the horizon line
• All vanishing points are positioned on the horizon line, emphasizing its importance in constructing believable perspective

Sighting for angles

Sighting relative angles

• Holding the pencil parallel to various angled lines in the subject allows the artist to observe and replicate the angles in the drawing
• Angles can be gauged relative to vertical or horizontal axes (30 degrees off vertical, 45 degrees up from horizontal, etc.)
• Reproducing the angles of edges and planes helps depict the orientation of forms in space

Sighting parallel lines

• Sighting can help determine which edges of a form are parallel, even if they don't appear so due to perspective
• Angled parallels will converge towards a shared vanishing point
• Identifying parallels helps analyze the spatial relationships within the subject and construct the drawing accurately

Practicing sighting techniques

Sighting exercises for beginners

• Simple block or cylinder forms can be used to practice sighting heights vs widths, relative angles, perspective convergence
• Copying masterwork drawings or photographs upside-down to focus on shapes and relationships rather than the identity of the subject
• Modified contour drawing, where the artist observes the subject without looking at the paper to carefully sight angles and proportions before committing lines

Sighting in figure drawing

• Sighting can map the alignments and angles of the skeleton to construct the figure in accurate perspective
• Proportions like head heights mark off distances to depict the figure at the correct scale
• Negative space shapes between limbs and torso are critical for natural, balanced gesture

Sighting for still life

• Still life arrangements often feature overlapping forms at different angles, making sighting essential for plotting perspective
• Negative spaces between objects help nail the composition and proportions
• Reflective surfaces and cast shadows introduce key alignments and angles to be sighted

Sighting for landscape drawing

• Sighting the horizon line and vanishing points is crucial for depicting the recession of space
• Angles of roads, fences, rooflines etc. converge to vanishing points and add to the perspective illusion
• Comparative measurements can judge the height of trees, depth of spaces and relative sizes of landscape features
• Atmospheric perspective softens distant elements, so sighting helps establish the relative clarity of edges