Plumb Lines & Sighting: Perfecting Alignment

Description

Plumb lines are vertical and horizontal "laser levels" you use to check alignments. By holding your pencil perfectly vertical or horizontal, you can see exactly which parts of your subject line up. "Does the corner of the eye line up with the edge of the mouth?"

Steps (steps)

1. 1
   Vertical Alignment (Plumb): Hold your pencil perfectly vertical at arm's length. Align it with a landmark (e.g., the side of the nose).
2. 2
   Observe Overlaps: Look at what else the pencil crosses. Does it pass through the corner of the chin? The edge of the shoulder?
3. 3
   Transfer to Paper: Drop a light vertical line on your drawing and ensure those same features align.
4. 4
   Horizontal Alignment (Level): Hold your pencil perfectly horizontal. Align it with a feature (e.g., the bottom of an ear).
5. 5
   Check the 'Cross-Map': See what sits on the same horizontal plane. Is the other ear higher or lower?
6. 6
   Correct the Angles: Use the horizontal to check the "tilt" of features like the eyes or hips.

Tips

• Use the Edge of the Paper: Use the physical edge of your sketchbook or paper as a reference for "perfect vertical."
• Find "T" Junctions: Look for where a vertical plumb line meets a horizontal level line. These intersections are the most accurate points in any drawing.
• Don't Tilt Your Head: If you tilt your head, your sense of "vertical" will be skewed.
• Check Negative Shapes: Plumb lines often reveal "triangles" of empty space between limbs or objects. Draw those triangles to get the anatomy right.