You measure with a pencil in drawing by using it as a visual measuring tool to compare proportions and angles of a subject and transfer those measurements accurately to your drawing surface.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Holding the Pencil: Hold your pencil at arm's length, ensuring your arm is fully extended. Keep your elbow locked for consistent measurements. Close one eye for better accuracy.
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Sighting and Measuring: Sight along the pencil to establish a measuring unit. For example, you might measure the height of the subject's head and use that as a base unit.
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Comparing Proportions: Use your thumb to mark off the measurement you've established on the pencil. Then, without moving your thumb, rotate your wrist to compare that measurement to other parts of the subject. This allows you to determine how many "head heights" tall the subject is or how the width of the shoulders relates to the height of the head.
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Angles: To measure angles, hold the pencil up to the angle you want to capture. Then, keeping your arm straight and the angle intact, rotate your body back to your drawing board. Observe the angle and replicate it on your paper.
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Transferring to Drawing: Transfer these proportions and angles to your drawing surface, using the initial measurement as a reference.
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Example: If you determine the subject is 7 "head heights" tall using your pencil measurements, then you know that on your drawing, the total height should be seven times the height you've drawn for the head.
By consistently using your pencil as a measuring tool, keeping your arm straight, and focusing on relative proportions and angles, you can significantly improve the accuracy of your drawings.
