[TerryCurley]

Everyone has seen a portrayal of an artist focusing on the model with the thumb up. Especially in the movies from the 30's and 40's. Does anyone know why? What perspective can a thumb give you when looking at the subject of the painting? I don't get it.

 

[Melody Jeoulex]

Haha. Same here.

 

[cjm1972]

I would guess that it is a way of roughly measuring the hight or width of objects at a distance, compared to the width or height of your thumb. A way of scaling a drawing down.

 

[FanKi]

Hmm same as Carl, it maybe for that .-.

 

[Susan Mulno]

Yes, I think it is the same thing as those of us who use a pencil for spacial issues.

 

[Melody Jeoulex]

That is a logical explanation..so logical that I've never done or maybe thought of [email protected]@ but I guess it still depends on the artist. I would just stare at the object for awhile (or maybe a bit longer,lols) then imagination would come crashing your mind changing the real features of the object.. :I Did anyone ever try the thumb thing?

 

[Bushcraftonfire]

Carl is spot on.. if you use your thumb.. pencil.. etc as a ruler of sorts you will get distance right. Proper distance.. and proper angles and you can draw ANYTHING!