How does one go about measuring angles?

**Trumpet Face** · December 21st, 2007, 08:09 PM

Personally I have no idea how to measure angles when drawing from life an photographs. I hear people saying 'measure angles!', but how does one go about doing so?

Thanks in advance for any input, I've been looking around the forums and I haven't really found any answers to this.

**Elwell** · December 21st, 2007, 08:20 PM

Most of the time it's simply a matter of noticing how much something deviates from an absolute vertical or horizontal. When working from life, use your pencil, brush handle, or a long skewer or knitting needle.

**Trumpet Face** · December 21st, 2007, 09:16 PM

Thanks Elwell, I'll try that next time. =)

**Wooly ESS** · December 22nd, 2007, 01:49 AM

The device used to measure angles is called a protractor. It is an instrument used to solve problems of geometry, but I've actually used one in laying out a drawing or painting.

**stephen** · December 23rd, 2007, 12:19 AM

bam...

**Idiot Apathy** · December 23rd, 2007, 01:06 AM

Hahaha stephen, great drawing!

**enrigo** · December 23rd, 2007, 02:31 AM

Really cute drawing, please tell the artist in the picture for me that he rocks.

**Farvus** · December 23rd, 2007, 06:25 AM

I wanted to write about using the same method as stephen but he explained it better

**Dizon** · December 23rd, 2007, 08:30 AM

I love that! BAM!

Anyway, it's all about looking and comparing. You'll notice the angle is wrong or correct just by looking back and forth. Alternating between your drawing and the subject. Trust your instincts.