System and method for creating purportionately accurate figures

A system and method for producing proportionately accurate likenesses in an artwork is presented. The system uses a grid or other distance markers on a transparent surface of a card. By observing a measurement of a feature of a subject with the distance markers and transcribing the measurement of the feature on the artwork an accurate likeness of the subject may be made.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of tools and methods for creating works of art. More particularly the present invention relates to a system and method for creating a proportionally accurate likeness of a subject in an artwork.

2. State of the Art

Many artists are skilled in the various mediums of art. They may create unique and beautiful works of art such as drawings, paintings, or sculptures. In many of these artworks a realistic portrayal of the person, object or other subject is desirable.

However, despite the artist's skill and desire in working in his selected medium, it remains difficult even for the experience professional to consistently create a good likeness between a real life subject, whether a person, animal, still life, or landscape, and the image that appears in the artwork. This is particularly true when an artist sets out to create a portrait of a human subject. In this instance even a slight change in, for example, the size of the eyes, location of the ears, puffiness of the cheeks, location of wrinkles, or shape of the face might produce a poor likeness of the subject in an otherwise faultless piece of art.

The difficulty with producing a good likeness can be true of any artwork from a simple pencil drawing, to the most complex oil painting or sculpture. In fact it is one of the major difficulties that has plagued artists from the beginner to the seasoned master for countless generations.

Many devices have been created to assist an artist in creating a realistic likeness of a subject. For example the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,673,490; 6,568,938; 6,579,099; 7,389,589 have been developed to purportedly assist artists in creating better likenesses of their subjects.

However, each of these devices suffers from a variety of limitations. For example the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,490 uses a grid system on a static cling surface that can be attached to a light box or similar tracing aid. This device merely uses a grid to facilitate tracing of a photograph or other print and cannot be used to view landscapes, still life, or live models directly. Similar limitations are found in the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,568,938; 6,579,099; and 7389,569 each of which uses a variation of gridding and tracing to allow artists to copy or trace their subject. Further many of these devices require that the artwork itself be gridded. The gridding of the artwork introduces another step at which a mistake can be made resulting in a distorted and not accurate portrayal of the subject in the artwork.

While it is true that copying, gridding, and tracing help artists create a realistic likeness of their subjects, tracing does not teach the artists to view the entire subject and transfer their impression of model to the artwork. Rather it forces the artist to concentrate on a small portion of the model and copy that small portion. Small differences between the copied and traced sections may add up over the whole artwork to create an unrealistic rendering of the subject. Further, copying and tracing are generally perceived as novice methods by experienced and professional artists who could also benefit from a tool that assists them in perceiving and drawing a subject in accurate proportions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for creating a proportionately accurate likeness of a subject in an artwork is presented. The system includes a card having at least a portion of which is a transparent surface through which the subject may be viewed. The transparent surface has a grid created from a series of equally spaced vertical lines and a series of equally spaced horizontal lines intersecting at approximately right angles. The grid allows a user of the system to view the subject and to measure the features of the subject. Distance identifiers may be placed on the card and/or transparent surface to aid an artist in measuring the features of the subject. The distance identifiers may be positioned adjacent the end point of the vertical and horizontal lines along one or more margins of the grid. Such distance markers may be numbers, roman numerals, etc.

Set indicators may also be on the transparent surface indicating a grouping or set or grid lines. For example the distance identifier and/or grid line may be bolded at a predetermined interval such as every 3, 4, 5 or 10 lines.

The system also includes a plurality of rulers, separate from the card with the transparent surface, for proportionately transferring the measurement of the features to a working surface of the artwork. Each ruler has a set of distance equally spaced distance markers. The distance markers on each ruler within the plurality of rulers may be incrementally larger or smaller than the distance markers on another ruler within the plurality. In one embodiment the plurality of rulers is imprinted on a single tape. The rulers on the tape have distance markers on the ranging from about one-third of an inch to about three inches. The distance markers on different rulers may increase incrementally in about one-sixteen of an inch increment from about three-eighths to about three inches. A caliper can be provided to assist in proportionately transferring measurement of the feature to the working surface of the artwork.

In certain embodiments, the card may be hand held by a user. Alternatively attachment means such as a clip, tripod, fasteners, Velcro, glue, and the like, may be used to fix the card in a desired position at which the artist can view the subject through the grid. A positionable clip may be attached to the card and to a surface adjacent the working surface of the artwork. A user may thus adjust the position of the card to optimize view of the subject through the grid for measuring the features of the subject.

The card may include distance markers in one or two dimensions. In certain embodiments, the transparent surface may have a plurality of equally spaced distance markers arranged in a column on the transparent surface for measuring features of the subject. These distance markers may be proportionate cells arranged in a column. Distance identifiers such as numbers may be positioned near each cell or distance marker for ease of measurement. A plumb indicator line may be provided for the user to determine the relative horizontal and vertical positions of features of the subject.

The present invention also relates to methods of using the system to create proportionately accurate renditions of a subject in an artwork. The method includes viewing the subject through a card having a transparent surface with a plurality of equally spaced distance marker. A user views a feature of interest, and with the distance markers, measures a dimension of the feature.

After the feature is measured, the user transfers the measured dimension of the feature to the working surface of the artwork. To transfer the measurement, a user may use a ruler having equally space distance markers. The ruler may part of a set of rulers on a single tape. For working convenience, the ruler may be removably attached to the working surface of the artwork. The distance between the markers may be smaller or larger than the distance between the distance markers or cells on the transparent surface of the card. The user may count or calculate the same number of measured units and place a marker such as the prongs of a caliper on the counted marks of the ruler. This proportionally enlarged or reduced dimension is then transferred to the working surface of the artwork by placing the caliper prongs on the artwork. The user may also use a measured first dimension of a feature of the artwork as a base measurement for measuring the size and position of other features of the subject.

The card or its transparent surface may also include a plumb indicator line. In such instances, the method may also include viewing the subject through the transparent surface with the plumb indicator line in a substantially horizontal or vertical orientation with respect to a first feature of the subject, observing the relative horizontal or vertical location of a second feature of the subject and transferring the second feature to the working surface of the artwork at the observed relative position from the first feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before the present system and methods of use thereof for producing an accurate likeness are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will be determined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

As used herein, “about” or means reasonably close to, a little more or less than the stated number or amount, or approximately.

As used herein, “exemplary” means serving as an example of. The use of the term “exemplary” herein in connection with a particular embodiment is not to be construed as the particular embodiment being preferred over any other embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 1-4an exemplary embodiment of a system for creating a proportionately accurate likeness of a36on an artwork38is presented. The system includes a card12having a transparent surface14. The transparent surface14may be an integral part of the card12or may be attached to a border made from a non-transparent material. As used herein, transparent refers to a state that is generally see-through so that an artist may see a subject16through the surface14in sufficient detail to transcribe the artist's impression of the subject16on the artwork18. The transparent surface14may be made of any of a variety of materials such as glass, plastic, quartz, crystal, paper, waxed paper, oiled paper, screen, and other similar see-through materials. It will be appreciated that the material may be tinted or treated to reduce glare or enhance the artist's view of the subject16as he looks through the surface14. The dimensions of the card12and its transparent surface14may vary. However, in certain present embodiments the card12may have a first dimension of about 1 inch to about 20 inches and a second dimension of about 1 inch to about 20 inches. For example the card11may have dimensions of about 1 by about 6 inches, about 2 by about 3 inches, about 3 by about 5 inches, about 3.5 by about 5 inches, about 4 by about 6 inches, about 8 by about 10 inches, about 5 by about 7 inches, about 6 by about 6.5 inches, or about 8.5 by about 11 inches.

Horizontal lines30and vertical lines28may be printed, drawn, etched or otherwise disposed on the transparent surface14to create a grid26with the vertical lines28and horizontal lines30intersecting at about right angles. These intersecting lines28,30create cells32that are substantially square having about the same top, bottom, and side dimensions. Distance identifiers34along the top, bottom, and/or sides of the card12or surface14may assist the artist in distinguishing between the grid lines28,30. Additionally the distance identifiers34can be used to aid the artist in measuring a dimension of a feature22of the subject16. Distance identifiers can be numbers, roman numerals, or other identifiers that would assist artists in readily determining the length or width of the feature22. The horizontal and vertical lines28,30may also function as plumb indicator lines38to assist the artist in determining the relative horizontal and vertical positions of features of the subject.

Set identifiers38are also provided to assist the artist in rapidly measuring the desired dimension of a feature. For example in the illustrated embodiment, every forth horizontal and vertical grid line28,30is bolded or highlighted. This emphasis on the set of four grid lines28,30allows the artists to identify groups of lines without counting or referring to the distance identifiers24. In certain embodiments, the set identifiers are placed on the grid26at a repeating interval of every 3, 4, 5, or 10 grid lines28,30.

A plurality of pre-marked rulers40may also be provided separate from the card12having a transparent surface. The set of rulers40includes one or more rulers44having evenly space distance markers46. The set of rulers40may have a number of separate rulers or may include a tape42with one or more rulers printed thereon. The tape42may have rulers printed on both the left and right sides and on the front and back. The spacing of the distance markers44on each ruler44can be indicated in a legend48on the ruler44. The spacing of the distance46markers on each ruler44is the same on that ruler44. However, the spacing of distance markers46on each different ruler44of the set of rulers40vary. For example first ruler44may have distance markers46having a uniform spacing of about 1 inch and a second ruler44may have distance markers having a uniform spacing of about 1.25 inches. The distance markers on the rulers within the set40may increase incrementally from about one-third of an inch to about three inches or larger. For examples, the distance markers46on separate rulers44may increase incrementally in about one-sixteen of an inch increment from about three-eighths to about five inches.

A caliper50can be provided to assist in proportionately transferring the measurement of the feature to the working surface18of the artwork. The caliper50may be any type of caliper including the illustrated proportional divider52. After the artists measures the dimension of a desired feature22or the subject16, the caliper50can be opened to a corresponding number of units of the ruler44. For example if the artist observes that a feature22of the subject16has a height of approximately 4 units as viewed through the grid26, the artist then opens the prongs58of the caliper to distance of 4 distance markers46using the ruler44. Using the opened caliper50, the artist may measure the height of the feature22and then create a likeness24of the feature20in the artwork18. This technique can be used to measure and transfer all features of the model to the likeness20in the artwork. Additionally, an artist may observe by measuring that a dimension of a second feature25is about twenty-five percent larger than the first feature24. The artist may use this observation to use the measured dimension of the first feature24as a base measurement and then increase the opening of the caliper by twenty-five percent to create the likeness of the second feature25in the artwork. This method can be used both to create the rough sketch of the artwork and to check dimensions and proportionally as the artwork progresses. While the illustrated subject is a still life, it will be appreciated that the system and method of the present invention call be used with all types of subjects including, landscapes, wild life, portraits, and the like.

The card12may be configured to be held in the hand of the artist. Accordingly, the bottom margin13of the card may extend beyond the grid26so that the hand of the artist does not interfere with his view of the subject16.

Alternatively the card12can be configured to be secured to a fixed attachment device68. By attaching the card12to a secured attachment device68, the artist can adjust the position and angle of the card12for optimal viewing of the subject16. Likewise, when the card12is in a fixed location, the artist does not have to be concerned with relative distance of the card12to the subject16which can affect measurements. To prevent distortion of the measurements of features22, the artist may wish to position the card12so that the transparent surface14is approximately perpendicular to the artist's line of sight. The artist can also mark the position of the subject on the transparent surface14so that the artist may make the measurements of the subject while in approximately the same position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment device68includes a first clamp70attached near the working surface of the artwork18. The clamp70is joined to a second clamp72by an articulated arm71. The arm71allows the second clamp72to be positioned and rotated as desired by the artist. The second clamp72holds the card12in a position where the artist may view the subject through the grid26. Alternatively the attachment device can include tripods, clips, Velcro, glue, or other devices that hold the card in the desired location.

The proportional divider52has first prongs58adjacent a first end52and prongs60adjacent a second end56. A removable pivot62is place in one of a set of holes64on both pieces51,53of the divider. The holes are positioned so that when the prongs58on first end are opened the prongs60of the second end are opened to a predetermined fraction. For example if the pivot62is placed in the hole with a proportion marker66of 2, the first prongs will be opened twice as far as the second prongs60. The proportional divider52can thus be used when an artist desires to use a measurement of a feature22as a base measurement.

Referring now toFIG. 5with continued reference toFIGS. 1-4an alternative embodiment of the card112for use with the system of the present invention is show is shown. The card112has vertical lines128that intersect at approximately right angles with horizontal lines130to form cells132. The cells132form a set of distance markers132in a single column. The transparent surface114may be an integral part of the card112or may be attached to a border made from a non-transparent material. As used herein, transparent refers to a state that is generally see-through so that an artist may see a subject16through the surface114in sufficient detail to transcribe the artist's impression of the subject16on the artwork18. The transparent surface114may be made of any of a variety of materials such as glass, plastic, quartz, crystal, paper, waxed paper, oiled paper, screen, and other similar see-through materials. It will be appreciated that the material may be tinted or treated to reduce glare or enhance the artist's view of the subject16as he looks through the surface114. The dimensions of the card112and its transparent surface114may vary depending. However, in certain present embodiments the card112may have a first dimension of about 1 inch to about 3 inches and a second dimension of about 4 inches to about 15. For example the card11may have dimensions of about 1 by about 6 inches.

Horizontal lines130and vertical lines128may be printed, drawn, etched or otherwise disposed on the transparent surface114to create a grid126with the vertical lines128and horizontal lines130intersecting at about right angles. These intersecting lines128,130create cells132that are substantially square having about the same top, bottom, and side dimensions. Distance identifiers134along the top, bottom, and/or sides of the card112or surface114may assist the artist in distinguishing between the grid lines128,130. Additionally the distance identifiers134can be used to aid the artist in measuring a dimension of a feature22of the subject16. Distance identifiers can be numbers, roman numerals, or other identifiers that would assist artists in readily determining the length or width of the feature22.

Set identifiers138are also be provided to assist the artist in rapidly measuring the desired dimension of a feature. For example in the illustrated embodiment, every forth horizontal grid line30is bolded or highlighted. This emphasis on the set of four grid lines130allows the artist to identify groups of lines without counting or referring to the distance identifiers124. In certain embodiments, the set identifiers are placed on the grid126at a repeating interval of every 3, 4, 5, or 10 grid lines.

The card112may also include a plumb indicator line138to assist the artist in determining the relative horizontal and vertical positions of features of the subject.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-5a method of using the system10of the present invention is described. The system10of the invention can be used to crate proportionately accurate renditions of a subject16in an artwork18. The card12of the invention is positioned so that an artist can view the transparent surface14of the card. The artist may position the card12in a fixed location by using an attachment device68. The artists can move the articulating arm71of the attachment device until at least a portion of the subject16is seen within the grid26of the card12.

The distance markers such as vertical and horizontal lines28,30can be used to determine the size of a feature of interest22in the subject16. The units of measurement of the distance markers28,30are not needed to transfer the measurement to the artwork18. For example if the artist observes that a feature22such as an apple in a still life has a height of about 4 units, a corresponding 4 units may be measured on a ruler44having equally space distance markers46. For working convenience, the ruler44may be removably attached to the working surface of the artwork18. However, it will be appreciated that the ruler can be placed anywhere that it is convenient for the artist. The distance between the markers46on the ruler44may be smaller or larger than the distance between the distance markers28,30or cells32on the transparent surface14of the card12. The artist may count or calculate the same number of measured units and place a marker such as the prongs of a caliper50on the counted marks26of the ruler44. This proportionally enlarged or reduced dimension is then transferred to the working surface of the artwork by placing the caliper prongs58on the artwork. The user may also use a measured first dimension of a feature of the artwork as a base measurement for measuring the size and position of other features of the subject. Each time the artist views the subject through the grid, he can position himself so that the feature used as the base feature returns to the original position on the grid. From there he can calculate the relative dimensions of the other desired features of the subject.

The card12or its transparent14surface may also include a plumb indicator line38,138. In such instances, the method may also include viewing the subject through the transparent surface14with the plumb indicator line38,138in a substantially horizontal or vertical orientation with respect to a first feature of the subject, observing the relative horizontal or vertical location of a second feature of the subject and transferring the second feature to the working surface of the artwork at the observed relative position from the first feature.