Sight size is a method by which artists aiming to draw a realist drawing from life can accomplish that while training their eye to better see what’s in nature. The method is taught in the atelier system of art schools as “training wheels” for artists..

We used the sight size method at the School of Representational Art, but I warn people against using it as a crutch.

I suggest artists use sight size to check the work they’ve already put down by looking; not to use measurements to choose where to place marks they haven’t yet put down.

Check out Ben Rathbone’s article for learning how to use the sight size method.