This has been an interesting post, though I can't seem to get the image of corporate monkeys out of my head (8 1/2", by the way).
Two additional points that might help somebody:
Assuming I have a large enough canvas, when I'm doing a really fast "quick draw" exercise I put my left hand on the canvas and draw a fast oval in the correct location (giving your subject some "looking space" if it's a profile). This gives me some assurance that the forehead won't be lopped off at the top (as in the Hannibal movie). My hand measures 5" so it gives me some room to let the head "grow" as I paint. It also calms me down and shows the canvas who's boss right off the bat.
Along that vein, when painting the figure I put in measuring points based on head length when I block in the figure - so many heads to chest, elbows, knees, etc. I paint the head in first and then re-measure the proportions based on the painted head... since the head tends to grow when you paint it, your initial measurements will likely be off. Adjust accordingly.
By the way, didn't I read somewhere in this Forum that the length of your foot is the same as your wrist to elbow measurement? Not that this particularly matters, mind you, but I think the logic behind human design is fascinating. Peggy, with your medical background, I'll bet you know all about this kind of thing.
Linda
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