Drawing a face can be a daunting task, especially for beginners, but with the right techniques and understanding of facial proportions, you can create realistic and compelling portraits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you improve your skills.
Starting with the Basics
Begin by drawing a circle to represent the cranium, a fundamental step in many drawing methods. This circle will serve as the foundation for the entire face. For a more detailed approach, you can use Andrew Loomis’ method, which involves drawing a circle and then a square that touches the circle at all four corners. The top line of the square will become the hairline, the middle line the brow line, and the bottom line the nose line[1].
Establishing Proportions
To ensure your face is proportionate, divide the face into thirds. The distance from the hairline to the brow line should be the same as from the brow line to the bottom of the nose, and then again from the bottom of the nose to the chin. This division helps in placing the facial features accurately[5].
Locating Facial Features
The eyes are typically located on a line in the center of the head, just below the brow line. Use the height of the head to determine their exact position. The nose line, as mentioned earlier, is usually at the bottom of the square or one-third of the way down from the brow line. The mouth and chin follow, with the mouth generally positioned halfway between the nose and the chin[1].
Drawing Individual Features
When drawing individual features, it’s crucial to focus on each one separately to master their anatomy. For the eyes, start with a line drawing using the grid method, and then develop the patterns of light and dark. Remember to include the catch light in the iris and blend the skin areas to create the form and contours of the eye[2].
For the nose, use a similar grid method to create a line drawing, either in a straight-on view or profile. Develop the lights and darks, adding reflected light along the edges and shadows under the tip and bottom edge of the nose. Blend these tones smoothly to achieve a realistic look[2].
The mouth involves drawing different lip shapes and understanding the anatomy of the lips and surrounding area. Practice drawing various mouth shapes to convey different expressions[4].
Adding Shading and Contours
Shading is essential for giving your drawing depth and form. Use a mechanical pencil to create detailed line drawings, and then blend the tones with a stump or tortillion. Ensure that only the highlights remain white, while the rest of the face is smoothly blended to create a natural appearance[2].
Considering Angles and Perspectives
To draw the head from any angle, visualize the underlying forms of the head as a box or an oval wrapped around a ball. The center line and the angle of the oval help establish the twist and orientation of the head. This understanding allows you to draw faces from various perspectives with accuracy[5].
Final Tips
Use Reference Images: Even when drawing without a reference, having a mental or visual reference can help in achieving accuracy.
Practice Individual Features: Mastering each feature separately before combining them into a full face drawing is key.
Pay Attention to Proportions: Dividing the face into thirds ensures that your features are correctly placed.
Blend Shading Smoothly: Smooth blending of tones creates a more realistic and polished look.
Experiment with Different Angles: Understanding the underlying structure of the head allows you to draw faces from any angle.
Most Important Facts About Drawing Faces
Start with a circle or overlapping circles to establish the cranium and head shape.
Use a square or grid method to determine the hairline, brow line, and nose line.
Divide the face into thirds for accurate placement of features.
Focus on individual features like eyes, nose, and mouth to master their anatomy.
Use shading and blending to create depth and form.
Visualize the head as a box or oval to draw it from any angle.
Practice regularly to improve your skills and accuracy.
