Understanding the foundational shapes and structures of facial features is essential for any artist aiming to create realistic portraits. By breaking down intricate forms into simpler geometric shapes, you can master the art of drawing heads, eyes, noses, mouths, and ears with precision and confidence.
Head Construction
The key to mastering head construction lies in understanding the basic geometrical shapes that form the skull. Begin with an elongated sphere for the cranium, then integrate a box shape to define the front plane of the face. Add a half-cylinder for the jaw.
To divide the head and place facial features:
- Draw two intersecting lines across the circle's center to divide the head into quadrants.
- Add a square within your circle – its top will be the hairline, center aligns with the brow, and bottom with the nose.
- The distance from brow to nose line, replicated downward, locates the chin.
Extend lines from the square's sides to the chin to form the face outline. For eye placement, draw a line halfway between the center and bottom of the square. Use the width of five "eyes" across the face, placing the actual eyes in the second and fourth positions.
Remember these key alignments:
- Nose width aligns with the inner corners of the eyes
- Mouth sits slightly above halfway between the nose and chin
- Mouth corners often align with the pupils
- Ears align with the brow line at the top and nose line at the bottom
For the profile view, use the same proportions but place features on one side of the shapes. A line from the circle's top to the chin defines the face's front edge. Connect the chin to the lower square corner for the jawline.
In profile, draw eyes just below the brow, the nose jutting from the face's front, and the mouth set back. The ear sits between brow and nose lines, occasionally tipping forward slightly.
Practice these methods to advance your skills in drawing realistic and distinctive heads.
Drawing the Eyes
Eyes demand careful attention to detail. Begin with an ellipsis shape, less symmetrical than an almond but not quite circular. Remember, human eyes aren't perfectly symmetrical or identical.
Key points for realistic eyes:
- Upper eyelid is more pronounced
- Lower lid forms a gentler curve
- Avoid making lids too football-shaped
- Partially cover the iris with eyelids for a natural look
Shading brings depth to the eyes. The pupil should be the darkest part, with the iris showing a radial texture. Shade the sclera with a gentle gradient to show its curvature. Draw eyelashes in light, varied strokes, thicker at the outer edges and tapering inward.
Eyebrows frame the eyes and convey emotion. Sketch their general shape following the brow bone, thicker near the inner corner and sparser outward. Use tiny, directional strokes to simulate individual hairs.
Consider the surrounding structures. Subtle shading of the upper eye socket and fine lines around the eye enhance realism. With practice, your drawn eyes will captivate, expressing a range of emotions that bring portraits to life.
Drawing the Nose
Understanding the nose's anatomy is crucial. The upper part consists of bone, while cartilage forms the lower structure. Start with a simple geometric framework – a triangle for the front view and a right-angled triangle for the side view.
Divide the nose bridge into three main planes:
- Front plane
- Left side plane
- Right side plane
The sides angle outward from the bridge and taper inward at the nostrils.
Shading adds dimension. Remember these key points:
- The side furthest from the light source will be darker
- The bridge often catches light
- The underside plunges into shadow
- Nostrils should be the darkest areas, blending gently into the septal shadow
Don't forget reflective light, which adds subtle illumination underneath the nose. Detail the sides with soft gradations where the nose meets the cheeks. Finesse the nostrils by using subtle gradients to show their rounded, cavernous nature.
Add light strokes to indicate skin texture, including small pores or faint freckles if present in your reference. Remember, mastering the nose involves blending anatomical understanding with careful shading. Each practice sketch builds your skill in creating realistic and expressive noses.
Drawing the Mouth
Start with a closed mouth by marking a horizontal line for width. Add two subtle peaks above for the upper lip, with a slight dip in the center. Below, sketch a fuller curve for the lower lip.
For shading, remember the upper lip typically faces downward and appears darker. Apply gentle strokes from the center line to the outer edge. The lower lip protrudes more, so use lighter shading with a smooth transition from highlight to shadow.
Include the philtrum—the indentation between nose and upper lip—with two light lines diverging from the nose.
Open Mouth Technique:
- Curve the horizontal line downward
- Suggest teeth through light strokes, decreasing visibility towards the back
- Shade the inner mouth darker at the back for depth
- Create a smooth gradient to the lips
Capture the lips' glossy quality by highlighting the middle third of the lower lip. Note shadows cast by the upper lip and highlights on the chin.
When drawing a smile, add subtle lines from the mouth's corners. Show how the upper lip flattens and upper teeth become more visible. Include delicate folds and creases, but keep them soft to avoid looking forced.
Practice these techniques to bring your mouth drawings to life, revealing the story behind each expression.
Drawing the Ears
Break down ears into simpler shapes, focusing on the 'Y' structure formed by the superior and inferior crus. Start with a slightly tilted oval as your boundary.
- Draw the 'Y' inside the oval
- Add the helix—a smooth curve from the top to the earlobe
- Include the tragus and antitragus near the ear canal
For shading, consider your light source. The conchal bowl typically falls into shadow. Use light, consistent strokes for a smooth transition from dark to light. Highlight the helix ridge and keep the antihelix a tone lighter.
"Don't forget the earlobe—a smoother feature needing softer shading. Add subtle details like the scaphoid fossa between the helix and antihelix for realism."
Ensure proper placement by aligning the ear with the eyebrows and nose base. With practice, you'll simplify your approach and add nuance to your portraits.
Each sketch builds your skill in capturing facial features. Keep practicing; every stroke brings you closer to creating faces that come alive on paper.
