Starting as an artist, drawing a realistic human head can seem hard. But, with the right techniques and practice, you can get better. I’ll share a story that inspired me to learn head drawing.
As a kid, I loved looking at my brother’s sketchbook. His faces and expressions amazed me. I wanted to draw like him. So, I tried different drawing methods, but couldn’t get it right. Then, I found Andrew’s teachings and learned the secret to drawing heads.
Andrew Loomis taught me to focus on head proportions and break it down into simple shapes1. This changed my art. By learning these basics, you can draw amazing portraits and characters.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the basic structure of the head, including the cranium and facial features, is key for accurate drawings.
- Dividing the face into thirds and considering key measurements, such as eye width and hairline placement, ensures proper facial proportions.
- Practicing drawing heads from multiple angles helps develop a deeper understanding of the head’s structure and how it changes in different perspectives.
- The Loomis method, as outlined in his book “Drawing the Head & Hands,” is a widely respected and effective approach to learning how to draw heads.
- Incorporating the use of geometric shapes and axes can simplify the drawing process and make it more accessible for beginners.
Understanding Head Proportions
Drawing realistic human heads needs a good grasp of facial proportions and head structure. Learning these art basics helps make your portraits more accurate and appealing2.
The Basic Structure
The head’s basic shape is like a sphere for the skull and a block for the jaw and cheekbones2. The Loomis method uses geometry to simplify the head into shapes. This ensures the proportions are right2.
Dividing the Face
Looking at the head from the front, its width is usually two-thirds its height3. Splitting the face vertically into three parts is helpful. The eyes are roughly halfway down3.
Key Measurements
There are key measurements for keeping facial proportions correct. The head’s width, from ear to ear, is about five “eyes” wide2. The space between the eyes is one eye-width3. The nose’s bottom width is the same as the eyes’ inside corners2. Also, male necks are usually broader than female necks2.
Knowing these head and facial proportions helps in making better drawings. Whether drawing from life or imagination, these basics are key2. Mastering them improves your sense of head structure and proportions. This makes your drawings more realistic and engaging2.
Materials You Need for Drawing
Starting your drawing journey? You’ll need some basic tools. Pencils are key – use a 2H for light lines, an HB for everyday drawing, and a 2B for shading4. Also, get good drawing paper with a bit of texture for better shading4.
Essential Supplies
- Pencils (2H, HB, 2B)
- Drawing paper
- Eraser
Optional Tools
For more advanced drawing, consider these optional tools. Blending stumps help with smooth shading, and a kneaded eraser is great for fine details5. Digital artists might prefer a drawing tablet and stylus for easier work in Procreate or Photoshop4.
| Essential Supplies | Optional Tools |
|---|---|
|
|
Practice is key to improving your drawing techniques and sketching tutorials. Use the right art supplies and keep practicing. Don’t be afraid to try new things and let your creativity shine45.
Step-by-Step Approach to Drawing a Head
Learning to draw a head begins with understanding basic shapes and proportions. Start by drawing a circle for the cranium6. Then, draw lines from the circle’s sides to form the jawline6. Divide the face into three parts vertically, with the eyes at the middle6.
Starting with Basic Shapes
Next, add the face’s key features. Place the nose at the bottom third line and the mouth between the nose and chin6. Use ovals for the eyes, a triangle for the nose, and curved lines for the mouth6. This foundation ensures accurate proportions and placement.
Adding Detailed Features
After the basic structure is set, refine the shapes into detailed features. Focus on each element’s unique characteristics and proportions, like the eye shape, nose width, and lip curve6. This step-by-step method leads to a realistic and lifelike head drawing.
“The key to drawing a convincing head is to start with basic shapes and gradually build up the details. This systematic approach helps ensure accurate proportions and a natural-looking result.” – Drawing Expert
Remember, regular practice is key to improving your sketching skills6. Try different angles and perspectives to better understand head construction7. With persistence and a step-by-step approach, you’ll master creating captivating head drawings.
Sketching the Face Shape
Understanding facial proportions and head structure is key when drawing the human head8. Choosing the right face outline is important. It depends on the character’s age, gender, and personality8.
Selecting the Right Outline
Face shapes can be oval, round, square, heart-shaped, or diamond-shaped. Each shape gives a unique look8. For realistic drawings, notice the small imperfections in the face. They add depth and character8.
For stylized or cartoon-like drawings, you can make features bigger while keeping balance8. You might change the jaw line, chin, or cheekbones to create different designs8.
Adjusting for Different Styles
Style affects how you draw facial proportions and head structure8. Realistic drawings need more detail and small changes. Stylized drawings can have bolder, more exaggerated features8.
Find a balance between realism and stylization that fits your vision8. Knowing facial proportions and head structure helps create engaging character designs8.
“Sketching the face shape is the foundation for creating expressive and believable character designs. With practice and experimentation, you can develop a unique style that brings your characters to life.”
Practice drawing heads and faces to get better and more confident9. Don’t hesitate to try new things. Improving your drawing skills is both a challenge and a reward98.
Features of the Face
Learning to draw portraits means understanding the face’s details. The eyes, nose, and mouth are key to a realistic portrait. We’ll look at how to draw these features well, so your portraits truly show who they are.
Drawing the Eyes
The eyes are like windows to the soul. They sit at the face’s middle, with each eye the same width apart10. Knowing the face’s measurements helps place the eyes right, halfway between the head’s top and chin10.
Capturing the Nose
The nose is a standout feature, drawn with simple shapes like triangles or pyramids. Focus on the bridge, nostrils, and tip to capture the face’s essence11. The three circles method is a popular way to draw the nose from the front during lessons11.
Creating the Mouth
The mouth is vital, with corners aligning with the eyes’ pupils and the nose to chin distance being one-third of the face10. Notice the unique shapes and curves of the lips. They add a lot to the face’s expression and character.
Practice is essential for mastering facial feature drawing. Start by sketching each part separately. Then, combine them into a full portrait. With effort and practice, you’ll create stunning portraits that capture your subjects’ essence.
Hair: Techniques and Tips
Learning to draw hair can make your portraits better. It doesn’t matter if you’re aiming for realism or a stylized look. Knowing the shapes, volume, and texture of hair is key. Here are some tips to help you draw hair well.
Basic Hair Shapes
First, think about the hairstyle’s overall shape. Is it smooth and straight, or full of curls? Understanding the direction and flow of hair strands is important for the base12. Hair is made of strands grouped into locks, so simplify it to basic shapes.
Adding Volume and Texture
To make hair look full12, use shading to add depth and highlights12. Before adding texture, think about the shape of the locks. This keeps the volume12. Shadows are key for different hair types, from straight to curly, short to long, and even dreadlocks12.
When adding texture13, change the length, thickness, edge, and value of your strokes. This makes your hair look more real and lively13. Remember12, being confident in your strokes is key for hair texture, starting at the root and getting thinner towards the tip.
By learning the basics of hair drawing and trying different methods, you can get better at portraits. Keep practicing, look at reference images, and try new things. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.
Ears and Their Placement
When drawing the human head, it’s key to know the ears’ anatomy and where they go. The ears usually reach from the eyebrows to the nose’s bottom14. They look like a “C” with extra curves for the inside parts. To draw the ears right, focus on the outer helix, inner antihelix, earlobe, and tragus.
Getting the ears right is vital for a realistic head drawing. In profile, the ear should be a bit back from the head’s center15. The ear’s top should meet the eyebrows’ point, and it should attach to the head at eye level15. Side view shows the ear between the eye and nose lines15.
When the head tilts, the ears’ position is key to keep the tilt look real. On a down-tilt, the ears seem higher, and on an up-tilt, they look lower14. Drawing the ears from different angles helps grasp how they change with perspective. This improves your grasp of head structure and facial proportions.
The anatomy reference of the ear includes the helix, antihelix, earlobe, and tragus. The ear’s shape is like a megaphone, with the concha as the tube and the helix as the lip part14. When shading, the inner helix’s end is darker, like a shadowy cave14. Focus on core and cast shadows to add depth to your ear drawings.
| Ear Anatomy | Description |
|---|---|
| Helix | The outer curved rim of the ear |
| Antihelix | The Y-shaped structure inside the ear that connects to the antitragus |
| Earlobe | The only part of the ear not made of cartilage, typically 1/3 the height of the entire ear |
| Tragus | The small component that points toward the antitragus, divided by a U-shaped notch |
Knowing the anatomy reference and positioning of the ears helps in making more accurate and engaging head drawings. These drawings better capture the three-dimensional nature of humans1415.
Shading and Adding Depth
Learning to shade is key to making your head drawings look real and engaging. Shading techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, and blending add depth to your portraits16. Knowing how light and shadow work helps you show the head’s three-dimensional shape.
Introduction to Shading Techniques
First, find the light source and add shadows. The areas under the brow, nose, and chin should be darker to show depth17. Use gradients to show light to dark changes smoothly, and avoid sharp edges that make your drawing flat16. Try different pencil grades, from HB to 6B, to get the right shades18.
Creating Shadows and Highlights
Focus on the face’s planes to make your shading work17. Use an eraser or white pencil for highlights on the forehead, cheekbones, and nose bridge. This contrast with shadows makes your drawing pop16. Shadows should be darker, with both light and dark shades16.
Mastering shading and shadows brings your head drawings to life17. Keep practicing and paying attention to details. This will improve your skills and make your portraits more realistic18.
| Shading Technique | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hatching | Parallel lines used to create a smooth, consistent shading effect. | |
| Cross-hatching | Overlapping sets of parallel lines that create a more textured shading. | |
| Blending | Smoothing and softening the transitions between light and shadow areas. |
“Shading is a key step in making portraits look three-dimensional. Getting shadow shapes right and understanding values is vital for a good drawing.”17
Understanding light and shadow is the secret to great shading. Realism in drawing comes from showing light and form accurately16. With effort and practice, you’ll create stunning, detailed head drawings that grab people’s attention18.
Final Touches and Refinements
When you finish your drawing, it’s time to check your work and make any last changes. Refining your artwork is key to making your portrait look its best19.
Reviewing Your Drawing
Step back and look at your drawing carefully. Make sure the facial features are right in size and shape20. Think about adding a background or changing the layout to make your drawing stand out19.
Making Adjustments and Enhancements
Now, focus on the small details that make your portrait come alive. Add texture to the skin, like blemishes or wrinkles, to make it look more real19. Pay attention to the hair, making it look natural, whether it’s for a man or a woman19. Darken important lines and add contrast to make your drawing catch the eye.
| Recommended Supplies for Refining Drawings | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Soft Pencils (B or 2B) | For smooth shading and blending21 |
| White Plastic Eraser | Clean erasing without smudging21 |
| Medium-Weight Sketch Pad | Provides a suitable surface for detailed portrait drawing21 |
The goal is to keep refining until you can’t improve it anymore. By focusing on the small details, you’ll make your realism in drawing shine19.
“Refinement is the final step in the creative process, where you polish your work until it shines.”
Practicing Regularly
Improving your head-drawing skills takes consistent practice. Use reference photos, join life drawing sessions, or practice in the mirror. Regular practice is key for skill growth22. The tutorial shows the value of learning from different angles and perspectives22.
It also stresses the need for ongoing effort to sharpen your skills22.
Finding Resources for Practice
Online tutorials, art books, and classes can help improve your skills22. The tutorial guides you through foundational steps for drawing a head22. This helps you establish a solid base.
Tracing over photographs to study facial structure is a practical learning method22. It allows you to examine the human face’s details closely22.
Keeping a Sketchbook
Keeping a sketchbook for daily practice is beneficial. Try different styles and angles, focusing on 3D thinking to improve accuracy22. Timed exercises can help you get faster and more precise.
Remember, progress is slow, so stay patient and keep practicing22. The tutorial encourages drawing faces from various angles. It also offers exercises for beginners, helping everyone grow in their artistic journey22.
FAQ
What is the basic structure of the head?
What are the key measurements for drawing a head?
What essential supplies are needed for drawing heads?
How do you start drawing a head?
How do you draw different face shapes?
How do you draw the features of the face?
What techniques can be used to draw hair?
How do you properly place the ears on the head?
What shading techniques are important for drawing heads?
What are some tips for improving head-drawing skills?
Source Links
- How to Draw the Head from Any Angle Part 1 – Stan Prokopenko – https://stanprokopenko.com/2012/08/video-draw-head-angle-1/
- How to Draw a Face – https://thevirtualinstructor.com/facialproportions.html
- The Proportions of the Head – https://www.artyfactory.com/portraits/pencil-portraits/proportions-of-a-head.html
- How to Draw Heads with the Andrew Loomis Method – https://medium.com/@ramstudioscomics/how-to-draw-heads-with-the-andrew-loomis-method-78f9d04ab132
- How to draw a head – https://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/how-to/drawing/how-to-draw-a-head/
- The Ultimate Guide to Drawing the Turned Head | Loomis Method | Step-by-step Tutorial for Beginners — amiko simonetti – https://www.amikosimonetti.com/life/2020/2/17/drawing-the-turned-head
- How to Draw the Head from Any Angle : Free PDF Worksheets & Video Tutorial – JeyRam Drawing Tutorials – https://www.jeyram.org/head
- How to Draw Heads from Any Angle – Step by Step – Tutorial – Ram Studios Comics – https://ramstudioscomics.com/index.php/2023/04/04/how-to-draw-heads-from-any-angle-step-by-step-tutorial/
- How to Draw a Face (for Beginners) – https://www.erikalancaster.com/art-blog/how-to-draw-a-face-for-beginners
- Facial proportions. How to start drawing a portrait. Antique proportions. Art lesson. – https://juliannakunstler.com/art2_portrait.html
- How to Draw Features of the Face – https://www.artfulideasclassroom.com/blog/how-to-draw-features-of-the-face
- How to Draw Hair – Stan Prokopenko – https://stanprokopenko.com/2010/03/draw-hair/
- How to Draw Hair in Different Styles – Step by Step – Ram Studios Comics – https://ramstudioscomics.com/index.php/2024/01/31/how-to-draw-hair-in-different-styles-step-by-step/
- How to Draw Ears – Anatomy and Structure – Stan Prokopenko – https://stanprokopenko.com/2012/10/video-draw-ears-anatomy-structure/
- Listen Up And Learn How To Draw A Realistic Ear – https://www.pencilkings.com/draw-ear-04-placing-ear-head/
- Five Pencil Method – https://www.fivepencilmethod.com/articles/7-secrets-that-will-add-depth-and-dimension-to-your-drawings
- Drawing Faces Part 2: Shading a Realistic Portrait Drawing – https://www.thedrawingsource.com/drawing-faces.html
- How to shade a face – Hyper detailed steps | RapidFireArt – https://rapidfireart.com/2016/08/09/how-to-shade-a-face/
- How to Draw The Front View of The Female Head – https://www.howtodrawcomics.net/post/how-to-draw-the-front-view-of-the-female-head
- How to Draw The 3/4 View Of The Male Head – https://www.howtodrawcomics.net/post/how-to-draw-the-3-4-view-of-the-male-head
- Easy Steps to Draw a Horse Head: A Beginner’s Guide – https://blog.daisie.com/easy-steps-to-draw-a-horse-head-a-beginners-guide/
- How to Draw a Head From Any Angle – Haydn Symons Illustration – https://www.haydnsymons.com/blog/how-to-draw-a-head-from-any-angle/