Documenting this portrait sketch session, I experimented with new color techniques. Recently, I’ve been looking for a firmer red-brown pencil—I'm truly a pencil tip destroyer, breaking the lead so often while sanding it that I question my life choices 🙂↔️
Previously, I was almost clueless when drawing ears, but I took this opportunity to organize the ear structure. Understanding the structure will make it easier to capture variations when drawing the shapes.
In the middle diagram, I broke down the ear into three components to help us grasp the characteristics of each shape.
Our ears, also called the auricle, are composed of the following parts:
● Helix:
The most prominent outer curve of the ear, forming an arc around the ear. The helix outlines the ear, and it’s important to pay attention to its curvature and the shadows formed by its folds.
The small diagram at the top left helps illustrate these curves and transitions.
● Antihelix:
The raised part inside the helix, shaped like a “Y,” usually branching into upper and lower parts to support the ear's structure.
● Tragus:
A small protrusion in front of the ear canal, protecting the entrance of the ear canal.
● Concha:
The hollow area inside the ear, situated between the helix and antihelix, which helps funnel sound into the ear canal. It resembles a satellite dish or bowl.
● Earlobe:
The soft, rounded lower part of the ear, lacking cartilage. The thickness and shape of the earlobe vary among individuals.
●How to Draw Ears:
The plaster model of an ear on the far right simplifies the curves into planes, which can help us understand the areas' transitions.
It’s recommended to study a plaster ear model before drawing real ears to get a sense of the basic shapes.
1.Simplify the Outline:
Start with simple geometric shapes (like circles and ovals) to sketch the general shape of the ear, marking the positions and characteristics of the helix, antihelix, tragus, and earlobe.
You can also use rectangles to assist in drawing ears from different angles, helping you understand the ear's geometric forms.
2.Refine the Structure:
Once the outline is complete, add structure lines to capture the rises and falls between the helix and antihelix.
3.Enhance the 3D Effect:
Use shading to emphasize the ear’s contours, focusing on the intersections of the helix, antihelix, and tragus. Observe how even small shadowed areas can create depth.
I hope this guide helps you understand ear structure and drawing techniques. If there are any topics you’d like to see or specific drawing methods you'd like to learn, feel free to leave a comment or message me. Happy drawing!
Want to explore more articles on extended drawing techniques?
How to Use Two-Tone Shading: Simple Shadow Techniques
How to Sketch Facial Muscles: Capture Realism and Expression
How to Draw Masks: Use Perspective and Shadows
How to Accurately Master Hand Proportions and Joint Structure
Building Up from Simple Contours to Detailed Eye Portraits
Capturing Realism in Lip Drawing: Key Structures and Shading
Understanding the Three Key Elements of Head Structure
Mastering the basic proportions and structure of portrait drawing
