How to Draw Masks: Use Perspective and Shadows

Mask still life exercise, suitable for practicing to make small changes in the dark side changes

On a side note, the fangs on the mask's mouth, I'm guessing it's a character from a Japanese Noh drama, some kind of demon fighting guardian god or something 🤔.

In the second half of the painting, I've drawn other mask structures, if you are interested, let's look down together.

How do I understand the structure of a mask sketch?

1. the composition of geometrical shapes:

When we look at physical objects, we can simplify the shapes to make it easier for us to understand the characteristics of the shapes, such as the small painting in the lower right corner, the oval shape for the forehead, the round shape for the cheeks, and so on.

2. proportion and perspective:

The three different angles of the devil's mask at the top of the picture, the length and width ratio is about 1/3 more than a square, you can check the relative position of the parts with the perspective line after you draw the geometric shape, for example, whether the eyes are not aligned with the perspective of the whole face, and whether the left and right eyes are high or low.

3. Compartmentalized observation:

Breaking down the Ghost Mask into different large blocks, such as the arch of the eyebrow, the bridge of the nose, and the mouth, makes it easier for us to grasp the characteristics of each block. For example, the small picture on the lower left is a simplification of the undulations of the parts into squares first, which makes it easier for us to understand the big twists and turns of the blocks.

4. Mask shading and face-turning representations:

Using structural lines, you can mark shading transitions and areas that can be combined into a whole, for example: in the above figure, the darker areas below the arch of the eyebrow on the left side of the miniature can be seen together with the eye sockets, both of which are shaded areas.

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I hope that this introduction to the structure can help you recognize and understand the knowledge of mask sketching, if there are any subjects you want to see or drawing methods, welcome to leave a message or private message me!Instagram Exchanges.

If you want to learn to draw, but don't know how to start, or are interested in understanding what drawing is all about.

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