Here's a record of this portrait sketch session. I can't help but envy how long and slender the limbs of French models appear.
In the latter part of this session, Iˊve also organized the structure of the head and how to draw it. Pairing this explanation with the first image will make it easier to understand, so if youˊre interested, follow along!
The following explanations use a frontal model to describe facial structure, but keep in mind that everyone’s proportions vary slightly in real life.
The head can be divided into three equal parts:
(See the small skull diagram in the middle)
1.From the hairline to the brow ridge
2.From the brow ridge to the base of the nose
3.From the base of the nose to the chin
● The distribution of facial features:
1.The eyes are located on the horizontal midline of the head.
2.The width of the nose typically matches the distance between the inner corners of the eyes.
3.The corners of the mouth align with the pupils.
● How to draw a head?
The head can be broken down into geometric shapes, such as a sphere (the skull) and a rectangular block (the face and neck). Refer to the small diagram in the bottom right corner.
Understanding the basic structure of the head helps in depicting its posture and angles.
1.Simplify the overall shape of the head
Start by drawing a circle, then add the jawline below the circle. Refer to the small diagram in the middle. The midpoint of the circle indicates the brow ridge, and just below that is the eye socket.
2.Position and draw the facial features
Use vertical and horizontal lines to help position and draw the facial features in relation to each other.
Applying the three equal divisions mentioned earlier (dividing the face from the hairline to the chin into three equal parts) helps determine the placement of the features. Gradually refine the shape of the features.
3.Reference for Head Angles
The images below provide references for heads at different angles. It is recommended to use a square framework to grasp the head's perspective from various viewpoints.。
- Each angle has specific vanishing points and foreshortening (closer parts appear larger).
- Use a square framework to first determine the overall area distribution of the head. For example, in the image below, divide the head into three sections: the face, the area below the jaw to the neck, and the side profile.
Practical Application: Practicing head angles from different perspectives is essential. Try reducing the head to a square framework, which makes understanding proportions and structural positions easier. If you want to draw a rotated head, this approach will provide a clear method to achieve it!
4.Mark the structure lines for curvature and check positions
Use structure lines to mark the places where the curves and contours of the face change. Refer to the small diagram in the top right corner.
Of course, structure lines do not exist on a real face; drawing them helps us understand and express the structure.
5.Head Analysis at Different Ages
Children's head proportions and structure differ slightly from adults:
1. Children's Head Features and Structure
Children's head proportions and structure differ slightly from adults:
●Proportion: A child's head is relatively larger, accounting for about 1/4 to 1/3 of their total body length.
● Eye position is lower:In adult faces, the eyes typically align with the midline (1/2 line) of the entire head, whereas in children, the eyes are positioned slightly below this midline.
● Facial feature distribution:
Nasal bridge is shorter and flatter.Cheekbones are less prominent, giving the face a rounder appearance.
Underdeveloped jaw, making the chin smaller and rounder.
● Skin and muscles:：
A child’s skin is smoother, with no prominent muscle lines or wrinkles.
Less contrast in light and shadow variations compared to adults.
2. Elderly Head Features
As people age, the head structure undergoes several key changes:
● Bone structure changes:
The skull’s overall structure becomes more defined, especially in the cheekbones and jaw angles.
Eye sockets appear deeper due to loss of subcutaneous fat, making the eyes seem more sunken.
The jawbone undergoes osteoporosis, becoming smaller and slightly receding, which alters the mouth's contour.
2-1. Skin and Wrinkles:
● Forehead wrinkles:Horizontal lines become more pronounced due to facial muscle movements.
● Crow’s feet:Fine wrinkles appear around the eyes, deepening with age.
● Nasolabial folds:The lines running from the corners of the mouth to the sides of the nose become deeper, with visible skin sagging.
● Neck wrinkles:Vertical wrinkles form due to loss of skin elasticity.
Light and Volume:
Due to muscle and collagen loss, shadows become more pronounced in an elderly person’s face.
Loose skin folds create additional shadow effects, particularly around the chin and neck.
6.How to Shade a Portrait?
The previous sections provided facial structure positioning. Now, we move on to shading. Facial shadows vary depending on the softness, sharpness, and distance of the light source.
Below are examples using light and dark-skinned models:
This model has a darker skin tone, so both the highlights and shadows on the face have a generally deeper grayscale value.
The face can be simply divided into a lit frontal plane and a shadowed side plane, so when shading the face, it is important to consider the overall color of each section.
his image was taken under indoor lighting without additional side lighting.
A dark-skinned model, especially with indigenous facial features, often has stronger facial contours. When lighting the face, it's essential to separate the tonal values of the chin and neck from the facial highlights to maintain clear contrast.
7.Extended Portrait Time-lapse Analysis
After establishing the proportions of facial features (timestamp 0:08), add shading to create depth by capturing the contours of the face.
This video uses Procreate for demonstration to enhance understanding. If you'd like to try it yourself, consider using the built-in charcoal brushes!
If you're interested in learning to draw but don't know where to start, or if you'd like to understand the knowledge behind drawing,
feel free to join my LINE and contact me. In my classes, I organize drawing methods in a clear and structured way.
Click here to learn more about my drawing courses!
Want to learn how to draw human body parts and understand the key points? Check out the following further reading:
Human Skull Sketch: Learn Anatomy for Accurate Portraits
How to Draw Ears:Simplified Ear Structure and Shading Tips
How to Use Two-Tone Shading: Simple Shadow Techniques
How to Sketch Facial Muscles: Capture Realism and Expression
How to Accurately Master Hand Proportions and Joint Structure
Mastering Nose sketch Structure and Perspective Techniques
Mastering the basic proportions and structure of portrait drawing
Building Up from Simple Contours to Detailed Eye Portraits
Capturing Realism in Lip Drawing: Key Structures and Shading
I hope this structural introduction helps you understand and grasp the key points about the head. If there are any topics or drawing techniques you'd like to explore, feel free to leave a comment or message me. Happy drawing!
