Every artist has encountered the frustrating task of drawing a head. While capturing the delicate contours and nuanced expression of the face may be a daunting challenge, it all begins with mastering the framework that supports this intricate tapestry of features.
Just as an architect relies on a sturdy foundation to construct an enduring edifice, so too does the artist rely on a solid framing to render a head that exudes both balance and depth. This framing forms the skeletal structure upon which the facial features find their place. It serves as the anchor that ensures the head maintains its integrity, whether it be tilted, turned, or gazing directly at the viewer.
Understanding the underlying geometry of the head allows the artist to transcend mere representation and imbue their drawings with a sense of vitality and realism. By deconstructing the head into its basic shapes and planes, the artist gains the ability to manipulate the head’s orientation, convey emotion through subtle shifts in angle, and suggest the unique character of each individual.
Understanding the Basic Head Proportions
Drawing the human head accurately begins with understanding its basic proportions. These proportions provide a framework upon which the details of the face and hair can be built. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the fundamental head proportions:
Cranium to Face Ratio:
The cranium, or skull, forms the upper portion of the head and is typically twice the size of the face. The face encompasses the area from the forehead to the chin, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
| Proportional Aspect | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cranium Height | 2 units |
| Face Height | 1 unit |
Eye Placement:
The eyes are positioned approximately halfway between the top of the cranium and the bottom of the chin. They are spaced apart by a distance equal to the width of one eye.
Nose and Mouth Placement:
The nose is typically positioned in the middle of the face, between the eyes and the chin. The mouth is located slightly below the nose, with its lower lip touching the bottom of the face.
Ear Placement:
The ears are located at the level of the eyes and extend down to the nose. The top of the ears should be level with the eyebrows, and the bottom should be level with the tip of the nose.
Chin and Jawline:
The chin forms a rounded projection at the bottom of the face, with the jawline extending from the chin to the ears. The jawline typically curves slightly inward from the ears to the chin.
Creating the Oval Base
1. Determine the Aspect Ratio: Choose an appropriate oval shape based on the desired proportions of the head. Common aspect ratios are 3:2 for a narrow face, 4:3 for an average face, and 5:4 for a wide face.
2. Draw the Vertical Axis and Horizontal Center Line: Draw a vertical line to represent the center of the oval and a horizontal line equidistant from the top and bottom of the oval. This establishes the length and width of the face.
3. Create the Top Curve: Draw a curve starting at the top of the oval and extending to the vertical axis. The curvature should be more pronounced for a narrow face and less so for a wide face.
4. Shape the Sides: Draw two curves from the ends of the top curve to the horizontal center line. These curves should be slightly concave, creating a gentle narrowing of the sides from the top to the middle.
5. Complete the Bottom Curve: Draw a curve from the ends of the side curves to the bottom of the oval. The curvature should be flatter than the top curve, resulting in a wider base for the jawline.
| Aspect Ratio | Proportions |
|---|---|
| 3:2 | Narrow face |
| 4:3 | Average face |
| 5:4 | Wide face |
Adding the Chin and Jawline
The chin and jawline are two of the most important features in defining the shape of a head. To draw them correctly, start by drawing a small circle for the chin. Then, draw a curved line from the bottom of the circle to the bottom of the head. This line should be slightly curved, with a slight indentation in the middle.
Next, draw two lines from the circle to the sides of the head. These lines should be slightly curved, and should meet the head at the top of the ears. Finally, draw a line from the bottom of the chin to the bottom of the jawline. This line should be straight, and should be slightly shorter than the curved line that you drew earlier.
The chin and jawline are two of the most important features in defining the shape of a head. By following these steps, you can draw them correctly and create a more realistic portrait.
Additional Tips
- The size and shape of the chin and jawline can vary greatly from person to person. Pay attention to the shape and size of the individual’s features when drawing them.
- The chin and jawline are often shaded differently from the rest of the face. This can help to define their shape and give the face more depth.
- The chin and jawline can also be used to express emotion. For example, a strong, angular jawline can convey a sense of confidence, while a weak, rounded jawline can convey a sense of vulnerability.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Chin | The small circle at the bottom of the face. |
| Jawline | The curved line that extends from the bottom of the chin to the bottom of the ears. |
Constructing the Neckline
The neckline is a crucial element in framing the head, as it defines the shape and proportion of the neck. To construct an accurate neckline, follow these steps:
- Identify the Centerline: Draw a vertical line down the center of the oval, extending beyond the bottom of the chin.
- Establish the Neck Width: Draw two parallel lines extending horizontally from the oval, representing the outer edges of the neck.
- Define the Clavicles: Draw two diagonal lines sloping downwards from the base of the oval, representing the clavicles.
- Connect the Clavicles: Draw a curved line connecting the ends of the clavicles, forming the base of the neck.
- Create the Neck Cylinder: Connect the outer edges of the neck to the base of the neck with two vertical lines, creating a cylindrical shape.
- Refine the Neck Detail: Add details such as the Adam’s apple, tracheal grooves, and sternocleidomastoid muscles to enhance the realism of the neck.
| Neckline Shape | Description |
|---|---|
| V-Neck | A neckline that slopes downwards from the center of the neck, forming a V-shape. |
| Crew Neck | A neckline that forms a horizontal line around the base of the neck. |
| Rounded Neck | A neckline that curves around the base of the neck, forming a rounded shape. |
Defining the Forehead
The forehead forms the upper boundary of the face and extends from the hairline to the eyebrows. It can vary in shape and size, but generally follows a smooth, curved contour.
To accurately draw the forehead, follow these steps:
- Identify the hairline: Draw a curved line along the top of the head, representing the hairline.
- Define the brow ridge: Draw a subtle arching line below the hairline, marking the brow ridge.
- Establish the temples: Use short, curved lines to indicate the temples on either side of the brow ridge.
- Connect the brow ridge and temples: Draw a smooth, curving line connecting the brow ridge to the temples, forming the upper contour of the forehead.
- Create a central crease: Draw a subtle vertical line down the center of the forehead, creating a slight crease.
- Add horizontal creases: Draw a few short, horizontal creases above the brow ridge, giving the forehead a slightly wrinkled texture.
- Shade and define: Use varying shades of pencil orcharcoal to create depth and definition, making the forehead appear more three-dimensional.
By following these steps, you can effectively draw the framing of a head, capturing the shape and details of the forehead.
Establishing Eye Socket Position
To accurately place the eyes, it is essential to determine the position of the eye sockets. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do so:
1. Draw a Vertical Center Line
Start by drawing a vertical line down the center of the head, dividing it into two symmetrical halves.
2. Locate the Horizontal Midway Point
Next, locate the horizontal midway point of the head. This can be found by measuring the distance from the top to the bottom of the head and dividing it by two.
3. Draw the Horizontal Reference Line
Draw a horizontal line across the head at this midway point. This line will serve as a reference for the eye sockets.
4. Determine the Eye Socket Height
The eye sockets are typically located about halfway between the top of the head and the horizontal reference line. Mark this point on the vertical center line.
5. Draw the Eye Socket Width
The width of the eye sockets should be equal to or slightly less than the distance between the ears. Draw two vertical lines from the vertical center line, extending out to this width.
6. Sketch the Eye Socket Shape
Use a curved line to connect the top and bottom of the eye socket on each side. The curve should be slightly convex, resembling the shape of a shallow oval.
7. Position the Eye Sockets Inside the Oval
Align the eye sockets within the oval, placing them slightly above the horizontal reference line. The outer edges of the eye sockets should just touch the oval.
8. Refine the Eye Socket Shape
Use your eraser to soften the edges of the eye sockets and make them look more natural. Ensure that the curves are smooth and symmetrical.
9. Draw the Tearduct and Eyebrow Ridge
To add more detail to the eye sockets, draw a small teardrop shape in the inner corner of each eye. Above the eye socket, draw a slightly curved line to represent the eyebrow ridge.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Draw a vertical center line. |
| 2 | Locate the horizontal midway point. |
| 3 | Draw the horizontal reference line. |
| 4 | Determine the eye socket height. |
| 5 | Draw the eye socket width. |
| 6 | Sketch the eye socket shape. |
| 7 | Position the eye sockets inside the oval. |
| 8 | Refine the eye socket shape. |
| 9 | Draw the tearduct and eyebrow ridge. |
Refining the Head Framing
10. Pay Attention to Facial Features
The placement of facial features plays a crucial role in shaping the head’s overall appearance. Carefully consider the proportions and positioning of the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears in relation to the head framing. Ensure that the features align harmoniously and complement the framing’s shape and angles. Avoid placing them too close to the edges or too far apart.
Tips:
| Feature | Placement |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Typically positioned about halfway between the top and bottom of the head framing, slightly closer to the top. |
| Nose | Generally located in the center of the head framing, aligned with the midpoint between the eyes. |
| Mouth | Usually placed about one-third of the way down from the nose, with the bottom lip roughly parallel to the chin. |
| Ears | Positioned on either side of the head framing, slightly below the eye level and aligned with the jawline. |
By meticulously refining the placement of facial features, you can achieve a well-balanced and expressive head framing that accurately conveys the desired character or emotion.
How To Draw The Framing Of A Head
When drawing a head, it is important to first establish the framing. This will help to define the shape of the head and give it a sense of depth. To draw the framing, start by drawing a circle. This will be the basic shape of the head. Next, draw a horizontal line across the circle, dividing it in half. This line will be the eyebrow line. Finally, draw two vertical lines down from the eyebrow line, dividing the circle into thirds. These lines will be the sideburn lines.
Once you have drawn the framing, you can start to add the features of the head. Begin by drawing the eyes. The eyes should be placed on the eyebrow line, about one-third of the way from the center of the circle. Next, draw the nose. The nose should be placed on the vertical line that divides the circle into thirds, about two-thirds of the way down from the top of the circle. Finally, draw the mouth. The mouth should be placed on the bottom third of the circle, about one-third of the way from the center.
Once you have drawn the features, you can start to shade the head. To shade the head, use a pencil or charcoal to create areas of light and dark. The darkest areas should be around the eyes, nose, and mouth. The lightest areas should be on the forehead, cheeks, and chin.
