Since ancient times, humans have spent time capturing the essence of the human face by drawing. This is even more fun when you know how. The body adds dynamism to a work of art, while the face is full of expression - the essence of the soul in our being. Learning to make expressions starts with drawing a basic human face. The next step is in your fingers full of paint.
Step
Step 1. Draw an oval shape with the top slightly wider than the bottom
Lightly sketch a vertical line in the center, then draw a horizontal center line between the top and bottom of the oval. This line will be the placement of the eye. Divide the remaining two spaces below and then draw a line there. This will be the basis for a medium nose length. Divide the space below it into three parts. The mouth will be above all three parts; the rest being the chin.
Step 2. On the center horizontal line, draw two almond shapes - these are for the eyes
In proper facial anatomy, five eyes would fit perfectly when depicted across the face, with the eye length fitting between the two eyes to be drawn. Starting from the left, the eyes to be drawn are the second and fourth. The inner corner of most eyes is downward sloping; and the outer corner can be tilted up or down. For your purposes, the outer corners should be tilted slightly, so that the outline of the lower lid looks like a very light "s" shape on the sides.
Step 3. On the center line, draw the nose
The nose is narrowest between the eyes and widest at the nostrils. Notice how the tip of the nose changes below. Everyone's nose is unique, and if you take a photo of a face, capturing the nose just right will bring the photo to life.
Step 4. Return to the top horizontal line
Draw ears on both sides of this. Notice that the ears protrude wider at the top and then near the lobes. Some lobes are attached and some are loose. Ears are quite complicated to draw - keep the shapes simple at first until you get an idea of the ear construction later.
Step 5. Add the Mouth
Make a flat, round "V" shape that dips below the lowest line. This will be the bottom of the lower lip. Merge the smile line with a wide and soft "M" shape, this becomes the upper part of the upper lip. Draw a very gentle "m" shape between the two which represents the lip separation and lip ratio. Move the mouth up or down, and make the upper and lower lips in different proportions which will help create a variety of facial features.
Step 6. Draw the hair
Hair is hard to draw, but start with a line (remember, this is a line drawing). For straight hair, draw parallel lines around the head. For curly hair, draw a curved line around the head. Notice how the curly hair breaks into clumps of parallel strands.
Step 7. Finish with the neck
The neck is thicker than you think. The sides of the neck start at the top of the jawline and work down to a curve.
Step 8. Add a collar or neckline
You can add a t-shirt, jacket, high-neck t-shirt, or nothing at all. The type of clothing will give a sense of time and place to the image.
Step 9. Done
Tips
- Always focus on the tip of the pencil when drawing; the pencil must be sharpened. You should draw with a light hand to remove unwanted marks.
- Don't give up, but study every criticism. This will make your image better.
- As the old saying goes: practice makes perfect
