How to Draw Faces in Simple Steps: A Comprehensive Guide for Artists of All Levels

How to Draw: Faces: in simple steps

by Susie Hodge

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	68145 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

Are you an aspiring artist who wants to master the art of drawing faces? Or perhaps you're a seasoned artist looking to improve your portrait skills? Whatever your level of experience, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and techniques you need to create realistic and expressive faces.

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let's take a moment to understand the basic principles of drawing faces.

• Proportions: The human face has certain proportions that are essential for creating a realistic likeness. These proportions include the distance between the eyes, the shape of the nose, and the size of the mouth.
• Shapes: Faces are made up of a combination of shapes, such as ovals, circles, and triangles. Understanding these shapes and how they fit together will help you build a solid foundation for your drawings.
• Shading: Shading is essential for creating depth and dimension in your drawings. By using different shades of pencil, you can highlight the contours of the face and make it appear three-dimensional.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have a basic understanding of the fundamentals, let's go through the step-by-step instructions for drawing faces.

Step 1: Draw the Basic Outline

Start by drawing a light oval for the head. This will be the basic shape that you will build upon in the following steps.

Step 2: Divide the Oval

Next, divide the oval into two equal halves by drawing a vertical line down the center. Then, draw a horizontal line across the center of the oval to create a crosshair.

Step 3: Draw the Eyes

The eyes are one of the most important features of the face, so it's important to pay close attention to their placement and shape. Position the eyes on the horizontal line, approximately one-third of the way in from the edges of the oval.

Step 4: Draw the Nose

The nose is located on the vertical line, approximately halfway between the eyes and the mouth. Start by drawing a small triangle for the bridge of the nose. Then, extend the triangle downward to form the nostrils.

Step 5: Draw the Mouth

The mouth is located on the vertical line, approximately one-third of the way up from the chin. Start by drawing a small horizontal line for the upper lip. Then, draw a larger horizontal line for the lower lip. Connect the lines to form the corners of the mouth.

Step 6: Draw the Hair

The hair is an important part of the face, and it can help to create a unique and personalized look. There are many different ways to draw hair, so feel free to experiment with different styles.

Step 7: Add Shading

Shading is essential for creating depth and dimension in your drawings. Use a soft pencil to gently shade the contours of the face, paying particular attention to the areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Congratulations! You have now learned the basic steps of drawing faces. With practice, you will be able to create realistic and expressive portraits that capture the unique beauty of the human face.

If you are looking for a more in-depth guide to drawing faces, I recommend checking out the book How to Draw Faces in Simple Steps by George Brant Bridgman. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the human face, covering everything from proportions and shapes to shading and expression.

With a little practice and the right guidance, you can become a skilled face drawer and create beautiful portraits that will last a lifetime.

How to Draw: Faces: in simple steps

by Susie Hodge

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	68145 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE