Drawing Faces in 3/4 View
Making the leap from a two-dimensional drawing to a three-dimensional one can seem daunting at first. But with our simple guide to drawing faces in 3/4 view, you’ll be creating stunningly realistic character designs in no time!
What Is the 3/4 View?
A 3/4 view is a form of perspective in which an object or figure is depicted at an angle, where the front is visible, and some of the side is visible. This term is used to describe both three-dimensional objects and two-dimensional drawings. When it comes to faces, it can be difficult to tell when you are no longer looking at a face straight-on and when you have tilted into a 3/4 view. Drawing faces in 3/4 view is all about understanding facial proportions and posing.
1. Get to Know the Anatomy
Before you dive seen in into drawing your 3/4 face, it’s crucial to get to grips with the basic structure of the face. Everything from the nose to the brow ridge to the jawline will be important to get the proportions just right. Mastering a few simple facial anatomy terms will give you the vocabulary and understanding you need to communicate your vision to others. So, what are the key facial features to think about when drawing a face in 3/4 view?
- Eyes: The eyes are the first and most important feature to consider. In 3/4 view, the eyes will appear slightly squished, with less space between them than in straight-on view.
- Nose: The nose will grow longer and wider in 3/4 view than when you look at the face straight-on.
- Mouth: The mouth can become narrower or wider depending on the angle of the 3/4 view.
- Jawline: The jawline may appear wider or thinner depending on the angle of the view.
- Forehead: The forehead can also appear wider or narrower, depending on the angle.
2. Understand Perspective
Now that you know the anatomy of the face, it’s time to learn a little about perspective. In 3/4 view, you must use perspective to give your drawing depth and realism. The basics of perspective are relatively simple: All lines that converge on a single point in the background will appear to decrease in size as they move towards the foreground. This type of perspective is called linear perspective, and it’s key to getting a realistic 3/4 view of your character’s face.
It’s also important to remember that the size of the features will change depending on the angle. For instance, the eyes may appear smaller in 3/4 view than they do when viewed straight-on. The mouth, nose, and forehead may also appear to be bigger or smaller, depending on the angle. Pay attention to these changes as you begin to sketch out your 3/4 view character.
3. Pose Your Character
When it comes to drawing a face in 3/4 view, pose is key. Posing your character will help you to ensure you get the proportions just right and will make it easier to draw the face in 3/4 view. When it comes to poses, there are infinite possibilities, from subtle changes in expression to dramatic turning of the head. Remember, the pose you choose will determine the angle of the face, so it’s wise to take your time and experiment with different poses until you find the one that fits your character best.
4. Start Drawing!
Now that you know the anatomy of the face and have an understanding of perspective, it’s time to start sketching! Remember, it’s important to take your time and make sure everything is in proportion. This can take practice, so don’t be discouraged if your sketch looks a little off at first. Learning to draw a face in 3/4 view is a skill like any other, and with enough time and effort, you can become an expert.
Finally, when you’re ready to ink your drawing, be sure to double check your proportions one last time. With a sharp eye and a steady hand, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 3/4 view character that you’ll be proud to show off. Happy drawing!
