Drawing a Face Outline
Drawing a face outline can be a daunting task for beginners, but once you’ve got the hang of the basics it can become enjoyable and easy.
The first step is to sketch an oval shape for the head. This will help you to establish the eyes, nose, and mouth. Make sure the oval isn’t too perfect and round, but rather has some shape and curves to it to give the face some character.
For the eyes, sketch two small ovals directly onto the oval of the face. Keep in mind that the eyes typically fill up one-third of the face, so you want to make sure they’re not too small or too big. Draw the eyes at the same height across from each other and in the middle of the face.
The next step is to draw the nose. Start by drawing a ‘V’ shape right in the middle between the eyes. Expand upon the shape, adding details like nostrils and bridge. Generally, keep the nostrils sparse, but add some wrinkles and texture to the bridge to make it look more natural.
The mouth is probably the most important feature, so take your time to get it right. Start by drawing two curves on either side of the nose and connecting them with a ‘U’ shape. Make sure the ‘U’ isn’t too large or small and that the edges line up with the edges of the eyes. From here, keep adding details, such as curves on the top and bottom lips, a slight dip in the center, and whatever else looks natural.
The last step is to add the ears. For this, simply draw two small triangles overlapping the oval of the face. These can be as big or small as you want but generally sit right at the edge of the eyes.
Adding Details To the Face Outline
Now that you’ve got the basics of the face drawn out, it’s time to add some details. Start by lightly sketching out the eyebrows. These should appear to be slightly thicker and fuller on the side and slightly thinner in the middle. After that, come back in with your pencil and add things like eyelashes, hair, and freckles to make the portrait look more lifelike and unique.
The eyebrows can be trickier than one might think, so make sure to give them a bit more attention. Start off by sketching two thin lines for each eyebrow and then slowly add individual hairs and fill in the necessary gaps. Try adding subtle details like a few stray hairs to make them look more natural.
After you’ve added the eyebrows, it’s time to do a few finishing touches. Start off by adding some eyeliner around the eyes. From here, sketch in some cheekbones and nose shadows. Once you’re done, turn the charcoal to smudge the lines and bring the face to life.
Creating a Hairline
Now it’s time to create a hairline for your portrait. Start off by sketching out a few short strokes in the direction of hair growth. Then, go back in with your pencil and add some subtle curves and waves to the lines. Finally, add some shadows and highlights to give the hair a more natural look.
Although it may seem intimidating at first, creating a hairline doesn’t have to be so difficult. Experiment with different hairstyles and textures until you find something that looks natural. Don’t worry about making mistakes – that’s what the eraser is for.
Adding Shading and Color
Now that your face outline is all drawn out, it’s time to add some color and shading. Start off by lightly shading the outline of the face using a pencil or charcoal. From here, add shadows to the eyes, nose, and mouth to create more depth.
When you’re done shading, it’s time to add some color. Start off by lightly filling in the eyes and any wrinkles or dimples in the face. After that, add color to the hair and any other details you’d like. Finally, come back with a white charcoal and add a few highlights to make the portrait pop.
Refining the Drawing
Before you can say it’s done, it’s important to refine the details in the drawing. Start off by adding subtle lines, wrinkles, or dimples around the forehead, nose, and eyes. Once you’re done with that, go back in and fill out the details on the eyebrows, mouth, and chin.
Finally, erase any and all unnecessary lines or marks on the drawing. This should give it a cleaner, more professional look and tie it all together.
It takes practice and patience, but eventually you’ll be able to draw the perfect face outline. The key is to experiment and get creative. Pay attention to the details and focus on the individual features. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or take risks. The more you practice, the better your drawings will become.
