Getting Started with Drawing Faces
At first, you might be tempted to try and draw a portrait of someone you know, but you don’t have to. You can use a model—from a reference photo, or even by drawing yourself in a mirror—but it’s best to start with something simpler. If you’re a beginner, start with drawing a head from the front view.
The key to drawing a good face is proportion and placement. A lot of this comes down to observation and practice. The more you draw, the better you will understand the proportions of the face. To get started, think of the face in terms of six equally-spaced parts. Draw one line down the middle of the face, and one horizontally at the middle. This will separate the face into eyes, nose, and mouth.
Drawing Eyes
Start with the eyes, as they’re the most important part of the face. Locate them by measuring the distance between them and the brow line. The eyes should be slightly above this line, in the top third of the face. The size of the eyes should be about the same size as the nose.
When it comes to the shape, draw two almond shapes, slightly curved to fit the face. Draw the eye’s position slightly further apart than in reality. For example, draw the eyes an inch apart on paper, to replicate an actual face that’s an 1/8 of an inch apart.
Drawing the Nose
With the eyes in place, it’s time to move onto the nose. The placement of the nose is important—it should be situated between the eyes, starting approximately halfway between them. You can use the eyes as a guide, drawing the base of the nose just below the eyebrow line. Decide whether the nose will be tilted up or down, and draw the triangle shape accordingly.
To begin the nose, lightly sketch the shape, with the base directly in line with the eyes. Then refine the lines, adding details like nostrils and other contours. Don’t be afraid to adjust the shape and size as you go.
Drawing the Mouth
The mouth sits in the lower-third of the face, and should be slightly above the nose line. When it comes to the shape, think of an irregular circle with the corners drawn downwards. Try drawing the mouth slightly higher, which can give the face a more charming expression.
When drawing the mouth, begin by lightly sketching the outline of the lips and the corners of the mouth. Then refine the shape, filling in the details. The top lip should be slightly larger than the bottom lip, and use shading to give the impression of lower lip fullness.
Finishing Touches
Next, draw the ears. Begin by drawing the outline with a small curve, and then tease out the different parts. For a realistic look, add the details: creases, curves and ridges.
Lastly, draw the eyes. This is an important step—good eyes make a good face. When drawing the eyes, keep in mind the proportions of the face, and focus on the highlights and shadows. Shading in particular can add depth and create a more expressive look.
Adding Hair and Facial Features
When you have your basic face shape and features, add a few details. For instance, draw the eyebrows, using flicking motions to give a realistic look. And then, you can draw hairstyles, facial hair, and other features that distinguish a person.
You should also consider the lighting, as this will affect the shading and tones. If there’s strong lighting, you can use darker shades for the shadows, and lighter shades for the highlights. Similarly, if the light source is weak, you should use more pastel shades.
Capturing an Expression
The face expresses emotion through the eyes and mouth. So, when you’re drawing a face, you should consider the expression you want to capture. An angry or sad face will have different techniques to a happy face.
For a sad face, draw the eyes in a downward direction, with the contours of the mouth downwards too. If you’re trying to capture a happy expression, draw the eyes up, with a slightly curved mouth.
Making Corrections and Refinements
Finally, it’s time to make any corrections and refinements that need to be made. Look through your work and identify any parts that will benefit from slight changes. It could be the shape of the eyes, nose or chin, or the shading.
Also consider the background. Draw in any elements that will help to bring the portrait to life. Ask yourself: Is there something the person may be looking at or doing? And add any further details or styling that will make the face seem more lifelike.
