Drawing a side face may not seem so intimidating, but it is definitely not a skill to be taken lightly. People have made entire careers out of learning how to create believable, realistic portrait drawings. But, with a bit of practice and perseverance, anyone can learn the basic technique required to draw a side face. Here are the key steps to get you started.
Step 1: Sketch Out the Overall Shape
When drawing a side face, it helps to start by sketching out the overall shape of the face. This includes the general direction of the jaw, cheekbones, eyes, and lips. Keep your strokes light and your lines loose, so that you can easily erase them later if need be. Use a pencil and draw a circle or oval to signify the face shape, then lightly draw out the jaw and cheekbones, noting where the eyes and the lips should go.
Step 2: Choose a Reference
When drawing a side face, it is helpful to choose a reference picture beforehand. Having a visual reference to look at while sketching can help you stay on track and remind you of what the original picture looks like. Choose a picture to serve as a reference that is clear and detailed so that you can use it as a starting point for your drawing. You can also take inspiration from other side face drawings, comparing their facial features to the reference picture.
Step 3: Add in the Details
After you have sketched out the basic line work of the side face, it is time to add in the details. Start by drawing in the eyes, nose, and lips. Make sure to draw them in proportion to the rest of the face. Next, draw in the hairline and any other details you want to include, such as clothing or jewelry. Lastly, you can shade in the facial features and hair. This is a great way to give the face depth and realism.
Step 4: Erase the Guidelines
Now it is time to clean up your work and erase any unnecessary lines. Carefully go over the guidelines you drew in step one and erase them. Make sure to leave enough behind to still be able to distinguish the basic face shape, such as the jawline and cheekbones. You can also go over the details that you drew in step three and shade them to make them look more realistic. And, don’t forget to erase any remaining lines.
Step 5: Add a Background
The final step in drawing a side face is adding a background. This is completely optional, but it can really make your drawing stand out. The background can be anything you like, from a scenic landscape to a close-up of the person’s face. You can also draw in props to make your drawing more interesting. Once you have added the background and the props, you are finished stitching your side face drawing.
Step 6: Refine Your Side Face Drawing with Colored Pencils
The best way to refine your side face drawing is to use colored pencils. With colored pencils, you can create shades and highlights that will make your side face drawing look more realistic. Choose colors that match the skin tone and hair color of the person you are drawing. For example, if the person has a light skin tone, you can use shades of browns and tans for the eyes, nose, and lips. For the hair, use lighter colors such as yellow and pink to create highlights.
Step 7: Finish with a Final Sketch
Now that you have completed the majority of your side face drawing, it is time to give it a final sketch. This will help tie everything together and give your side face drawing that extra something. Using the same pencil, you used to draw out the initial shape, lightly over draw any areas that need extra attention. Don’t forget to erase any remaining lines after you are finished. Once that is complete, give your side face drawing a final look and you are done. Congratulations, you have successfully completed your side face drawing!
