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Draw Faces Step by Step
Probably the most challenging aspect of learning to draw people is to get the face drawn properly. The face creates the first impression of a portrait. Though proportions of the head vary among different persons, there are some basic principles to follow so as to get the face to actually look like the person who is being drawn. Follow this simple guide to draw faces step by step.
Basic Guidelines For The Head
• Width of the head from front is 2/3 of its height• From the side, its width is 7/8 of its height
The Eye
Usually, a portrait is started with the eyes, as they are the focal point for a face. They are placed approximately half way down the head. From the front, the length of an eye is the same as the distance between the 2 eyes, and the distance between the eyes is the same as the width of the nose. Also, a good proportion for the width of the mouth is given by a triangle drawn from the center of the head through either side of the nose.Observe how the top of the iris is covered by the upper eyelid. Leave a bright glint of reflected light on the iris to mimic the glassy surface of the eye. The iris is usually lighter at its center and darkens towards its edge, giving a translucent effect.
Rendering solidity for the eye socket and surrounding region using graduated tone is the final step. Draw the eyelashes and eyebrows lightly to show the soft, delicate hairs, by paying particular attention to the direction of their growth.
The Nose
Start off by drawing the inside and outside edges of the nostrils, and then try to define the planes of the nose by outlining the main areas of tone. As these should disappear under the shading at a later stage in the drawing, draw these lightly.Using three basic tonal areas - namely, dark, medium and light (no shading) - simplify the drawing. Use an appropriate tone in each plane of the nose. This renders a three-dimensional form. Carefully soften the lines that join each plane with graduated areas of shading and refine the strength and subtlety of the tone.
The Mouth
The second most expressive feature on the face is the mouth. Utmost care should be taken to draw its shape, as it is a vital element in attaining a likeness. Start off by drawing the subtle shape of the line formed when the lips meet. The top lip has a characteristic bow shape that differs among various persons.The bottom lip is generally bigger than the top and is more creased with small vertical stretch lines. The upper lip inclines inwards and is usually darker in tone. The lower lip is further distinguished by the shadow below its pouting form and is more fleshy with a stronger muscular structure.
The Ear
The ear is an intricate arrangement of folds of flesh and ripples. It is essential to organize its irregular shape into some rudimentary form that is easier to outline. Simplifying the tonal structure into three areas as below is also helpful.1. Mostly light - Leave them unshaded.
2. Mostly dark - Shade them with a mid-tone.
3. Extremely dark - Shade them with a dark tone.
All these put together in a step by step process, gives you the perfect face which gets even more perfect upon practicing. All drawings are a delicate balance between ones's technique, observation, judgement and concentration. Even minute details matter a lot in constructing a face to bring it to life.
