Welcome to the step-by-step guide on Face Base Drawing. This guide is designed for beginners who want to learn how to draw faces from scratch. It covers all the basic steps you need to know, from sketching to adding details and shading.
Materials
- Pencil (preferably HB or 2B)
- Erasers (kneaded eraser and a small eraser)
- Paper (sketch paper or any kind you prefer)
Step 1: Mapping Out the Face
Before starting to draw the details of the face, you need to map out the main features. Draw a circle for the head, an upside-down triangle for the nose, a horizontal line for the eyes, and a vertical line down the center of the face for symmetry (Fig. 1).
Tip: The nose usually sits about halfway between the eyebrows and the chin.
Step 2: Creating the Jawline
Sketch the jawline by drawing a curved line from the bottom of the ear down to the chin and then curve upwards to meet the other ear (Fig. 2).
Step 3: Detailing the Eye Placement
Place the eyes halfway between the top of the head and the chin and draw two overlapping circles (Fig. 3). The top circle is smaller than the bottom circle, and it represents the iris. Draw another small circle inside the iris for the pupil to create depth.
Tip: The distance between the eyes should be roughly the width of one eye.
Step 4: Adding Eyebrows and Lashes
Draw thin, curved lines above the eyes to represent eyebrows (Fig. 4). Then add small, delicate lines for the lashes either to the top or the bottom of the eye.
Step 5: Placing the Nose
Sketch the nose by drawing a triangle between the eyes (Fig. 5). The base of the triangle should be just above the eye line.
Step 6: Drawing Lips
Start the lips by sketching a horizontal line across the middle of the circle (Fig. 6). Draw the upper lip as a curve and the lower lip as a soft wave (Fig. 7). Lightly shade the lips to give them a natural look.
Step 7: Refining Facial Features
Sketch the ears using the jawline as a guide for placement. Draw the basic shape of the hair and neck, refining the facial features and adding details (Fig. 8).
Step 8: Finalizing the Drawing
Erase any unnecessary lines and smoothen your drawing. Darken the shadows and add highlights for depth (Fig. 9).
Step 9: Practice
Drawing faces takes practice. Keep practicing to improve your skills and to create your unique style.
Step 10: Tips and Tricks
- Use a kneaded eraser to lighten the lines instead of a regular eraser.
- Use a reference image to get the placement of facial features.
- Start with basic shapes, then refine the drawing.
- Draw with light lines first, then darken them as you finalize the drawing.
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to master face drawing?
A1. It depends on how much time and effort you put into practicing. It can take a few months to a few years to master the skill.
Q2. How can I draw realistic eyes?
A2. Use shading to create depth and detail. Focus on the iris and pupil to give the eyes life-like qualities.
Q3. How can I create a unique face?
A3. Experiment with facial features, proportions, and expressions to develop your own style. Pay attention to details that make people unique, like freckles or scars.
Q4. Can I use colored pencils for face drawing?
A4. Yes, you can use colored pencils to add color to your drawing. Start with light layers, then build up the color gradually.
Q5. What’s the best angle to draw faces?
A5. There’s no one best angle. Practice drawing faces from different angles to find what suits you best.
Q6. How important is proportion in face drawing?
A6. Proportion is crucial in face drawing. It helps create a realistic likeness of the person you’re drawing.
Conclusion
You’ve completed the step-by-step guide on how to draw a face. Remember, practice is key to improving your skills. Experiment with different styles and techniques to find what works best for you.