Draw a Human Head
Drawing the human head is easier if were to draw it in profile or side view. Hence, here is tutorial on how to draw the human head in half a profile and in profile view. Follow this tutorial if you want to learn how.
Contents
Steps
Forward Facing Head
- Start by drawing three oval shapes, one large one and 2 smaller ones on the left and right side of the large oval. Add also thin guidelines such as a vertical line and two horizontal lines to serve as a guide in drawing the eyes and mouth of the model.
- Then using the first guideline draw now the eyes. In drawing the eyes draw a pointy oblong shape with four circles in it, add also some wavy eyelashes since for this picture the model used is a young woman.
- Add now a pair sculpted eyebrows and some lines to illustrate her eyelid.
- Then in the middle of the face and along the vertical guideline draw now her nose. In drawing the nose, remember to make the lines broken to achieve an effect.
- Now draw the lips on the second horizontal guideline.
- Finally draw her hair and a squiggly line on her left ear and then you’re done drawing her.
- Outline your drawing with a black pen or marker and then apply an amount of shading on your drawing using a charcoal pencil or a regular pencil. And then apply a minimal amount of color by coloring her lips and eyes.
Profile Human Head
- Next is draw a profile of a human head. Start this step by drawing a bald human head and by drawing the contours of the model’s nose and lips. Add also an oblong shape for the ear.
- Then draw the eyes of the model, however draw only one eye and one eyebrow. Draw the eye by drawing first a triangular shape.
- Now draw the nose and mouth of the model. Draw the lips of the model by copying the shape of a heart positioned horizontally.
- Then draw the details of her one ear by drawing squiggly lines.
- Finally end drawing her by sketching her hair in a bun.
- Ink and color your drawing and you’re done with the second drawing! Outline your drawing with a black pen or marker; add some pencil shading and then apply a minimal amount of color.
Tips
- Try to draw a bit lightly. you can always fine out the lines when you are finished and happy with your work. Making the lines too dark will make it hard to erase what you don't like. But,still don't be too worried about erasing! Worrying too much about the steps you take will ruin a picture.
- Tutorials like these are okay, but don't let them restrict you! Draw what you see and how you see it, not how this tells you to. This is only a suggestion, mainly for those needing to get to know the most basic proportions of the human head. Follow your instincts!
- Photos are helpful, but you have to see everything. Look for little details, like exactly how the bridge of the nose slants, and exactly how far apart eyes are. Drawing well comes from seeing well.
- You can also "fade" parts of your drawing by lightly rubbing with an eraser.
- Remember to shade! Light and shadow can make even the stupidest drawing look fairly realistic. It's not a cure-all, but it'll help.
- If you are having trouble making your face shape symmetrical, try drawing it upside down as an egg instead of a head. It really works!
- If you make a mistake, do not be upset. Try again, taking things lightly.
- Try looking back and trying again to see how to improve your drawing.
- The proportion of the head from a front view of the eyebrows have to be so that one eye can fit within the space between.
- It is okay if you mess up. Nobody is perfect.
- When drawing the human head always wait till you are done drawing the head to erase the guidelines.
- Try going lightly with your pencil, so you can easily rub out any mistakes.
- Cartoon eyes on realistic faces don't look that good.
Warnings
- Some artists believe that there are no mistakes in drawing. A small "mistake" can add character to a drawing if it is blended in properly to the drawing.
- You should always use a pencil rather than a pen because you will not be able to erase any mistakes you make.
Things You'll Need
- A blank piece of good drawing paper
- A pencil, these will vary from the usual #2 to a variety of special Choose Drawing Pencils
- A pen (if you want)
- A good eraser
- A photo of who you want to draw (or you can freestyle, but many will find this harder)
