Mastering the Art of Drawing and Sketching Faces from Different Angles

Have you ever wondered how to draw or sketch a random face from a front view to a sideways profile or side view? Whether you are drawing according to a formula or by direct observation, the key is to practice. This article will provide you with tips, resources, and a step-by-step guide to help you capture a realistic and detailed face drawing in various angles.

Tips and Resources for Drawing and Sketching Faces

1. Start with Basic Shapes: Begin your sketch with simple shapes like ovals, circles, and squares to represent the face, head, and its various features. These shapes provide a foundational structure for your drawing. Adjust the sizes and positions of the shapes based on the angle you want to represent. Use the shapes as a temporary guide for placing features such as eyes, nose, lips, jaw, etc.

2. Determine Key Angles and Lines: Notice the angles of the jawline, nose bridge, brow line, and other features. Draw guidelines for the vertical center line of the face and horizontal lines for features. These lines will serve as valuable reference points to maintain consistency as you render the face from different angles.

3. Capture Proportional Relationships: Always ensure that the relationships between features remain proportional as you change the angle. The eyes should be about one eye width apart, and the nose should sit in between the lips in proportion to the nose. This proportionality is crucial for a realistic representation.

4. Define Contours and Highlights: Use shading techniques to add contours, shadows, and highlights, which bring depth and dimension to your sketch. Contours, especially, will change shape depending on the angle of lighting and viewing. Practice these techniques to create a three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface.

Using References for Inspiration

To improve your drawing skills, consider using references for inspiration. Study photos of faces taken from multiple angles. This will give you a good idea of how faces look in different positions. You can even sketch over or next to photos of real people to practice drawing from real-life reference points.

Understanding Face Planes

Think about the different face planes, such as the forehead, nose, cheeks, jaw, and chin. How do they come together in the profile view? Properly angling these planes will help you create a cohesive profile sketch. Understanding the structure of these planes will significantly enhance your drawing.

Using Tools and Resources for Practice

Here are some useful websites, programs, and resources that can help you practice:

Proko

Proko offers comprehensive lessons on figure drawing, anatomy, and proportions, as well as guidance on sketching different views of the face. The platform includes helpful video tutorials that walk you through the process step-by-step.

Skillshare

Skillshare provides classes on sketching facial contours, profiles, expressions, and portraits. These classes include step-by-step lessons and video feedback on your work, allowing you to improve your skills systematically.

Autodesk Sketchbook

Autodesk Sketchbook is a free sketching app for both desktop and mobile devices. It features a wide range of brushes that are perfect for sketching faces and facial features. The app is user-friendly and offers a versatile set of tools for practice.

Daz 3D

Daz 3D is a powerful 3D design software that includes high-quality 3D models of heads, faces, and features. You can render these models from any angle using lighting and camera controls. This tool is excellent for learning how features change shape depending on the viewing angle.

YouTube

YouTube hosts numerous channels that provide video tutorials on sketching facial contours, profiles, different views, and more. These channels are a valuable resource for visual learners and those seeking tips on how to practice effectively.