Drawing a side pose (profile) face involves building up the facial structure with foundational shapes and then adding details, focusing on accurate proportions and feature placement to capture the unique contours of a profile.
Essential Materials for Drawing a Profile
- Pencils: A range of hardness (e.g., HB for sketching, 2B for darker lines and shading)
- Sketchbook or Drawing Paper: Choose paper with a slight tooth to hold graphite well.
- Eraser: Both kneaded (for lifting graphite) and vinyl (for precise erasing) are useful.
- Ruler (Optional): Can be helpful for initial guideline measurements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing a Side Profile Face
Creating a compelling side profile begins with understanding basic anatomical placements and building from simple forms.
1. Establish the Basic Head Shape
Begin by sketching a circle for the cranium (the top part of the head). Extend a curved line downwards and slightly forward from the bottom of the circle to form the jawline and chin. This initial shape provides the foundational structure for the head in profile.
2. Create Guiding Lines for Proportions
Lightly draw a vertical line through the center of your initial head shape, indicating the central axis of the face in profile. Add horizontal lines to mark where the hairline, eyebrows, nose, and lips will generally fall. A crucial tip for accuracy is to remember that eyebrows and ears are mostly placed on the same line, providing a consistent reference point for accurate facial proportions.
3. Define the Nose Structure
With your guidelines in place, start drawing the nose from the center line you've established for the face. Begin with the bridge of the nose, extending down to the tip and then defining the nostril. Pay attention to the curve and angle, as the nose is a defining feature in a side profile.
4. Form the Lips and Mouth Area
Next, you will add lips in the middle of both the bottom lines that define the lower part of the face, typically between the nose and the chin. Sketch the upper and lower lips, paying attention to their fullness and the slight indentation above the upper lip. The mouth should recede slightly from the nose and align with the overall facial curvature.
5. Place the Eye
The eye in a side profile is typically drawn as a simplified almond or triangular shape, with the upper and lower eyelids visible from the side. It should be positioned along the eyebrow line, slightly back from the nose's bridge.
6. Detail the Ear and Eyebrow
Referencing your guideline again, draw the ear. Remember, eyebrows and ears are mostly placed on the same line, ensuring they appear anatomically correct and aligned. The eyebrow will follow the curve of the brow bone, positioned above the eye.
7. Sketch the Hair
Finally, draw the hair, considering its volume, texture, and how it frames the face from a side perspective. Think about the hairline and how the hair flows around the head and neck. The hairstyle can significantly influence the overall look of the profile.
8. Refine and Finish
Once the main features are in place, gently erase any visible guide lines. Add details such as eyelashes, the curve of the neck extending from the head, and any other unique facial characteristics. Use shading to add depth and dimension to your drawing, making it more lifelike and visually compelling.
Tips for Enhancing Your Side Profile Drawings
- Observe Real Faces: Pay close attention to how light hits different planes of a profile, and how features like the nose, lips, and chin vary from person to person.
- Practice Proportions: Understanding the "rule of thirds" for facial features can greatly improve accuracy and consistency in your drawings.
- Use Construction Lines Generously: Don't be afraid to use many light guide lines at the start; they are there to help you achieve correct placement before you commit to final lines.
- Vary Line Weight: Use heavier lines for outlines and prominent features, and lighter, softer lines for subtle curves and details.
