Children—Profile

The youth of children is brought out with a delicate approach. Simple renderings like these require minimal shading to create the appearance of smooth skin.

In step A, begin with a very simple block-in method, using a curved line and horizontal strokes to determine placement of the eyebrow, eye, nose, mouth, and chin. In step B, sketch in the features, along with the outline of the hair. Study your model to make sure that your proportions are correct.

Remember that children generally have smooth, round features.

In step C, refine the features, and suggest the waves and curls with loose strokes. In the final rendering, develop the features, making your strokes bold and definite. Note that you don’t have to draw every strand of hair; just a few lines are enough to indicate the hair style.

Add a suggestion of clothing so the head doesn’t appear to be floating in the middle of the paper.

A black felt-tip marker was used for the final drawing.

This drawing of a young boy uses a slightly different block-in method than was used in the previous exercise. The outline of the entire head shape is sketched first, along with the proportion guidelines. Of course, you can use whichever method you prefer.

Lightly sketch the overall head shape in step A with short, quick strokes. This may be tricky because the head is not at a complete profile—but you can do it! Observe your subject closely; notice that a portion of the right cheek is visible, along with the eyelashes of the right eye.

In step B, begin to darken and smooth your block-in lines into more refined shapes. Keep checking your proportions.

As you reach the final, develop the form by shading within the smile lines, under the chin, below the hairline, and inside the part of the hair.

Add some spots along the cheek to suggest freckles.

With just a few minor changes, you can change the expression on your subject’s face. Try raising the eyebrows, widening the eyes, and opening the mouth. What happens?