Women—Frontal View

For these frontal view drawings, you will need to pay special attention to the position of the features. In a profile, for example, you don’t have to worry about aligning the eyes with one another. Study your subject closely, because a small detail such as the distance between the eyes may determine whether or not your drawing achieves a strong likeness to your model.

Step A shows minimal proportion guidelines. You will be able to start with fewer lines as you become more comfortable with your drawing and observation skills. Even the two lines shown are helpful for determining placement of the features.

In step B, make the facial features more recognizable, and begin to suggest the hair. Notice that features are rarely symmetrical; for instance, one eye is usually slightly larger than the other. To finish the drawing, create depth by shading the eyes, nose, and lips. If you wish, practice developing form by shading along the planes of the face and around the eyes.

A few loose, curving strokes with a chisel-tipped pencil can create the appearance of a full head of hair.

Notice that the nose is barely suggested; the viewer’s eye fills in the form.

The features of this subject’s face differ from those in the previous drawing. Here the nose is much thinner, and the eyes are closer together. You will need to make these adjustments during the block-in stage.

In step A, use an HB pencil to block in the proportions. Use the guidelines to place and develop the features in step B. Notice the types of strokes used for the hair; they are loose and free. Quick renderings like this one are good for practice; do many of them!

Remember that your preliminary drawing must be correct before continuing. No amount of shading will repair the drawing if the proportions are not accurate.

This rendering shows the finest details in the eyes. Therefore, the eyes appear to be the focus of the drawing, with the hair acting as a framing element.