How to Draw Face Profiles
Because drawing a profile involves a side view of a face, it doesn't seem as difficult as a full-face drawing--you only have to draw one eye, one ear and one nose. However, even though it's somewhat simpler, you still have to get proportions right for the profile to look realistic. You must measure different features against each other to get the right facial proportions. In addition, each person's profile is distinctive and will require careful observation before drawing a profile.
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Things You'll Need
- #2B pencil
- Drawing paper such as Bristol board
- Eraser
- Subject or reference photo
- Mirror
- Measuring tape
Instructions
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Have your subject stand still, either facing left or right for a side view profile. Although profiles can also be three-quarters, to keep the project simpler, do a side view profile.
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Starting with the nose (rather than the eye), begin lightly penciling in the profile outline, being careful to draw what you see. Then measure the nose's length from the bridge to tip. Draw the nose with an angled line, including all the curves and bumps. Take your pencil eraser and hold it vertically from the tip of the nose (with the pencil tip pointing up to the ceiling). Note the angle created with the pencil and nose. Then compare the angle created by the pencil and nose. Compare it with the vertical edge of your drawing paper, estimating the angle of the measured nose. Draw it from what you see because you don't have anything to measure against it.
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Continue measuring each feature against another one, checking all proportions and shapes. Note if the forehead slopes somewhat backwards, making it more of an oval than round. Study basic profile guidelines so you have a solid understanding of how typical body parts relate to one another as to where they're placed.
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Look for distinctive features. Does your subject have an unusual nose or a protruding ear? What about the shape of the eye? Is it round or slanted? Note the shape and thickness of the mouth and any unique features that make it stand out from a typical mouth. For example, does it have any cracks or imperfections? Soften features to make your drawing look more natural rather than cartoonish.
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Pay special attention to the placement of the ear and eye as these are the most difficult features to draw in the proper place. Check to see the relationship of the ear to the eye. Usually the top of the ear lies up to the eye. Note if the nose lines up with the ear.
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Look for shades, noting both lighted and shaded areas. Lightly shade the lightest of the dark areas. Then go on to lightly shade the darkest areas. After lightly shading, add more shading, making sure you don't overly shade an area.
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Blend with a soft tissue or tortellion stump. Continue the process of shading and blending until he profile looks as natural as possible.
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Tips & Warnings
For easier measuring, have your subject stand against a mirror for a side view profile, using the mirror image rather than the live subject.
Unlike drawing front-view portraits, you examine facial edges and shapes in a different way. Therefore, it's important to draw exactly what you see rather than what you assume is there. Contrary to what seems logical, one side of a typical human profile isn't a mirror image (symmetrical) to the opposite side. In other words, a right eye is usually slightly different than the left eye, as well as ears that aren't identical. Therefore, you have to look for the differences when drawing someone's profile rather than just assume that a right-sided over-sized ear is identical to the left one (the side you're drawing).
Resources
- Photo Credit Dreamstime
