How to Draw Parts of Faces

One of the most drawn images in the world, the human face can be varied and difficult to draw. An exercise in both spacing and creating shapes, drawing a face takes skill at symmetry expression. The parts of the face must be combined together to create more than just eyes, ears and noses but rather a whole face. Often misunderstood, the right shapes and positions are essential.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Ruler

Instructions

1. For the outline of the head, draw a large oval that is symmetrical on the right and left, and the top and bottom. Separate the four halves with two perpendicular lines.

2. Measure horizontally from the middle of the face, and draw two small ovals for the eyes spaced evenly apart. To add pupils, place circles in the middle of the ovals.

3. Centered on the vertical line just under the eyes, draw a line for the nose and two connected circle shapes on either side for the nostrils.

4. For the mouth, measure one-quarter vertically from the bottom of the head, and draw two curved lips. The top lip is longer than the bottom.

5. Measuring one-quarter vertically from the top of the head, draw the hair line. The hair will cover the entire top quarter of the head on a normal hairline.

6. Place the ears on the outside of the oval, even with the eyes. Draw them as symmetrical semicircles. If desired, place additional semicircles within the larger one for more ear detail.

7. Add extra details, such as the eyelids, with curved line from the top and bottoms of the eye ovals; eyebrows, as curved lines hovering over the eye lashes; or shading or facial hair, with cross-hatched lines where necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• For extra detail, add varying degrees like color, freckles or shading.

• Not all faces are exactly symmetrical, and some have very personal characteristics.