How to Draw the Back of a Head

Drawing the back of a human head requires careful observation of individual features.

When many people think of portrait art, images of the human face come to mind. Capturing the back of the head with realistic detail and proportion remains an essential skill to draw people. To draw the back of the head, artists must keep the anatomy of the neck, head and shoulders in mind. You must also pay careful attention to the hair of the figure whom you wish to draw. Short hair, ponytails and long locks each change the appearance of the back of a head.

Instructions

1. Study the subject that you wish to draw. If drawing from a photograph or using a sitter, study the light, shadows and general shape of the head, neck and shoulders. Note where highlights on the hair help define the roundness of the head.

2. Draw a large egg shape. Draw this shape so that the small tip points downward.

3. Bisect this egg with a light vertical line. Extend this line out of the bottom of the egg to create a short base. This line only acts as a guide, so do not make it dark or hard.

4. Note the point where the jaw lies on your subject. This point should be a short distance from the center line. Extend two long, arching lines downward from each side of the jaw. Make these lines arch slightly away from the center line. These lines represent the neck.

5. Draw a long, curved line that arches upward. Make this line fall about halfway across the lines for the neck. This line represents the shoulders.

6. Draw a light horizontal line that bisects the egg shape. On the left side, draw a small semicircle just beneath this horizontal line on the outside of the head. Repeat on the right side. These shapes form the ears.

7. Add any hair, clothing or jewelry that you observe on your subject.

Tips & Warnings

• Make several sketches before beginning your formal drawing. This will help you with proportion.

References

• Portrait Art Tutorial: How to Draw Hair