4 Steps to Draw the Head from Any Angle
4 Steps to Draw the Head from Any Angle
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Head Drawing and Construction

Introduction to the Skull and Abstraction

4 Steps to Draw the Head from Any Angle

2.6K
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4 Steps to Draw the Head from Any Angle

2.6K
Michael Hampton
In this first head drawing and construction lesson, we’re focusing on the basic setup. I use a four-step process to lay in the head's gesture, covering various positions. First, I address the cranial mass, often starting with a sphere or egg shape for simplicity. Next, I consider tilts to avoid static, vertical alignments. Then, I introduce the jaw and a T or cross for facial symmetry. Finally, I factor in perspective, using ellipses to indicate whether the head is viewed from above or below. This method ensures dynamic, expressive head drawings.
Newest
@feawi
13d
I'm confused about this first video, are you giving an overview of what's to come or are we supposed to be drawing along?
Michael Hampton
You should follow along and try the steps.
@mcmelonandrew
im having a hard time wrapping my head around the major axis on the perspective portion, like at the end of the video where he checks if his major axis is half way. Half way to what?
Michael Hampton
Halfway in the sphere. The major axis remains centered despite the ellipse changing
Amber Pilkington, LPC-S
Side question ---- Is this procreate? Or what do digital artists use to draw on digitally? And then do you save your drawings or is it used kind of like a chalkboard where you just erase it when you are done?
Nick Quason
I use Adobe's Photoshop, it is a full fledged art software that can create all sorts of drawings and illustrations, as far as artists are concerned, it used to be primarily a tool for photo editing. You can export files to use anywhere you like, for uploading on socials or even printing. Many professional artists in the industry use Photoshop to create artworks such as this https://www.artstation.com/artwork/g2BobG It is not the only art software out there, some even more affordable. Hope it answers your questions :)
Michael Hampton
This is Photoshop. I draw on a wacom tablet.
@banano
2mo
Thank you so much. This lesson was awesome. I struggle with the Loomis method for some reason, but your approach feels so easy and intuitive. I have a question. What size do you recommend drawing practice heads? I tried various sizes and found that starting with a sphere around 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 feels about right, but I would love to hear your wisdom on this.
Michael Hampton
That's great to hear! I'd recommend sticking to the size you're comfortable at for now. When you're ready I'd aim for drawing the head a little larger. Maybe, in total, the size of your palm.
@kkingmd
3mo
i’m a complete beginner, without formal training. i’ve watched this first lesson and am very excited to learn more! i have been trying to practice the steps on heads in various positions. and am pretty stumped on this one. i just can’t seem to get it right.i would love to see the ‘answer’. thank you!
Michael Hampton
Check out the critique video in this section. I troubleshoot this pose a few times.
Nick Quason
Practice from imagination. I feel that I understand the head construction a lot better when manipulating in 3D like this.
Amber Pilkington, LPC-S
So cool! How did you do that? Procreate?
Michael Hampton
Very cool!
@nodz
3mo
where do i get the references ?
Fernando Gomez Sancha
Amazing courses Michael, you are a great teacher and artist!
Jane Monroe
I don't really understand the last part about the ellipse and the equator line. It doesn't make sense. How does that help you with the proportions and perspective?
Nick Quason
Hi, it's about perspective. Not only does the ellipse tells us whether we are above or below the subject, but also how close or far is it from the horizon line. The closer the narrower, the farther the wider. View attached images. Do note that when something is on the horizon line, it's a straight line as the ellipse appears flat when viewed from the side.
Brhody Wallis
I feel like it would be super helpful if we could download the files you've done all of your examples on 😁😁😁
@rdpman
4mo
Practise drawings of the head construction
@veryartthing
Tried taking notes based on the video. The most useful thing I got out of this is definitely the tilt stuff. I hadn't seen any other art vids really talk about that before.
@73pctgeek
4mo
Thank you for the notes. I’ve found them very helpful!
John Daniels
I picked 6 of the images I knew where not being used as examples (just so I didn't try and just remember the "right" way to do things).
Diana Reid
5mo
I can only get better.
rigby pines
Follow along I did.
Jonatan
5mo
Pardon me, I have one question regarding the elipse within the sphere and the ecuator line, what is exactly the purpose of it? I've rewinded the video a couple times but I still can't quite grasp it.
Michael Hampton
It determines the heads perspective.
@soffe
5mo
I feel dum for asking but what is that brush you are using. Soft Round brush? Struggling to find a nice brush on procreate that feels like yours (sketch if no texture).
Hector Guerrero
I was wondering also lol
Michael Hampton
Here's a screenshot. I use a stock round brush in photoshop with these settings.
Alberto Pardina
Just a few poses that I was able to squeeze in today. Wanted to know if #4 read as her head looking down or if there was a way to make it look more believable that she is looking down. Thanks and looking forward to the future lessons.
Michael Hampton
Looking good! For #4 you could try foreshortening the jaw more or dropping the brow to ear ellipse further. Otherwise, I think it reads fine.
@purpleart
5mo
Attempted some random poses. Like others have said, drawing the gesture when the chin is up is tricky. Need to watch the demo again.
Michael Hampton
Nice!
@purpleart
5mo
Thought it might be interesting working from a sculpture.
Martin Vrkljan
Very interesting, looking forward to landmarks lesson. Finding how much to pull the chin up when looking up is probably what's I find most challenging.
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About instructor
Educator, painter, writer, and art historian. Author of Figure Drawing: Design and Invention.
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