How to Draw Faces

Drawing faces can be a daunting task for beginners, but it doesn’t have to be! With a few basic steps and a bit of practice, anyone can learn how to draw faces that look realistic and expressive. Whether you’re a professional artist or just a beginner looking to hone your skills, this guide will walk you through the basics of drawing faces so you can put your own unique spin on it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Faces

Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn basic face drawing.

Start with the Oval. Start your drawing by lightly sketching an oval shape onto the paper. This will be the outline of your face.
Map Out the Features. Once you have your oval, it’s time to start mapping out the facial features. Start by drawing a vertical line down the middle of the oval, and two horizontal lines that divide the oval into fourths. This will help you place the eyes, nose, and mouth in the correct proportions.
Sketch the Eyes. Now it’s time to draw the eyes. Starting from the center line, sketch two almond-shaped eyes at the halfway point of the oval. Leave some space between the eyes so they don’t look too close together. Then, draw the eyebrows above the eyes, and any eyelashes and other details you want to include.
Draw the Nose. Next, draw the basic outline of the nose. Start by drawing a vertical line at the halfway point between the eyes and the bottom of the oval. Then, draw two curved lines extending from the vertical line in a downward direction. Draw a small curved line at the end of the two lines to complete the nose.
Draw the Mouth. Start by drawing a curved line directly below the nose. This is the outline of the lips. Then, draw two more curved lines extending from the top lip to the bottom lip to define the shape of the mouth. Finally, draw the details of the lips such as the cupid’s bow and other creases.
Draw the Ears. Start by drawing two curved lines on either side of the face. These will be your guides to draw the ears. Once you have the basic shapes drawn, you can add details like the lobe and the inner ear.
Shade and Blend. Now it’s time to bring your drawing to life! Use a blending tool like a blending stump or a tortillion to shade and blend the facial features, making sure to keep the light and dark tones in a realistic ratio. You can also use other shading tools like an eraser or a kneaded eraser to create highlights and shadows in the drawing.
Final Details. The last step is to add the finishing touches to your drawing. You can add hairs, beard, or other facial details to give your drawing character. Take your time and be sure to keep your shading and blending realistic and balanced.

Tips for Drawing Faces

Start with light lines. As you draw, make sure to use light lines so you can erase any mistakes without ruining the paper.
Keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate your drawings by adding too many details. Start with the basics and gradually add more details as you become more comfortable with drawing faces.
Practice often. Drawing is an art form, and like any other art form, it requires practice in order to get better. Set aside some time each day to draw faces, and you’ll soon see your skills improve.
Reference photos. Reference photos can be extremely helpful when drawing faces. Find a few photos of faces to use as reference when sketching.
Have fun. Above all, the most important thing is to have fun with your drawings. Don’t take your drawings too seriously and be sure to appreciate your own creations.

Conclusion

Drawing faces can be a challenge for beginners, but with a bit of practice and patience, anyone can learn how to draw a realistic and expressive face. Follow these steps and tips, and soon you’ll be able to put your own unique spin on your drawings.