If you’re new to drawing, one of the most challenging things to do is to sketch a face. But with some practice and patience, anyone can master this skill. In this article, I will provide you with some tips and techniques as well as step-by-step instructions on how to draw a face sketch.
Materials Needed:
Before we start, let’s gather all of the materials we need to draw a face sketch. Here are the things you’ll be needing:
- Graphite pencils
- Kneaded eraser
- Pencil sharpener
- Paper (preferably smooth paper such as Bristol board)
Step 1: Sketching Basic Shapes
To begin, we will start by sketching the basic shapes of the face. Start by sketching an oval shape for the head, then draw a line going down the middle vertically and horizontally, which will mark the center of the face. Sketch two circles on each side of the center line for the eyes.
Tip:
Don’t worry too much about having perfect proportions at this stage. It’s okay if the shapes don’t look perfect, as we will refine them as we go along.
Step 2: Sketching the Nose and Mouth
Next, we will add the nose and mouth. Draw a small circle in the center, just below the horizontal line, to create the nose. Then sketch a small line below it for the mouth.
Tip:
Try to keep the nose and the mouth small, to avoid making your character look chubby or generally out of proportion.
Step 3: Adding Eyes and Eyebrows
Now let’s add the eyes and eyebrows to your character’s face. Draw semi-circles on the outer top corners of the eye circles to create the eyebrows. Then, add more detail to the eyes, by drawing the iris and highlight.
Technique:
Create the iris by drawing a small circle in the middle of each eye, then shade in the iris using pencil strokes. To create the highlight, leave a small circle white, indicating the reflection of light on the eye.
Step 4: Sketching the Ears
Ears are often overlooked in sketches, but they’re integral to the proportions of the face. Sketch two small shapes on either side of the face to create your character’s ears.
Tip:
Make sure that the ears are the right size and shape. A good rule to follow is to align the ear with the eyebrows’ top and the nose’s bottom.
Step 5: Adding Details
Now that we have the basic shapes and features sketch out, it’s time to add more details to the face. Sketch out the outline of the face, adding cheekbones and more definition to the jawline. Then add more detail to the eyebrows, eyes, and nose.
Tip:
If you’re struggling to sketch realistic shapes, you can use reference images found online or traced if you’re still starting drawing.
Step 6: Shading the Face
To make your character look more realistic, we need to add shading to the face. Start by shading the hairline, using light pencil strokes to fill it in and shade the cheekbones while using a darker pencil. Gradually work your way down the face, using different pencils to create depth and shading.
Tip:
Be mindful of the direction of the light source when shading and experiment with different types of pencils, to get the best shading possible.
Step 7: Smoothing out the sketch
Now it’s time to start making the sketch look more polished by using your kneaded eraser and working on smoothing out the sketch and blending the shading. Knead the eraser until it’s soft and gently rub it back and forth over the sketch to smooth the shading.
Tip:
Be sure not to overdo it with the eraser. We’re merely trying to blend the shading smoothly rather than erase it entirely.
Step 8: Adding Final Touches
With everything shaped and shaded appropriately, it’s time to add the final touches, like the emotion and expression your character should have. Adjust the eyebrows, eyes, mouth, and nose to convey a unique and specific emotion.
Tip:
The ultimate goal is to evoke emotion, so be mindful of the expression you want to convey.
Step 9: Signing Your Sketch
Once you’re happy with your face sketch, it’s time to sign it. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
Tip:
Don’t forget to sign and date the drawing, as it’s something you’ll want to look back on and admire over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Face Sketch Drawing
1. How long does it take to master face sketch drawing?
It takes time to master any skill. So, be patient and dedicated to the practice of sketching. Some artists may need months, while others may need years to become comfortable drawing faces.
2. Do I need to use a graphite pencil for shading?
Graphite pencils create the best shading for sketches. It’s perfect if you use an HB, 2B, and 6B.
3. Do I need to use a kneaded eraser for sketches?
A kneaded eraser is perfect to smoothen the sketch. Its soft texture makes it easy to erase shading residue without damaging the paper.
4. Is it essential to create the drawing in the center of the paper?
The center line that we drew initially is just a reference line. You can move the drawing up, down, and all around the paper.
5. How do I fix a mistake in my sketch?
If you would want to fix an eraser or color smudge, use your kneaded eraser to moderate the damage or put a new sheet of paper on top of your drawing and wait a few hours till it soaks up the graphite.
6. Do I need to use different types of pencils?
Different types of pencils create different shades. 2B is ideal for shading light areas, and 6B makes the most profound shades. Beginners can start with three basic gradients of pencils, 2B, HB, and 6B.
Conclusion
Creating a face sketch drawing may be a bit intimidating, but with enough practice, it will become more manageable and enjoyable to do. The key is to keep practicing and to be open to feedback and suggestions from other artists. With the techniques and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating realistic sketches of people.