How to sketch a FACE in 7 steps!

Summary

In this video, Scotty demonstrates a simple, step-by-step approach to sketching a face in just seven steps. He covers the basic structure of the face, from starting with the silhouette and dividing the face into sections to adding key features like eyes, nose, lips, and details. The video includes tips on how to sketch from different angles: front view, three-quarter view, and side view. The emphasis is on a loose, observational style of drawing, with helpful techniques for refining and adding depth to the sketch, making it accessible for beginners and encouraging practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by sketching the face using a rough silhouette, outlining the hair, shoulders, and the general shape of the face.
• 😀 Break the face into three sections by using four dots to mark key points (nose width, eyebrow height, and nostril position).
• 😀 Eyes are placed above halfway between the nose and chin. The width of the eyes is the same as the width of the nose.
• 😀 For the lips, mark two dots for the width, focusing on the split between the lips, and add a shadow under the bottom lip.
• 😀 Add details to the eyes, such as the iris and pupil, making sure to leave a little white spot for sparkle.
• 😀 After establishing the basic structure, focus on adding dark lines for the eyebrows, eyes, and any other defining facial features.
• 😀 The three-quarter view requires adjusting the position of the facial features, such as shifting the four dots to the left to account for perspective.
• 😀 In the three-quarter view, make sure to observe angles and proportions, especially when it comes to the placement of the eyes, ears, and the jawline.
• 😀 For the side view, focus on defining the overall head shape, the chin, and the placement of the ear at the back of the head.
• 😀 The side view requires careful attention to the positioning of the nose, brow, eyes, and lips, and it is crucial to work in layers, adjusting as needed.
• 😀 To bring the sketches to life, add watercolor for light shadows and depth, followed by white highlights and a touch of purple for extra contrast.

Q & A

What is the first step in sketching a face in the front view?

The first step is to outline the silhouette of the face, starting with the hair, the sides of the face, and the shoulders. This initial shape can be rough, focusing on the overall form rather than perfection.

How can the face be divided into sections during sketching?

The face is divided into three sections by placing four dots. These dots help locate key features such as the nose width and the distance between the eyebrows, without needing to draw lines across the face.

What technique is used to draw the eyes in the front view?

To draw the eyes, go up past halfway on the face to locate the corners of the eyes. The width of the nose matches the distance between the eyes, and a dark line is drawn from each dot to represent the eyelash line, followed by drawing the iris and pupil.

What is the method for sketching the lips in the front view?

Two dots are placed slightly past halfway between the chin and the bottom of the nose to establish the width of the mouth. A dark line is drawn for the split between the lips, and shading is added under the bottom lip and a tiny line for the top lip.

Why are details important in the final step of the front view sketch?

Details such as darkening the eyebrows, adding lines around the eyes, nose, and face, and adding any necessary corrections (like the jawline) help to bring the sketch to life and refine the structure.

How does the three-quarter view differ from the front view in sketching?

In the three-quarter view, the face is angled, so the dots dividing the face into sections shift to the left to show less of the left eye. Additionally, features like the eyes and nose are drawn with slight angular adjustments to reflect the view's perspective.

What is the approach for sketching the eyes in the three-quarter view?

The eyes are angled slightly toward the right, with the width of the right eye about the same as the nose. The left eye appears slightly smaller, and the focus is placed on the dark eyelash line and the iris.

What makes the side view the most challenging for sketching?

The side view is considered the hardest because the artist cannot directly reference the eyes and nose, so careful observation and estimation are required to capture the features' proportions and angles accurately.

How is the face structure built up in the side view?

In the side view, the shape of the back of the head and chin is carefully outlined. The face is divided into sections using two dots placed on the outer edges, and the nose is fully outlined. The artist then works on the brow, mouth, and eye placement based on observation.

What techniques are used to add depth and texture to the sketch?

For added depth and texture, the artist uses watercolor washes to highlight shadows and forms, as well as white highlights to maintain a sketchy look. Additionally, purple shadows may be added for extra depth and definition.