Gathering the Necessary Materials
Drawing a face from the side requires a few essential materials to get started. First and foremost, you’ll need some paper – a sketchbook or drawing pad is ideal, as it can withstand erasing and blending. It’s also important to have a good quality pencil, preferably one with a sharp tip and a soft lead. Graphite pencils come in a variety of hardness and darkness, so it’s important to choose one that best suits your drawing style. Additionally, you’ll need a kneaded eraser, a blending stump, and a ruler to help with measuring and creating accurate lines.
Once you’ve gathered these materials, you’re ready to begin. It’s helpful to have a reference image to draw from, either from a book or a photo. This can be a great way to practice and perfect your technique. Additionally, it’s important to find a comfortable spot for drawing, preferably one with good lighting, so that you can clearly see your work.
Drawing the Basic Shapes
Before delving into the details, it’s important to sketch out the basic shape of the face. Using your reference image, draw a circle for the top of the head, then draw a line to create the jaw. From there, draw a line to create the neck, and then draw a curved line to connect the jaw and neck. To create the nose, draw two lines that connect the circle and the jaw line.
Next, draw two curved lines for the eyebrows. These lines should be slightly curved, and should follow the contours of the face. It’s important to get the shape of the eyebrows correct, as they will be the foundation for the rest of the facial features. Once you’ve finished the eyebrows, draw two ovals for the eyes. Make sure that the eyes are placed symmetrically, and that they are in line with the nose.
Adding the Details
Once the basic shapes are finished, it’s time to add the details. Begin by drawing the eyelids and the pupils. Make sure that the pupils are evenly sized, and that they are in line with the nose. From there, draw the nostrils, and then draw two curved lines for the lips. To make the lips look realistic, it’s important to vary the thickness of the lines. Additionally, draw two curved lines for the cheeks, and then draw in the hair.
When drawing the hair, it’s important to take your time and be precise. Pay attention to the direction of the hair and try to create a realistic texture. Additionally, it’s helpful to use a blending stump to blend the graphite and create a softer look. Finally, draw in any additional details that you may want, such as freckles, moles, or wrinkles.
Adding the Final Touches
The last step is to add the finishing touches. Begin by erasing any unnecessary lines, and then use a kneaded eraser to soften any hard edges or lines. This will help create a more realistic and natural look. Additionally, use the blending stump to blend and soften the graphite, and then use the kneaded eraser to add highlights to the eyes and lips.
Once you’ve finished blending and erasing, you can add some shading. Use a light touch to create a subtle shadow effect, and then use a darker pencil to create deeper shadows. This will help add depth and dimension to your drawing. Finally, you can add some color to your drawing using colored pencils or markers.
Bringing It All Together
Drawing a face from the side requires patience and practice. However, with the right materials and a little bit of effort, you can create a realistic and lifelike drawing. By gathering the necessary materials, drawing the basic shapes, adding the details, and adding the final touches, you can create a beautiful and unique portrait. In no time, you’ll be able to create realistic and lifelike faces from the side with ease. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be creating your own masterpieces!
