The Fascination of the Human Face
The human face is a captivating canvas of diverse textures, shapes, and volumes that contribute to our individuality. Each facial feature harmoniously blends with the others, making it crucial to understand the underlying structure before attempting to draw them.
In this step-by-step tutorial, we will explore the intricacies of drawing noses, providing you with the skills to master this essential facial feature. Whether you’re drawing from the front, side, or a ¾ angle, we’ve got you covered.
What You Will Learn in This Tutorial
- The anatomy and structure of the nose
- How to draw a nose from the front
- How to draw a nose from the side
- How to draw a nose from a ¾ angle
Before we begin, let’s gather the necessary materials:
- A piece of paper
- A number 2H graphite pencil
- Graphite pencils ranging from 2B to 4B
- A soft blending tool (brush or towel paper)
- A regular eraser and a detail eraser (Tombow Zero Mono)
- A kneadable eraser
To get started, let’s take a look at the nose you will be drawing:
And here are all the steps we will guide you through:
Section 1: The Structure of the Nose
The Anatomy
When exploring the anatomical structure of the nose, we discover various planes and shapes that compose its form. The crucial element to consider is the nose bridge, which connects the nasal bone to the septal and alar cartilage. Different positions of these components result in varied nose shapes, such as pointed or curved.
Breaking Down the Nose into Planes
To better understand light and shadow placement, we can break down the nose into basic planes. These planes serve as a guide for shading the nose from any angle or lighting condition.
While it may seem complicated to draw these structures every time, keep them in mind as a general reference for future drawings.
Simplifying the Nose with Basic Shapes
To simplify the process of drawing the nose, we can transform its complex structure into basic shapes. By doing so, we create a simplified blueprint that can be used to draw noses from various angles.
Positioning the Nose within the Face
Using these basic shapes, we can easily position the nose within the face, maintaining proper proportions. Refer to the diagram below for guidance.
Embracing the Diversity of Noses
It’s important to note that each nose is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. By altering the basic shapes, we can achieve different nose variations. Adjust the angular shapes, thicken or slim them, and vary the sizes of the tip and alae spheres to create a wide range of noses.
How to Draw a Nose from the Front
Step 1: Sketching the Front
Begin by sketching the basic shapes for the front of the nose. Create a simple angled rectangle, adjusting its size according to the desired nose proportions.
Step 2: Adding the Sides
Next, add two triangular shapes on each side. These triangles will determine the width of the nose. Ensure they are proportionate to the nose bridge.
Step 3: Adding Three Circles
Add three circles to establish the size of the nose tip and alae. Adjusting the position of the circles can create different nose variations, such as a higher nose.
Step 4: Marking the Darkest Area
For this tutorial, assume the light source is from above. The darkest area is the base of the nose. Erase the guidelines, leaving them barely visible. Use a 4B pencil to outline the base of the structure’s circles, marking the base of the nose.
Step 5: Drawing the Nostrils
Using the 4B pencil, add the nostrils to your drawing. Remember to account for the varying nostril shapes based on different nose types and the potential differences in nostril size among individuals.
Step 6: Shading the Darkest Area
The darkest area, the base of the nose, will now be shaded using the 4B pencil. Employ soft, small circular movements to add depth without applying excessive pressure. Layer the shading to achieve the desired effect.
Step 7: Marking the Nose Bridge Area
Using the same shading technique as in the previous step, shade the nose bridge area according to the guidelines. However, keep in mind that it should not be as dark as the base of the nose.
Step 8: Filling the Sides of the Nose
Softly shade the sides of the nose with the 4B pencil, filling the space between the top and the base.
Step 9: Blending
Blend the shaded areas using a blending tool, following the shape of the spheres. Use a kneadable eraser to lift some graphite from the wings, enhancing the highlights. Blend lightly toward the upper part of the tip, reflecting the separation between the cartilage and the tip.
Step 10: Adding Details
Apply slightly more pressure with the 4B pencil to darken the nostrils, creating contrast within the nose. Use the eraser to lift some graphite from the center of the nose, the top of the nostrils, and the base of the nose. These highlights mimic the effect of light reflecting on the base of the nose, adding realism to your drawing.
How to Draw a Nose from the Side
Step 1: Sketching the Basic Shapes
When drawing the nose from the side, start by sketching a triangle shape using a 2H pencil.
Step 2: Adding Two Circles
Add two circles to represent the tip and the visible wing of the nose. These circles will serve as the foundation for your drawing.
Step 3: Marking the Base
Erase the guidelines until they are barely visible. With a 4B pencil, shade the base of the circles. This area will be the darkest part of the nose.
Step 4: Drawing the Nose Bridge and Nostrils
Sketch the nose bridge and nostrils using curvy organic lines. Keep in mind that nostrils may not be visible in certain nose types, so adjust accordingly. Fill the nostril with two or three layers of graphite.
Step 5: Shading the Base
Using soft circular movements, shade the base of the nose according to the diagram.
Step 6: Shading the Minor Plane of the Nose
To add dimension and realism, shade the minor planes located beside the nose tip. These small triangles connect the wings and define the tip, even in noses with a softer appearance.
Step 7: Filling the Sides of the Nose
Fill the rest of the nose with graphite, using small circular movements and gentle pressure. Take care not to shade beyond the area marked by the guidelines, as this is where light hits the nose.
Step 8: Blending
Blend the shaded areas with a blending stump, enhancing the volume of the nose.
Step 9: Adding Details
Using a precision eraser and a kneadable eraser, remove some graphite from the base of the nose, the wing, and the top of the nostril. When shading the nose bridge, ensure that area appears the lightest, as it receives the most direct light.
How to Draw a Nose from a ¾ Angle
Step 1: Sketching the Front of the Nose
To differentiate a ¾ angle from a side view, we need to use an alternative angle. Begin by sketching a rectangle to represent the nose bridge using a 2H pencil.
Step 2: Adding the Sides of the Nose
Follow the structure guidelines and add the shapes that transform the nose into a three-dimensional object. Consider adding dashed lines to visualize the non-visible parts, aiding in understanding the perspective.
Step 3: Adding Three Circles
Include three circles to represent the wings of the nose and the tip. Utilize dashed lines to indicate the non-visible parts of the circles.
Step 4: Marking the Base
With a 4B pencil, shade the visible part of the circles, indicating the base of the nose. Erase any remaining guidelines.
Step 5: Marking the Nose Bridge and Nostrils
Lightly mark the nose bridge and nostrils, considering the ¾ angle perspective. The values on both sides should be relatively similar. Note that in certain nose types, not all nostrils may be visible.
Step 6: Shading the Base and Minor Plane
Shade the base of the nose, gradually building up graphite with layers. Pay attention to the minor plane of the nose; even in soft noses, this detail contributes significantly to shading.
Step 7: Filling the Sides of the Nose
Gently shade the sides of the nose, ensuring not to exceed the guideline boundaries. This area also receives light, so avoid excessive pressure when shading.
Step 8: Blending
Erase any remaining guidelines and blend the graphite as shown in the diagram. Consider adding small portions of skin below and to the left of the nose for added realism.
Step 9: Adding Details
Using a precision eraser and a kneadable eraser, remove some graphite from the base of the nose, the top bridge, and any areas that were overly shaded. Ensure the bridge of the nose appears the lightest, as it receives the most direct light.
That’s it! Thank you for following this comprehensive tutorial on drawing noses. We hope you gained valuable insights into nose anatomy and learned how to depict and shade noses from various angles.
Happy drawing, and until next time!
