How To Draw A Face Step By Step [Video Tutorial & Pictures Included]

Learning to draw a face can be a real challenge, even for experienced artists. Did you know that over 95% of non-artists struggle with placing the eyes correctly when drawing a face? It’s no wonder that figuring out how to draw a human face is often considered one of the hardest challenges for beginners.

To help you overcome this hurdle, we’ve enlisted the expertise of BioWars artist, Gonçalo Lopes. He has created a step-by-step video tutorial and provided a helpful guide sheet to make the learning process easier for you. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or looking to refine your skills, Gonçalo’s expert guidance will have you mastering the art of face drawing in no time.

The Essential Tools for Drawing a Face

Just like any great creation, drawing a realistic human face starts with the right tools. Here are the essentials you’ll need:

• An H pencil for the outlines and basic shape
• An HB pencil for intricate details
• A 4B pencil for realistic shadows
• A kneaded eraser for highlights and touch-ups
• A ruler for precise measurements
• Sketch paper with micro-perforations for easy corrections

Breaking Down the Steps to Sketch a Face

Drawing a human face may seem daunting, especially if you’re not an expert. With over 43 face muscles and around 10,000 possible facial expressions, it’s no wonder that many people struggle to illustrate a face. However, there are ways to simplify the process and make it more enjoyable.

One effective technique is to start by sketching the face. Sketching allows you to loosen up your hand and reduces the pressure of creating a perfect drawing. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

Step 1: Draw an Oval Head Shape

Begin by drawing an oval shape to represent the head. Imagine an upside-down egg and sketch its outline on your paper. This shape will serve as the foundation for the face.

Step 2: Segment the Sketch

Next, add guidelines to help you position the eyes and nose. Create a vertical line through the center of your drawing to divide the face into two halves. Then, add a horizontal line halfway between the top of the head and the chin. This line will provide symmetry and mark the space for the eyes.

You can also add two more vertical lines on each side of the center line to indicate the corners of the eyes and the space for the nose.

Step 3: Add More Guidelines

To ensure accurate proportions, add additional guidelines for the rest of the facial features, such as the eyebrows, ears, and lips. Add a horizontal line above the midpoint line to mark the location of the eyebrows. Another horizontal line halfway between the previous line and the chin will serve as a reference for the nose and ears. Finally, draw one more horizontal line between the last line and the chin to indicate the mouth’s placement.

With these guidelines in place, you’ll have a clear framework for the face’s features.

Refining the Face: Adding Details

Now that you have a solid foundation, it’s time to start filling in the features of your comic book character’s face. Let’s break down the remaining steps:

Step 1: Draw the Eyes

For proper facial proportions, the eyes should be roughly an eye’s distance apart. Begin by drawing one eye as a sideways oval between the vertical lines you initially sketched. As you draw the second eye, make sure the distance between them remains equal.

Step 2: Add the Nose

When drawing the nose, keep in mind that the width should fill the gap between the eyes, while the length should end at the horizontal line you drew earlier. The nose’s shape is entirely up to you and can add character to your drawing.

Step 3: Don’t Forget the Eyebrows

Using the browbone as a reference, draw the eyebrows. The browbone follows the lines of the nose, so it’s essential to tackle the eyebrows once the nose is in place. Use short, soft strokes for bushy eyebrows or long strokes for a more refined look.

Step 4: Draw the Mouth

Place the mouth along the horizontal line you drew earlier, making sure it starts at the center of each eye or where the pupil is likely located. The shape and size of the lips can vary, so be creative and choose a style that suits your character.

Step 5: Add the Ears, Hair, and Final Touches

Drawing the ears may seem complicated, but with the guidelines you established, it becomes more manageable. Place the top of the ears along the eyebrow line and the earlobe along the nose line.

To draw the hair, outline the hairline using short strokes with an H pencil, following the natural growth pattern. Add volume and texture as you move towards the edges of the hairstyle. Remember to choose a hairstyle that matches your character’s personality.

With the basic features in place, erase the guidelines to reveal your finished sketch. Then, add shadows with a 4B pencil, lift highlights with an eraser, and blend lines and textures for a polished look.

Next Steps: Learn How to Draw a Person

Now that you’ve mastered the art of drawing a face, continue your artistic journey by learning how to draw a person. Our comprehensive guide will take you through nine simple steps, helping you refine proportions, form, and volume. Whether you’re creating your own comic book or seeking to enhance your drawing skills, this guide is a must-read.

In conclusion, drawing a face requires practice and a solid understanding of the underlying techniques. Start with the basic steps, gradually add details, and develop your own style. Remember, the key is consistency and persistence. So, grab your pencils and let your imagination guide you in creating captivating comic book characters!

Have you tried drawing a face before? Which comic book character is your favorite to draw? Share your experiences and artwork in the comments below!