A Shade of Art

Wouldn’t it be easy if you could trace out a large circle and add a bunch of smaller circles to make a pair of eyes, nostrils, and a set of lips, and it would come out as an accurate drawing of a face?

If so, that would be a funny-looking person.

Unfortunately, you, the young artist, must learn how to draw and distinguish someone’s facial features. This can be based on their age, gender, and ethnicity.

This blog will cover the Loomis method. The method guides artists in constructing a human head and face proportionally and accurately.

Step 1: Draw a circle and add an inverted triangle.

The two ends of the circle will represent the forehead and bottom curve of the lip. The tip of the triangle will be the bottom of the chin.

Step 2: Add a line to the outer edges of the circle and a line down the center of the circle.

The center line will guide the face’s direction, and the two outer lines will narrow the face.

Step 3: Add a line to the top, middle, and lower half of the circle.

The top line will show the hairline, the middle line will help align the eyes, and the lower line will present the form of the nostrils.

Step 4: Draw the eyes.

Step 5: Draw the nose.

The width of the nose should be drawn between the gap of the eyes and should meet at the cross point of the circle that meets the center of the lip.

Step 6: Draw the lips.

The lips should be 2-5 cm below the nostrils.

Step 7: Remove the trace lines and add a neckline.

Step 8: Trace the narrow outline of the face and jawline.

Step 9: Add ears.

The length of the ears should be drawn from the top of the eyes and stop at the tip of the nose.

Step 10: Add shadow and contrast to:

Eyes

Nose

Lips

Ears

Step 11: Draw some personalized features.

Glasses

Dimples

Ache

Freckles

Tattoos

Step 12: The result.

The Loomis method will give you some consistent results. Some artists prefer to draw freehand or use symmetry, which uses basic shapes to create a face.

You can try any of the three techniques, but the Loomis method is a preferred and popular approach for beginners. However, also use what works best for you. You want to have fun when you create any style of artwork.

So, start drawing today!