How To Draw A Face From The Side

Improve Your Drawing Skills: Simple Oval and Line Technique

Introduction

Drawing is an art form that requires practice and technique to master. While there are many different approaches to drawing, one simple and effective technique is to start with an oval and a horizontal line. This technique is particularly useful for beginner artists as it provides a basic framework upon which to build more complex drawings.

Step 1: Draw an Oval

To begin, use a pencil or pen to draw a simple oval shape on your paper. This oval will form the basis of your drawing. The size and shape of the oval can be varied depending on the desired outcome.

Step 2: Draw a Horizontal Line

Once you have drawn the oval, draw a horizontal line directly below it. This line should be slightly shorter than the oval and should be positioned about halfway down from the top of the oval.

Step 3: Outline the Face

Using the oval and the horizontal line as a guide, begin to outline the basic features of the face. The line below the oval will serve as the jawline, while the top of the oval will form the forehead. The oval itself will form the cheeks and the chin.

Step 4: Add Details

Once the basic outline of the face is complete, you can begin to add details such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Use light, short strokes to define these features and avoid making any drastic changes to the underlying oval and line structure.

Step 5: Shading and Texture

To add depth and realism to your drawing, use shading and texture. Use a pencil or charcoal to create shadows and highlights on the face, paying attention to the contours and the direction of light. You can also use different pencils or blending techniques to create different textures, such as hair or skin.

Conclusion

Mastering the simple oval and line technique is a great way for beginner artists to improve their drawing skills. This technique provides a solid foundation upon which to build more complex drawings and can help artists to develop a better understanding of the basic proportions and structure of the human face.