Making Faces

I've seen tons of artwork lately featuring faces, so thought I'd pass on a little insight to those of you who might want to give it a try.  Drawing and painting faces is easy as long as you're not trying to create an exact portrait.  Use the camera for that.......  Here are some basic guidelines to get you started then it's just a matter of practicing.

I created these steps on the computer, so the face looks "cartoony", but when you use a pencil it'll have a more whimsical look.  If you want this type of look however, use a stencil with graduated ovals and circles as your guide and simply trace the shapes you need.  Look closely at the eyes, nose and mouth, they're all combinations of parts of circles and ovals.   Okay, here goes:

Step 1.  Start with an oval for the head.  Don't be afraid to freehand.  The outline of the head doesn't have to be exact - you'll be adding hair to cover up any imperfections.

Step 2.  Divide the oval into 4 equal sections by lightly drawing a line down the center from top to bottom and across the center from side to side. 

  
Step 3.  Eyes are usually half way between the top of the head and the chin; the nose is half way between the eyes and the chin and the mouth is halfway between the nose and the chin.  Mark the placement for these with a short horizontal line, or just visualize where the features will be.

Step 4.  Sketch in the eyes, nose and mouth.  They don't have to be exact.  After all, no two faces are exactly the same.

Step 5.  Add color using watercolors, water color pencils, chalks, paint, etc.  The eyes are white with black pupils.  Add a light coat of blue around each pupil and a white highlight on top.  Color the lips and shade the cheeks.  You can even use powder blush for the cheek color.  Apply with a sponge applicator from your make-up drawer, a cotton swab, or even a soft make-up brush.  Don't forget to keep it simple.  The secret to adding cheek color, is to start at the center then swirl the applicator in a circular direction, moving outwards.  You can even use your own powdered eye make-up to add accents and highlights to the eyes.  And don't forget some black "swooshes" for eye lashes.

 

Step 6.  Add hair.  It can be straight or curly, with bangs or without, whatever you like.  Look through the ads in magazines for inspiration.

All you have to do now is pick up a pencil and start sketching and please don't be afraid to use an eraser, or, as we say in the UK a "rubber"...........LOL!  Enjoy!  Y'all come back now......

Yours truly,
Julie :)