How to Draw a Head From Any Angle

In this article I’ll guide you through a beginner’s tutorial on how to draw a head from any angle.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve, this tutorial is perfect for you!

We’ll cover some simple steps that you can incorporate into your drawing process.

If you’re struggling with drawing heads, then this is the article for you! If you prefer to learn from a video than the written word, check out this video below.

Like and subscribe to The Portrait Guru for even more content!

Let’s get started!

Drawing a Head Straight On

1. Start with a Circle:
   • Draw a simple circle to represent the head.
     
2. Vertical Line:
   • Draw a vertical line through the center of the circle. Extend this line so that the length is the same size as horizontal line to the bottom of the circle.
     
3. Horizontal Brow Line:
   • Add a horizontal line through the circle at the midpoint. This line represents the brow line and typically aligns with the top of the ears.
     
4. Horizontal Mouth Line:
   • Draw another horizontal line at the bottom of the circle. This is where the mouth usually sits and is generally in line with the bottom of the ears.
     
5. Chin Line:
   • Add a small horizontal line at the end of the vertical line, representing the chin.
     

From here, you can start adding the jawline, connecting it to the sides of the circle (where the ears would be).

Then you can draw the facial features. Check out our other video on drawing eyes as a good starting point.

Drawing a Head Looking Left or Right

1. Start with a Circle:
   • Begin with a simple circle.
     
2. Vertical Center Line:
   • Draw a vertical line around the center of the circle, thinking in 3D.
     
3. Side Circle:
   • Add a smaller circle to the side of the main circle to represent the side of the face.
     
4. Extended Vertical Line:
   • Draw a vertical line through the centre of the circle. The length should be twice the height from the horizontal brow line to the bottom of the circle.
     
5. Horizontal Brow Line:
   • Add a horizontal line through the circle to indicate the brow line. Wrap this line around the head to show where the ears sit.
     
6. Horizontal Mouth Line:
   • Draw another horizontal line where the mouth sits.
     

Drawing a Head Looking Up or Down

1. Start with a Circle:
   • Draw a simple circle.
     
2. Vertical and Horizontal Lines:
   • Add the vertical and horizontal lines as done for the side views.For a head looking up, curve the horizontal line upwards to represent the tilt of the head.
   • For a head looking down, curve the horizontal line downwards. Adjust the vertical line to follow the curve as well, maintaining a 3D perspective.
     

Placement of Features:

• For the head looking up, raise the brow line slightly above the centre horizontal line and the mouth line below it, keeping in mind the foreshortening effect.
  
• For the head looking down, lower the brow line and raise the mouth line closer to the center horizontal line.
  

Add the Jawline and Chin:

• For the head looking up, extend the jawline downwards and slightly backwards, making the chin appear smaller and the neck more visible.
• For the head looking down, draw the jawline forward and upwards, making the chin appear larger and more prominent.

Top Head Drawing Tips

• Trace Over Photographs: Use head photographs to analyse how the face is structured using the previous steps. Check out the recommended video in the top right corner for further help on this.
  
• Focus on Foundations: Don’t rush through the foundational steps. Ensure the proportions are correct before adding details.
  
• Practice: Practice drawing faces from different angles in your sketchbook. Consistent practice leads to improvement.
  
• Think in 3D: Don’t forget to consider the different planes of the face. This helps with thinking in 3D and shading accurately.
  
• Draw the Entire Skull: Especially from side views, drawing the entire skull correctly is crucial for a strong drawing. Many beginners miss this step, leading to weak-looking drawings and is a classic beginner drawing mistake!

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll see improvement in your ability on how to draw a head from any angle.

If you want to draw your own self portrait, take a look at this recent article! Equally, see these 5 beginner drawing exercises to help you improve your drawing skill!

Happy drawing and I hope you enjoyed this article helping you learn how to draw a head from any angle!

Many thanks for listening and visiting my blog today. You can follow what I’m up to on my Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram pages, I’ll really appreciate it if you do, and don’t be afraid to say hi to me! Many thanks again, and have a great day!