How to Draw Heads from Any Angle – Step by Step

Video how to draw a human head step by step

Welcome back, fellow artists! In today's post, we will explore the art of drawing heads from various angles. This is a highly coveted skill that takes time to master. But fear not! I will share techniques to make this complex subject more manageable, giving you the confidence to bring your imaginative characters to life.

The Modified Loomis Method

Instead of strictly following the Andrew Loomis method, I prefer to incorporate more basic shapes or primitive forms when constructing the face. However, I highly recommend Loomis' book, “Drawing the Human Head and Hands,” as it is my favorite resource on this topic. You can find it on Amazon here.

Let's begin by drawing the basic forms needed to progress through this tutorial. You can use your preferred drawing method, whether it's on an iPad Pro or paper with a 2H lead.

Step 1 – Drawing the Basic Form for the Cranium

Start with a sphere or circle. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect. Perfection hinders progress, so focus on capturing the overall shape.
Divide the sphere along the horizontal and vertical axes to create a globe-like effect. This will also determine the center of the brow line, indicating the direction the character is facing.
Draw an oval on the side of the head, resembling a slice taken from the sphere. This represents the plane change on the cranium.

Repeat these steps multiple times until you feel comfortable with this part of the process. Experiment with different angles to solidify your understanding.

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Step 2 – Dividing the Face into Thirds

Take a previous head shape or create a new one, ensuring the center point of the brow line is ready.
Draw two lines parallel to the horizontal brow line, extending from the top and bottom of the oval or side plane of the head. This establishes the first two sections of the face.
Measure those two sections and add one more for the bottom of the jawline. Remember, these measurements can vary depending on the character type you're drawing.
Add a jawline, keeping in mind the character's unique features. Angular lines can be effective, but feel free to follow your artistic intuition.
Place another oval in the lower quadrant of the side oval to represent the ear. Now we have a primitive head shape ready for facial features!

I've also created a YouTube video explaining this process. You can watch it here.

Before we move on, let me address a common question: “How big should the oval for the side of the head be?” My advice is to experiment with different sizes. As a general rule, aim for roughly 2/3 of the height of the circle. Additionally, cutting into the sphere will widen or thin the head, depending on your placement. Embrace this experimentation to develop a diverse range of characters.

Now, let's dive into the next step!

Draw Basic Facial Feature Shapes

Observe the middle illustration, where I've established basic shapes in light blue. These primitive shapes assist in drawing with more depth and perspective.

Circles for the eyes help create eyelids that wrap around the eyeball area and aid in foreshortening.
For the nose, consider using a larger pyramid-like shape or, in some cases, a small upside-down triangle. These shapes can help visualize the shadow and structure of the nose.
I use a basic “M” shape for the top lip and think of the bottom lip as a “U” shape.
Remember, these shapes are guides. Practice seeing past them and let your imagination take over.

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Now, follow these steps to draw your favorite character. In my case, I'll be drawing Alfred from Batman. He's a recognizable and fun character to illustrate.

Quick tip: Experiment with shapes! For instance, draw the hair and mustache as big shapes before adding details. Also, consider making lines inside the face thinner than the outer lines to create depth.

Practice Drawing Your Favorite Characters with These Techniques!

Now that you're familiar with the basic steps, try following a few more tutorials below. Draw various character types and play around with measurements, just as I mentioned earlier.

For the next tutorial, let's stick to the Batman theme and draw Bruce Wayne or Clark Kent without his glasses. They have similar facial types.

By now, you should be getting the hang of this. However, if you're still struggling, there's more you can do to master this art form.

Practicing different head shapes and individual facial features has been immensely helpful for me. Each feature presents its own challenges, and by sketching from various angles, we begin to recognize patterns that resonate with our style.

Drawing Various Head Shapes

Observe the examples above, showcasing different primary shapes within character designs. Don't hesitate to introduce a variety of shapes and exaggerate features. This technique allows you to create caricatures and add more narrative to your character designs.

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Remember, shape language plays a significant role. Villains often have sharp angles, while friendly characters often possess round forms.

Another useful exercise is drawing facial features from different angles. These focused studies can greatly improve your skills. If you struggle with a specific area, like drawing noses, practicing them from tricky angles will help you overcome any obstacles.

Here are a few examples of how I practice drawing noses from different angles.

I hope these techniques provide valuable insights for your artistic journey. Remember to be patient and practice a little bit each day. Consistency is key to an artist's growth. Don't be discouraged if you don't get things right the first time. Even after many years of drawing, I still face challenges. However, our passion for creating motivates us to keep going!

If you'd like more instruction on drawing heads, I have a comprehensive course available on my website. You can access it here. The first two lessons are free, allowing you to sample my teaching style.

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Thank you for following my content, and best of luck with your art!

Robert A. Marzullo
Ram Studios Comics

I am also the author and illustrator of “Learn to Draw Action Heroes.” You can find a copy here. Additionally, check out my Blackstone Comic here.