Understanding how to draw the head is a fundamental skill for artists aiming to master portraiture. Among the many influential figures in art education, Andrew Loomis stands out for his clear, systematic approach to drawing the human head. His methods have helped countless artists develop their skills and achieve realistic, proportionate portraits. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore Andrew Loomis’s techniques for drawing the head, breaking down his step-by-step processes, principles, and tips to help you improve your portrait drawing skills.
---
Who Was Andrew Loomis?
Before diving into his techniques, it’s important to understand who Andrew Loomis was and why his methods continue to be relevant.
Biography and Influence
- American illustrator and art instructor born in 1892.
- Renowned for his realistic illustrations and instructional books.
- His books, including Drawing the Head and Hands and Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth, have become staples in art education.
- Emphasized structural understanding, proportion, and clear construction methods.
Why Study Loomis’s Techniques?
- His systematic approach simplifies complex forms.
- Focuses on understanding underlying anatomy and proportions.
- Provides a solid foundation for both beginners and advanced artists.
- His methods can be adapted for various styles and mediums.
---
Fundamental Principles of Loomis’s Head Drawing Method
Andrew Loomis’s approach to drawing the head is based on a few key principles:
- Constructive Approach: Building the head through basic geometric shapes.
- Proportion and Symmetry: Understanding the relationships between features.
- Guidelines and Construction Lines: Using visual guides to maintain accuracy.
- Understanding Anatomy: Recognizing underlying bone and muscle structures.
- Dynamic Angles and Perspectives: Drawing heads from multiple viewpoints.
By mastering these principles, artists can create realistic and expressive portraits.
---
Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing the Head in Loomis’s Style
Loomis’s method involves a systematic process, starting from simple shapes and gradually adding details. Below is a detailed breakdown.
1. Start with the Basic Head Shape
- Draw an oval or egg-shaped form to represent the cranium.
- The wider part is generally at the top; the narrower at the bottom.
- This oval forms the foundation of the head.
2. Divide the Head with Construction Lines
- Draw a vertical line down the center of the oval; this is the facial symmetry line.
- Draw a horizontal line across the middle of the oval — this represents eye level.
- Add another horizontal line approximately one-third of the way down from the eye line for the bottom of the nose.
- A third horizontal line is added about one-third of the way below the nose line for the mouth.
3. Establish the Facial Proportions
Loomis’s standard proportions often follow these guidelines:
- The head is approximately 7.5 to 8 “eye widths” across.
- The eyes are about one eye-width apart.
- The bottom of the nose aligns roughly with the bottom of the earlobes.
- The mouth is positioned about one-third below the nose line.
4. Draw the Facial Features
- Eyes: Place them along the eye line, spaced evenly.
- Nose: Draw the nostrils and bridge, aligning with the vertical center.
- Mouth: Sketch the lips, centered below the nose.
- Ears: Ears typically align from the eye line to the bottom of the nose.
5. Add the Jawline and Chin
- Use the sides of the oval to define the jawline.
- The chin is usually placed about one eye-width below the nose line.
- Adjust the width and shape depending on the face type.
6. Refine and Add Details
- Add eyelids, pupils, and eyebrows.
- Sketch the hairline, considering the head’s tilt.
- Define the neck and shoulders as needed.
---
Drawing Heads from Different Angles
Loomis’s method is adaptable to various perspectives. Here are tips for drawing heads in different orientations.
Front View
- Symmetrical construction is easiest.
- Ensure all features align along the central vertical line.
- Use horizontal guidelines for eye, nose, and mouth levels.
Profile View
- Start with a side outline of the head.
- Mark the placement of the eye (which is a slit in profile).
- Position the nose protrusion and chin accordingly.
- Draw the ear aligned with the eye and nose levels.
Three-Quarter View
- Slightly rotate the head to show more of one side.
- Use a central vertical line that curves to indicate perspective.
- Keep features proportional and aligned with construction lines.
Tilted or Dynamic Angles
- Use the same basic construction but tilt the guidelines.
- Pay attention to foreshortening and perspective distortions.
- Break down complex angles into manageable planes.
---
Understanding Anatomy and Structure
To improve realism, understanding anatomy is vital.
Skull Structure
- The skull’s shape influences the overall head form.
- Key landmarks: brow ridges, cheekbones, jaw angle, and occipital bone.
Facial Muscles and Features
- Muscles define expressions and feature shapes.
- Study muscles like the orbicularis oculi (around the eyes) and orbicularis oris (around the mouth).
Applying Anatomy in Drawing
- Use anatomical knowledge to adjust features for different expressions.
- Maintain correct proportions even when exaggerating styles.
---
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Ignoring Proportions: Always double-check feature placement.
- Overcomplicating Details Too Early: Build the structure first before adding details.
- Neglecting Perspective: Practice drawing heads from various angles.
- Flat Features: Use shading and planes to give depth.
---
Practice Exercises to Master Loomis’s Head Drawing Technique
- Copy Loomis’s Demonstrations: Follow his sketches to understand construction.
- Draw Heads from Photos: Use reference images to practice proportions.
- Vary Expressions and Angles: Challenge yourself with different poses.
- Create a Head Library: Draw heads of different ages, genders, and styles.
---
Resources and Tools to Enhance Your Learning
- Loomis’s Books: Drawing the Head and Hands, Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth.
- Online Tutorials: Many artists share step-by-step videos based on Loomis’s methods.
- Drawing Software: Use digital tools for quick corrections and explorations.
- Reference Photos: Use diverse images for practice.
---
Conclusion: Embracing Loomis’s Method for Artistic Growth
Learning to draw the head using Andrew Loomis’s techniques offers a structured, reliable foundation for any aspiring artist. His approach demystifies complex anatomy and proportions, making the process accessible and logical. By consistently practicing his step-by-step methods, paying attention to construction, and studying facial anatomy, artists can significantly improve their portrait skills. Remember, mastery comes with patience and perseverance—so keep drawing, experimenting, and refining your technique inspired by Loomis’s timeless teachings.
---
Start your journey today by applying Loomis’s head construction techniques, and watch your portrait drawing skills transform!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key principles taught by Andrew Loomis for drawing the human head?
Andrew Loomis emphasizes understanding the basic proportions of the head, constructing it using simple geometric shapes, and studying the underlying structure, including the skull and facial landmarks, to achieve accurate and realistic drawings.
How does Andrew Loomis recommend approaching the construction of the head in his drawing methods?
Loomis advocates starting with a basic oval or circle to define the cranium, then adding construction lines to locate facial features, and gradually refining the shapes to build a proportionally correct head, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
What is the significance of Loomis's 'The Box Method' in drawing heads?
The 'Box Method' involves visualizing the head as a three-dimensional box to understand its volume and perspective, helping artists accurately depict head rotations and angles while maintaining correct proportions.
Are Loomis's techniques for drawing the head suitable for beginners?
Yes, Andrew Loomis's methods are highly regarded for their clarity and foundational approach, making them suitable for beginners to learn proper head construction, proportions, and anatomy before moving on to more complex techniques.
How can artists adapt Loomis's head drawing techniques for stylized or exaggerated art styles?
Artists can use Loomis's structural principles as a foundation and then modify proportions, features, and shapes to suit their style, ensuring that the underlying construction remains consistent while allowing for creative expression and exaggeration.
