Drawing Lesson 5, Part 4 – How to Draw an Ear

How to Draw an Ear correctly

Video Lesson Description

In this video part, you will discover How to Draw an Ear, including the main features of an ear and how to depict those features in relation to each other, as well as, how to position ears on a human head.

How to Draw an Ear

When it comes to the subject of how to draw an ear, you need to know that an ear outline looks like a shell from the side view. Its outer contour resembles the character, “C”. However, just drawing a letter “C” would not be a realistic approach. There are certain anatomical features of which you need to be aware.

The ear forms include the helix, which is the wider outer rim.

The upper outside curve of the helix features the tubercle, which is a small knot also called, Darwin’s point.

When you think how to draw an ear, remember that the height of the ear, is twice longer than the ear’s width.

Another part of the ear is the firm projection, tragus. This form overhangs the opening to the ear canal.

The lower part of the outer ear is called, lobule.

There is one more rim of the outer ear and it is called, antihelix. This rim is located inside of the helix and divides into two arms at the top, forming the bended “Y” shape.

Considering how to draw an ear, vertically, the ear can be divided into three equal parts. The top part is bordered by the antihelix – which is attached to the side of the head. The middle part is taken by the ear’s bowl, which is called, concha. And the lower third part is the lobe of the ear.

Now let’s examine the ear’s position on a human head. Do not make the junior mistake of placing ears too high. Here’s the rule: the ear is located between two virtual horizontal lines – below the eyebrow-line and above the nose-line.

When you’re practicing how to draw an ear, be aware that the ear is tilted from the vertical position about 15 to 20°.

When viewed from the back, the outer rim of the ear stands away from the head. The angle of the ear tilt seen from the back is about 20°.

In this video lesson on how to draw an ear, you will also discover how an ear changes its position when the head is tilted up and down. Understanding of these mechanics will help you to position ears on a portrait drawing correctly.

In a normal head position, the ear is located between the horizontal line of the eyebrows and the nose-line.

When a person turn ones head upward, the ear stays almost in the same position while face is turning up.

When a head is turned downward, an ear goes lower along with the head.