How to draw a head questions

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Questions from Gabriel, Drawing Academy student

Hi Vladimir!

This time I have some questions about the depiction of a human head:

1. On “Drawing Lesson 5, Part 1 – How to Draw a Head”, you explain: “the full width of the head is two-thirds of the total height”. I have had some trouble in drawing this on the front view. First, I draw a vertical axis and then a horizontal axis crossing it in the middle, but once I draw the horizontal axis and define its boundaries, its half-width doesn’t fit 3 times the total height. I end up losing a lot of time trying to fix this. How should I draw these proportions more accurately?

2. Why does the skull look so wide in profile? Is it possible to draw it narrower when needed? (Sometimes I find people in reality don’t have such a “wide” skull in profile)

3. When drawing in profile or in front view, where is the line of the mouth located exactly?

4. Is it a good idea to copy step by step the whole drawings depicted in the video lessons? (So far, that’s what I’ve been doing). If not, which would be the best way to take advantage of the video lessons?

Answers from Vladimir London, Drawing Academy tutor

Hi Gabriel,

Many thanks for your questions.

1. Measuring proportions comes with practice. I measure by eye and then check with a pencil if have any doubts. Here are two articles on how to measure with a pencil:

2. Every person’s head is different, otherwise we would all look the same : ) The head proportions in the video lesson are approximated and can vary in real life.

3. The line between lips is approximately 1/3 from the base of the nose to the bottom of the chin. The lower edge of the lower lip is near 1/2 of that distance.

4. Please check the answers here:

To your creative success,
Vladimir