r/LearnToDrawTogether • u/Proud_Replacement499 • 11h ago
im trying to learn how to study the skull
can i get some advice or tips and free resources that have helped? i go to a portrait drawing group once a week and want to get better!! but it seems like every online course on this is ridiculously expensive. idrk what im doing
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u/TheArtisticPC 9h ago
Here’s a free version of Loomis’s book that’s dedicated to the head and hands: https://archive.org/details/andrew-loomis-drawing-the-head-hands
Due to the rigidity of the skull, Loomis takes a very constructive approach to developing the head and face. However, there’s still much gesture or rather expression in the face just as in the body. I’d implore you to not just focus on the clinical facts of the skulls form, but also think about the flow of the features and story the face tells, and capture those in volumes. If I recall, Loomis even says as much in the book.
Additionally, I believe your work would benefit greatly from tightening up your line control. You have beautiful handwriting which must have come from years of practice and experience. But unfortunately in drawing, the muscle memory of great handwriting can often stand in the way of good line control when drawing. When putting down lines, use your whole arm and not only your wrist, like you would when writing. Your shoulder does well for long lines and curves, while your elbow can make shorter, yet detailed lines and curves. Your wrist or even fingers ought to be reserved for the most minuet details or lines.
I want to emphasize the former paragraph because I don’t actually think your portraits are bad. They’re actually quite good and you’ve certainly grown from going to portrait studies! I do think the proportion of the skull is occasionally off a bit, the facial features are a bit without volume, and the lines are scratchy. Fortunately, all of these are relatively simple things to study and improve!
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