APA, The Skull In Detail, Block In (Patreon)

As we know, a deep comprehension of anatomy is the bedrock upon which great portraiture is built. This lesson aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to accurately block in the skull from both 3/4 and profile views. Once that is completed we will then proceed to render these drawings with a meticulous attention to detail (in the next lesson).

Highlights:

• Recognize the importance of structural symmetry when drawing subjects with bilateral symmetry, like the human skull.
• While the focus is on anatomical study, the principles of good drawing should not be neglected. This includes maintaining proper proportions throughout the drawing process.

Tip for better centerline construction. Look for these features on the median line of the skull: 

• Glabella: The bottom edge of the glabella, which is located between the two eye sockets.
• Nasal Bone: The nasal bone, which is the hard bony section of the nose before the nasal cartilages.
• Nasal Spine: The nasal spine is also mentioned as a point of interest on the median line, and it aligns roughly with the septum of the nose.
• Mental Protuberance: The mental protuberance is located at the anterior median edge of the mandible and is a distinctive feature along the median line of the lower face.

Here are all of the materials you will need:

• Graphite pencils- from 2H-2B
• Paper- white/off-white/pearl grey, Stonehenge or Canson mi-teintes
• Kneaded erasers
• Paper stumps- a variety of sizes