Drawing skull proportions involves establishing a foundational shape for the cranium and then segmenting the lower facial area with key guidelines, often utilizing a combination of larger and smaller circles to define the structure.
To accurately draw skull proportions, begin by establishing the cranium's spherical shape, then use horizontal and vertical divisions to map out the facial features, integrating smaller circular forms for specific anatomical landmarks.
1. Foundation: The Cranium Circle
Start by drawing a large circle. This circle represents the cranium, which is the part of the skull that encircles and protects the brain. This initial circle forms the primary guideline for the entire skull's size and shape.
2. Structuring the Facial Skeleton
Below the cranium, the facial skeleton extends, and its proportions are crucial. Based on the reference, "The lower three parts are divided in half," indicating a method of segmenting the facial area vertically.
- Establishing Divisions: Think of the area below the cranium's equator (the face) being divided into significant horizontal sections. While the reference is concise, this typically relates to placing the brow line, the base of the nose, and the chin. Artists often divide the face into thirds from the hairline down to the chin (forehead, nose, jaw). The phrase "divided in half" suggests finding midpoints within these larger sections for more precise feature placement.
- Vertical Center Line: Draw a vertical line down the center of your initial cranium circle, extending below it. This line acts as a symmetry axis for the entire skull.
- Horizontal Guidelines: Add horizontal lines intersecting the vertical center line to mark key anatomical points for the face, such as the eye line, nose base, and chin. These are the "parts" that are then further refined.
3. Adding Key Features with Smaller Circles
The reference states, "This is the center of a smaller circle." This indicates that specific division points or intersections serve as the origin for drawing smaller circular forms that define key facial features.
- Eye Sockets: A common application for a "smaller circle" is to define the eye sockets (orbital cavities). Often, the horizontal line representing the brow or eye level, combined with the vertical center line, provides a crucial intersection. From this point, smaller circles or ovals are drawn outwards on either side of the center line to represent the hollows of the eyes.
- Cheekbones: In some methods, smaller circles or arcs might also be used to indicate the prominence of the cheekbones (zygomatic arches), aligning with established facial proportions.
Practical Tips for Skull Proportions
While the reference provides a fundamental starting point, understanding general artistic guidelines for skull proportions will further enhance your drawing:
- Eye Line: The horizontal centerline of the initial cranium circle often corresponds roughly to the brow ridge or the top of the eye sockets. The eyes themselves are typically placed around the halfway point of the entire skull's height (from the top of the cranium to the chin).
- Nose Placement: The base of the nose is generally located halfway between the eye line and the chin.
- Mouth and Jaw: The mouth usually sits halfway between the base of the nose and the chin. The jawline then defines the lower boundary of the face.
Key Proportional Landmarks
| Landmark | General Proportion (Relative to Skull Height) | Placement Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Top of Cranium | 0% | Highest point of the main circle. |
| Brow/Eye Line | ~50% | Often aligns with the horizontal midline of the cranium circle. |
| Base of Nose | ~75% | Roughly halfway between the brow line and the chin. |
| Chin | 100% | The lowest point of the skull, defining the end of the jaw. |
| Eye Sockets | Centered on the eye line | Use a "smaller circle" with its center at the intersection of eye line and width guides. |
By beginning with the cranium circle, establishing key vertical and horizontal divisions for the facial features, and then detailing specific areas with smaller circles, you can effectively construct accurate skull proportions.
