The Challenges of Drawing the Head Below Eyelevel!

It’s not easy but we’ll get through it.

In order to learn this perspective, we must need to include the three point perspective field of view. So go back and relearn it if you need to. Otherwise, let’s start!

As always, we will need to reference the skull again for the proper proportions. Anytime that you’re having trouble, take a step back and re look at the human skull.

1. Visiting the skull

Once more, we will turn to our friend, the skull diagram. We will use the diagram as a reference guide for the perspective points.

What we are looking for is the sphere which will contain the skull and the various ‘+’ intersections.

Once you have these reference points in your mind, the next step is to incorporate the three point perspective. You should know how to create your own three point perspective guide lines in your digital art program.

For learning purposes, feel free to download the perspective guide lines I have done for you if you’re still having trouble. You can find it under the techniques section under perspective diagrams.

2. The front profile

Once you have the three point perspective guide lines in place, the next phase is to create the sphere for measurement purposes.

The key here is the inner circle within the sphere as that will be your starting point. Try to create the face as best as you can with your imagination and the guide lines present.

When you’re ready, use a small sized digital brush and begin drawing your head below eyelevel line sketch.

Keep in mind that there are a few characteristics to notice. First of all, you can’t really draw the eyes as you could. Instead, you’re left with a bulge of where the eyes are.

Secondly, the nose is the main protruding feature. The lips itself are not visible. Instead, it is also a protrusion.

As well, the overall head becomes like an elongated egg.

3. The side profile

So, use your ‘+’ intersection and build upon it. You may want to refer back to the skull diagram to help you out.

You start by building the eyebrow bridges. Then, continue to focus on the nose. Make sure it protrudes out. As well, make sure it’s a triangle shapes dimensions as you won’t be able to see the nostrils.

The next part is the lips. Be careful, though. You want to angle everything to the shape of the sphere. This should also be done with the chin.

The only noticeable feature that doesn’t change much is the ears. You can still make out the majority of the ear anatomy.

4. The three-quarter profile

The last perspective point that we will deal with is that elusive three-quarter profile. As you have guessed, it’s one of the hardest profiles to get right.

To make things easier, add a second ring in the sphere, vertically. This will give you a better idea of how to get the right ‘+’ intersections in place.

As always, begin using the ‘+’ intersections as your starting point.

One of the hardest parts about the three-quarter perspective is figuring out the curves that the facial features must meet inside the sphere. Yet, at the same time, also look at the features that protrude out.

The other part is to look at the angle of approach of the rest of the body. If you haven’t noticed yet, you will need to start and consider how the rest of the body is shaped.

The drawings that I have so far include a bit of the upper body and how it will be displayed in this perspective. If you’re having difficulties with this perspective, have a look at real life references.

These references can include photos or your own face in the mirror. Use it to help you draw the head below eyelevel.

As always, things will only get better with a lot of practice!

Return from Head Below Eyelevel to Paint Faces.
Return from Head Below Eyelevel to the 2d Digital Art Guide.