Understanding Facial Planes: A Beginner's Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

If you've ever wanted to understand the structure of the human face for artistic, anatomical, or purely curious reasons, then understanding facial planes is your first step. Let's dive into the fascinating world of facial planes, where geometry meets biology, and learn how to identify and draw them. This beginner's guide will help you get your bearings, choose your tools, draw the first lines, perfect the details, and polish your work. Let's get started.

1. Getting Your Bearings

Before you can start sketching your first face, it's important to understand what you're looking at. This involves learning to identify different facial planes, understanding facial geometry, and recognizing basic facial shapes.

Identifying Facial Planes

Imagine the face as a 3D sculpture with multiple surfaces—these are your facial planes. The forehead, cheeks, and chin are all examples of facial planes. They give the face its structure and are what light and shadow play off to create depth. By learning to identify these, you'll be able to create a more realistic representation of a face. Here's a simple way to practice: Take a look in the mirror and try to identify the various planes on your own face. You'll soon start to see them everywhere!

Understanding Facial Geometry

When we talk about facial geometry, we're referring to the way these planes interact and intersect. Breaking down the face into simpler shapes, like circles, triangles, and rectangles, can make it easier to understand the structure. For example, the nose can be seen as a triangular plane on the face. Once you start to see these geometric relationships, you'll find it easier to draw faces that are proportionally accurate.

Basic Facial Shape Recognition

Different faces have different shapes—some are round, some are square, and some are heart-shaped. Recognizing the basic shape of a face is an important first step in drawing it. It's like drawing the outline of a country on a map before filling in the details. A good exercise is to look at photos of different people and try to identify the basic shape of their face. This will help train your eye and make sketching facial planes a lot easier.

2. Tools of the Trade

Now that we've covered the basics of facial planes, let's talk about the tools you'll be using. Pencil and paper may seem simple, but choosing the right ones can drastically affect the outcome of your sketches. And let's not forget about erasers—they're not just for mistakes!

Choosing Your Pencil

The type of pencil you choose can make all the difference. For sketching facial planes, I recommend starting with a medium hardness pencil, like an HB. This allows for a good range of light and dark lines. As you become more comfortable with drawing facial planes, you might want to experiment with softer or harder pencils to see the different effects they can create.

Paper Preferences

When it comes to paper, it's all about personal preference. Some artists like smooth paper for detailed work, while others prefer a bit of texture. Try different types and see what suits your style. Remember, the important thing is to be comfortable and have fun while you're learning about facial planes!

Using an Eraser Effectively

An eraser is more than just a tool for correcting mistakes—it's a drawing tool in its own right. You can use it to create highlights, adjust shapes, and even to 'draw' in reverse. For example, after sketching a facial plane, you can use the eraser to lighten areas where the light hits the face. So next time you pick up an eraser, think of it as a white pencil rather than a mistake corrector.

3. Drawing the First Lines

With the right tools in hand, you're ready to start sketching. Drawing the first lines might seem intimidating, but don't worry—we're going to break it down into manageable steps. From sketching the outline to defining facial planes and adding depth, you'll soon be on your way to creating a realistic face.

Sketching the Outline

When you start your sketch, it's best to begin with a simple outline of the face. Think of it as a sort of map that guides you in placing the facial planes. Don't stress about getting it perfect—this is just a starting point. You can adjust the outline as you add more details.

Defining the Plains

Once you have your outline, it's time to start defining the facial planes. Remember, facial planes are the flat surfaces on the face that catch the light or cast shadows. As you sketch, think about how the light would hit the face and which areas would be in shadow. This will help you capture the three-dimensional structure of the face.

Adding Depth and Dimension

Here's where your sketch really starts to come to life. By adding depth and dimension, you're transforming a flat outline into a realistic face. How do you do this? By varying your pencil pressure to create different tones. Lighter strokes for the areas in light, and heavier strokes for the areas in shadow. Remember, you're not just drawing lines—you're creating a three-dimensional representation of facial planes.

4. Perfecting the Details

With the outline in place and the facial planes defined, it's time to go into the finer details. The eyes, nose, and mouth give a face its unique character. Perfecting these small details will make your drawing more lifelike and recognizable.

Drawing the Eyes

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and it's true in drawing too. Start by sketching the general shape of the eyes. Then, pay attention to the curves and angles of the lids. The positioning and size of the eyes are crucial. Remember, don't just draw what you think an eye looks like—observe real eyes and replicate their unique shapes and angles.

Crafting the Nose

When it comes to drawing the nose, it's all about capturing the facial planes correctly. The bridge, the tip, and the nostrils—all have their own planes. The trick is to understand how these planes intersect and how light and shadow work on them. Don't be afraid to use stronger lines to define these areas.

Making the Mouth

Lastly, we come to the mouth. Start by sketching the general shape of the lips. Take note of how the upper lip is usually in shadow, due to the overhang, while the lower lip catches the light. The corners of the mouth are also important—they often define the expression. And don't forget the small shadows and lines around the mouth—they'll add a touch of realism to your drawing.

5. Polishing Your Work

Artistry doesn't end with just the initial sketch. As you become more comfortable with your understanding of facial planes, you can begin to refine your drawings. Fine-tuning your lines, adding final touches, and reviewing your work are all part of the artistic process. Let's explore these steps in more detail.

Smoothing Out the Lines

Once you're happy with the overall structure and details, it's time to smooth out your lines. Lightly erase your rough sketch lines and redefine them with a more confident stroke. This will add a professional touch to your piece and refine the facial planes you've worked so hard to capture.

Final Touches

Next, you'll want to add the final touches. This includes details like hair, clothing, or any accessories. Remember, these elements should complement the face, not detract from it. So keep your strokes consistent and remember the light source to ensure realistic shading.

Reviewing Your Work

Last, but certainly not least, is reviewing your work. Take a step back and look at your drawing as a whole. Does everything fit together cohesively? Are the facial planes accurate? Is the shading consistent? This is your chance to make any additional refinements and to learn from the process for your next piece.

By following these steps and taking the time to understand facial planes, you'll be on your way to creating lifelike, accurate portraits. It's a journey of observation, practice, and refinement. But remember—every artist was once a beginner, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the process.

If you're looking to further expand your knowledge on facial planes and elevate your art skills, don't miss out on the workshop titled 'How to Make a 3D Portrait' by Julia Salnikova. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating a 3D portrait, helping you gain a deeper understanding of facial planes while improving your overall artistry.