side view of women

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Because you like to draw, obviously you want to see examples of side profile drawings so you can sketch like the top artists out there. Clearly, these pictures will help you out as you read this article and others on the site. Now let us take a closer look at the side view face sketch in the form of a skull first.

It’s not just about replicating what you see but understanding the underlying structure and facial anatomy. By examining the skull, you can grasp how facial features are connected and positioned, which is crucial for creating believable and expressive characters. This knowledge can then be applied to any style or medium you choose to work in, whether you’re aiming for a realistic style or something more stylized.

The Skull

Side view of skull

When looking at the side profile drawing of a skull, I decided to show two examples from commonly known top artists: Leonardo Da Vinci (1489) and Norman Rockwell (circa 1960). What is interesting about Da Vinci’s rendering of the skull was that it was drawn before plastic skulls or anatomy books were invented, so no doubt he based it on the real thing and not another artist’s interpretation. Notice how he began to draw the nose to imagine how it is attached to the skull, paying attention to the nostril and nose line.

When studying Da Vinci’s skull, consider the way he depicts the jawline and teeth. Notice how he suggests the presence of muscles and how they affect the overall head shape. These details may seem minor, but they contribute significantly to the overall realism and accuracy of his side profile male drawing.

Looking at the side view of the skull is useful when studying how to draw a side profile. Looking at Norman Rockwell’s skull, who was an expert at drawing photo-realism, he skips small details to show just the important shapes and bumps. His artistic style shines through in this side profile drawing reference.

The Face

side view of the face

Da Vinci’s drawing can be found in Leonardo da Vinci on the Human Body Image 4 and Rockwell’s drawing was found in The Famous Artist’s Course.

Obviously, Da Vinci could not use photo reference and drew men out of his head. He would never draw women, the theory being because he was not straight. Norman Rockwell obviously used photo reference constantly, but it did not detract from his talent in creating realistic side view drawings.

In contrast to Da Vinci, Rockwell’s skull demonstrates the importance of simplification and stylization in side profile drawing. While he maintains the essential forms, he omits smaller details to create a more graphic and impactful image. This approach highlights the value of understanding the basics before experimenting with personal style and interpretation.

Comic Interpretations

side view of women

Here is a comparison from three comic artists: Adam Hughes (2014), J. Scott Campbell (2014) and Terry Moore (2011). As you can see from these three side face drawings, each top artist has their own interpretation and style. Adam Hughes likes to make his noses dark to simulate the blood being visible through the skin. J Scott Campbell elongates the face and body to make his women look more attractive. He also makes thick, visible lips, paying attention to the lip shape. Terry Moore likes to use flowing hair by using confident, sharp lines. Look at the back of the head he drew to see what I mean. The first two drawings of Adam Hughes and J Scott Campbell were taken from Masters of Anatomy (affiliate link) and the Terry Moore drawing was taken from his 2013 convention sketchbook.

When comparing the comic artists, take note of how each one uses unique techniques to convey personality and appeal in their side profile drawings. Adam Hughes’ use of darker noses adds a sense of depth and realism, while J. Scott Campbell’s elongated faces and full lips create an idealized and attractive appearance. Terry Moore’s confident, sharp lines give his characters a distinctive and dynamic look, especially in his approach to hair drawing and hair volume.

Tips For Drawing the Side View

loomis method side

In addition to studying these examples, try practicing your own side view face sketches. Experiment with different side view drawing techniques and approaches to find what works best for you. Remember to focus on the underlying structure and anatomy, while also considering how you can incorporate your personal style. By combining knowledge and creativity, you can create compelling and engaging artwork.

When learning how to draw a person side view, it’s helpful to start with side profile guidelines and construction lines. Pay attention to the proportions of the face, including the forehead, brow line, eye placement, and chin line. Don’t forget to consider the placement of features like the adam’s apple, eyelid, and sideburn. The Loomis method (which can be seen in his book Drawing the Head and Hands) can be a useful tool for understanding head proportions and face divisions.

For those looking for a simple side profile drawing approach, start with basic shapes and gradually add details. Practice drawing the side plane of the face, and pay attention to the ear placement and eyebrow placement. When drawing a man side profile or working on side profile male drawings, consider the differences in facial structure compared to female profiles.

If you’re wondering how to draw a side view of a person or how to draw someone from the side, remember that practice is key. Start with simple side profile drawing exercises and gradually work your way up to more complex compositions. Don’t be afraid to use side profile drawing references to help you understand the nuances of facial features and proportions.

For those interested in how to draw the side face of a girl, pay attention to the softer curves and features typically associated with feminine profiles. Remember that individual characteristics can vary greatly, so observation and practice are crucial.

Lastly, it’s essential to remember that there is no one “right” way to create a profile drawing or side view drawing. Each artist brings their unique perspective and interpretation, which is what makes art so diverse and fascinating. Embrace your individuality and use these examples as inspiration and guidance on your artistic journey in mastering the art of side profile drawing.