Drawing Art Doll faces; Proportions, Emotions, and Expression
By Nora Sims
Mastering the Basics: Proportions and Placement
To embark on this enchanting journey, one can start by delving into the world of facial anatomy. Books focusing on the fundamental proportions of a human face serve as excellent guides. The head can be divided horizontally into four equal quarters, with the eyes positioned about halfway down the length of the head. The head is approximately five eyes wide, and the space between the eyes is about the width of an eye. The edges of the nostrils align with the tear ducts, and the mouth is positioned just above the halfway mark of the third quarter, with the tip of the nose roughly level with the ear lobes. The corners of the mouth align with the pupils of the eyes. Adhering to these proportions ensures harmony and balance in the face being created.
Beyond Measurements: Capturing Emotion
Facial emotions transcend mere measurements, requiring expression. To navigate this challenge, I created an "Idea" book. Clipping faces out of magazines and attaching them to blank pages, I examined each to
determine the emotion it depicted—greed, satisfaction, conviction, pride, curiosity, and more. Organizing these faces under each category in a three-ring binder, I noted how emotions like pride are expressed differently across genders and ages. This "Idea" book has become a visual treasure trove of what facial features depict certain emotions.
The Art of Painting: Light, Shadow, and Color
When drawing and painting the doll face, it's crucial to consider how light affects the muscles used in the expression you wish to evoke. For example, if your doll face is to have a mischievous twinkle in her eye, refer to the faces denoting mischief in your "Idea" book as a visual guide for highlighting. Break down the complex structure of each facial element into simple shapes and planes, and then gradually building up the painting in layers, paying close attention to the effects of light and shadow. Use translucent paints such as soft pastels or coloring pencils and paint in layers to prevent the face from looking flat and maintain depth of color.
Eyes, Eyebrows, Nose, and Lips
- Eyes: Start with the base color of an iris, adding light and shadow areas with each layer. Paint in small strokes or dots to create the intricate texture of an iris.
- Eyebrows: Mimic the hairs by adding a soft shadow where the eyebrows will be, using thin, long, very fine lines that look like individual hairs.
- Nose: Identify the different planes and shapes that make up the nose structure. Begin painting with cooler, darker colors to establish outlines and shadows, gradually building up the colors.
- Lips: Start with a general color, adding light and shadows. The outline of the lips usually appears darker due to the thin lip tissue making blood vessels more visible. Add highlights where the light hits the lips (near the cupid's bow and the lower lip in the middle) enhancing the natural texture with small strokes.
Reflection and Experimentation
Step back periodically to assess the overall form and make any necessary adjustments.
Patience and practice are essential for painting realistic facial emotions and expressions. Don't be afraid to experiment with different facial expressions and see where your imagination takes you. The worst outcome is a learning experience, and the best is a masterpiece brimming with life and emotion.
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