Drawing a Face for the Absolute Beginner

        In my first post I explained how I wanted to be able to create my favorite characters. The struggles of being unable to express my appreciation for a character really frustrates me, but what is even more frustrating is not being able to draw said character in the first place. In this post I decided not to draw a specific character (in fear that it would turn out horrible, it'd be an insult to the original creator) but instead, establish how to sketch a head and facial structure by following the book Drawing for the Absolute Beginner by Mark and Mary Willenbrink and adding my own details to it. 

        We learned in my previous post that sketching basic shapes is a helpful tool to begin a drawing. Hence, I started by sketching the basic shape. "Start with the basic shape egg-shape of the head. It should be five eye-widths wide by seven eye-widths high" (Willenbrink 82). The Willenbrink's then suggested to add eye, nose, and mouth lines to guide you in drawing those features (Willenbrink 82).

        

        From here, I added all the details to the face. Since the book didn't have any hair or eye tutorials, I took it upon myself to figure it out. Again, sketching basic shapes immensely did help me. 

        This here is the final product I was best able to create. I did lots of readjusting the facial structure and lines and it didn't turn out as I had hoped. Hair was the most difficult feature for me to create. I can't say I was somewhat satisfied with this outcome, but I did learn that sketching basic shapes is a reoccurring technique that should always be used and that maybe I shouldn't attempt to draw my favorites just yet. What techniques have you guys learned that seem to be a reoccurring or important aspect to always keep on hand? 

        Willenbrink, Mark, and Mary Willenbrink. Drawing for the Absolute Beginner: A Clear & Easy Guide to Successful Drawing. Cincinnati, OH: North Light, 2006. Print.