# Head + Neck

# Whole Body Parts

*for example: arm, leg, finger, nose*

# Nose (WIP By Bargain & Updated on 06/08/25)

<details id="bkmrk-this-line-will-be-vi"><summary>Preview:</summary>

This line will be visible as a preview to your page - write what makes your page special or write whatever you want.  
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">About </span>**86 characters**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> are visible -&gt; here is a counter: </span>[wordcounter.net](https://wordcounter.net/character-count)

</details>**Synonyms: Snout, muzzle, proboscis, trunk, beak, conk, snoot,**

---

### **Summary**

The nose is a part of the respiratory system and is considered a sensory organ; referred to as such as the olfactory organ.  
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Latin word for it is 'nasus', which can also be spelt as nassus. </span>

#### **Basics**

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Introduce the body part in a visual way and share other basic knowledge. </span>  
The first drawing should be general, kind of like a thumbnail for the body part.  
You can also add some text (only if necessary of course).

<p class="callout warning">**\*insert drawings that harmonize well with the summary\***</p>

#### **Functions**

The nose is one of the main passageways for air in and out of the lungs; warming, conditioning and filtering the air you breath.

#### **How to draw the body part**

You can work with simplified shapes so that other artists can memorize more information. You can also go more detailed, if that's what you prefer.  
Different viewpoints help a lot with building a better understanding.  
Drawings that visualize the functions mentioned before are always great.

<p class="callout warning">**\*insert drawings that help drawing the body part\***</p>

#### **Advanced**

<details id="bkmrk-everything-beyond-th"><summary>Everything beyond the basics</summary>

What is also important if one wants to study this body part beyond the basics?  
Go over the body part more in detail and share intermediate up to expert knowledge.  
This part is collapsed at first, because we don't want to scare the reader with too much text.

<p class="callout warning">**\*insert drawings if needed for explanation\***</p>

</details>#### **Reference Pictures (for study only)**

<details id="bkmrk-name-the-source-%28web"><summary>Name the sources (websites) here, for example "From Wikimedia, Pixabay, Unsplash"</summary>

This part is collapsed at first, so that the images won't load when opening the article.

<p class="callout warning">**\*insert real life pictures\***  
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Check out </span>[this page](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/books/information-for-creator/page/reference-pictures "Reference Pictures")<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for resources and explanation</span></p>

</details>↓ You can promote your socials or other personal projects in a comment after you publish the page. The first comment will always stay on top.

# The Eye (Cassette_illust)

<details id="bkmrk-this-line-will-be-vi"><summary>Preview:</summary>

The human eye is the most fascinating feature that someone can have. Each person has their own unique eyes. truly, the eye is a door for a person's soul.

</details>**Synonyms: Eyeball; Eyelashes; Pupil; Eyes;**

---

### **Summary**

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This study emphasizes that the eye is a complex, three-dimensional organ that </span>**serves as the focal point of the face**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, necessitating a thorough grasp of its anatomy and the skull structure that houses it. To draw eyes realistically, see the eyeball as a rounded diamond shape, use desaturated colours, and include details such as light reflections and varying iris colours. It is critical to consider elements such as race, skin tone, and viewing angle when determining the look of the eye while avoiding typical blunders such as wrong proportions or disregarding lighting and curvature. </span>

[![eye drawing](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-drawing.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-drawing.webp)

**(Artist: Cassette\_Illust)**

#### **Basics**

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The eye contains different parts, such as the </span>**upper lid**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, the </span>**lacrimal area**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, the </span>**bottom lid**, the **iris**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, the </span>**pupil**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, and of course the </span>**eyeball**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. All of this is located at the eye socket of the skull. It is also important to know the </span>**skull structure**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> so that you will be able to visualize the eye socket and draw functional and proportional eyes.</span>

[![eye parts.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/pvIeye-parts.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/pvIeye-parts.jpg)

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Your eyes are </span>**the sensory organs that allow you to see**. Your eyes capture visible light from the world around you and turn it into a form your brain uses to create your sense of vision. Your brain doesn't have sensory abilities of its own. TEST

#### **Eyeball**

\- First, locate the eye socket. And then draw the rounded diamonds inside.

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Eyeball color should be a desaturated version of skin tones; avoid pure white, and show darker edges for roundness. </span>

[![eye 1.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/vMMeye-1.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/vMMeye-1.jpg)

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Drawing the eyeball in a rounded diamond makes it easier to point the sides rather than making it round. Note that the eye is </span>**3-dimensional**. Meaning it has a curvature when seen from various different angles.

The inner side of the eye sits deeper; less light means darker shapes or lines, which show form depth.

#### **Eyelashes**

[![eye lashes](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eyelashes.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/eyelashes.jpg)

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- When drawing side views, eyelid lines sink inward from the eye socket then turn </span>**outward**, and eyelashes curve naturally with lash direction patterns

Eyelashes on the front of the eye may be less visible and more visible on sides and vary by angle

[![eye from an angle](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eeye-angle.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/eeye-angle.jpg)

#### **Iris**

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When drawing or painting Iris, use bright warm colours around the pupil, radiate colours outward with variations, and add darker edges. to make your eyes much more realistic, try adding light reflections and moist speculars. </span>

#### **Lacrimal Area**

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The lacrimal area that I am talking about is the part of the eye that you can see at the corner towards the nose, that reddish part. It is composed of skin, hair follicles, and sebaceous (oil) and sweat glands, which produce a whitish, oily secretion that helps lubricate the eye. </span>

#### **Eye Lump**

[![eye lump](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-lump.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/eye-lump.jpg)

Use the eye lump method (rounded diamond) for sketching and blocking in eyes quickly when painting.

### **Additional Information!**

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Skin tones also affect the eye appearance. For example, </span>**darker skin focuses more on the highlights rather than the shadows**. while lighter skin does the opposite.

Race also affects the shape of the eyes

[![different eye types](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/type.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/type.jpg)

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Western eyes are often more </span>**sunken**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> with </span>**rounder folds**. while eastern eyes are l**ess sunken and more angular**, with epicanthic fold

Variation in eyelid skin thickness, lower eyelid shapes, and eye angle conveying character traits (innocence vs. aggression).

Lighting also affects the eye when drawing. Simplifying eyes using minimal angular lines and shapes based on lighting to avoid lifeless circles

#### **Common mistakes beginners do when drawing eye**

**-** <span style="color: rgb(241, 196, 15);">Drawing the eyeball too big - Incorrect eye opening, especially on side views</span>

<span style="color: rgb(241, 196, 15);">- ignoring the lighting - ignoring the curvature of the face, especially when drawing at angle</span>

#### **Painting/drawing tips**

**-**<span style="color: rgb(45, 194, 107); white-space: pre-wrap;"> Study the skull structure so that you know where the eyes are placed.</span>

<span style="color: rgb(45, 194, 107); white-space: pre-wrap;">- Use many layers for base colors, colorize lines, and maintain eye-centered lively color zones with cyan, purple, and red hues. </span>

<span style="color: rgb(45, 194, 107);">- Always consider the environment. The light, the ambient occlusion, or any other factor that could help your drawing</span>

#### **References Pictures (for study only)**

<details id="bkmrk-eyes"><summary>Eyes</summary>

[![eye ref.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-ref.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-ref.jpg)

[![eye ref 3.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-ref-3.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-ref-3.jpg)

[![eye ref 2.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-ref-2.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-ref-2.jpg)

[![eye ref 1.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-ref-1.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/eye-ref-1.jpg)

</details>Author: Cassette\_Illust (2025)

# Muscles

# Facial Muscles (Kleio)

<details id="bkmrk-this-line-will-be-vi"><summary>Preview:</summary>

Overview of facial muscles, front and side view.

</details>**Synonyms: Face muscles; Mimic muscles; Facial anatomy; Eye muscles; Eye closure; Mouth muscles; Laughing; Smiling; Frowning; Squinting**

---

### **Summary**

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Facial Muscles are a group of </span>**skeletal muscles** responsible for **facial expressions** and other movements**.**

[![IMG_0731.jpeg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/img-0731.jpeg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/img-0731.jpeg)

#### **Overview**

Here I used the Loomis Method to get the general shape and proportion of the head.

[![IMG_0733.jpeg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/img-0733.jpeg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/img-0733.jpeg)

[![IMG_0732.jpeg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/img-0732.jpeg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/img-0732.jpeg)

#### **Muscles**

1. occipitofrontalis
2. temporal fascia
3. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">orbicularis oculi </span>
4. orbicularis oculi
5. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">procerus </span>
6. nasalis muscle
7. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">levator labii superioris </span>
8. levator labii superioris (infra orbital)
9. zygomaticus minor
10. zygomaticus major
11. masseter
12. orbicularis oris
13. risorius muscle
14. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">levator anguli oris </span>
15. buccinator muscle
16. triangularis
17. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">quadratus labii inferioris </span>
18. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">mentalis </span>
19. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">occipilatis </span>
20. auricular muscles

#### **Facial Expressions**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>

[![IMG_0788.jpeg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/scaled-1680-/img-0788.jpeg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/scaled-1680-/img-0788.jpeg)

#### **Reference Pictures (for study only)**

<details id="bkmrk-name-the-source-%28web"><summary>From Grafit Studio, Reference.Pictures</summary>

[![Reference-Pictures_Expressions-5163 copy.webp](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-5163-copy.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-5163-copy.webp)

**credit to:** [**Reference.Pictures**](https://reference.pictures/)

[![Reference-Pictures_Expressions-5040 copy.webp](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-5040-copy.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-5040-copy.webp)

**credit to:** [**Reference.Pictures**](https://reference.pictures/)

[![Grafit-Sample-066.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-066.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-066.jpg)

**credit to:** [**Grafit Studio**](https://www.artstation.com/grafit/store?tab=digital_product)

[![Reference-Pictures_Expressions-5509 copy.webp](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-5509-copy.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-5509-copy.webp)

**credit to:** [**Reference.Pictures**](https://reference.pictures/)

[![Reference-Pictures_Expressions-5545 copy.webp](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-5545-copy.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-5545-copy.webp)

**credit to:** [**Reference.Pictures**](https://reference.pictures/)

[![Reference-Pictures_Expressions-5496 copy.webp](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-5496-copy.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-5496-copy.webp)

**credit to:** [**Reference.Pictures**](https://reference.pictures/)

[![Grafit-Sample-072.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-072.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-072.jpg)

**credit to:** [**Grafit Studio**](https://www.artstation.com/grafit/store?tab=digital_product)

[![Grafit-Sample-070.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-070.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-070.jpg)

**credit to:** [**Grafit Studio**](https://www.artstation.com/grafit/store?tab=digital_product)

[![Grafit-Sample-071.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-071.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-071.jpg)

**credit to:** [**Grafit Studio**](https://www.artstation.com/grafit/store?tab=digital_product)

[![Reference-Pictures_Expressions_Vanessa-040 copy.webp](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-vanessa-040-copy.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-vanessa-040-copy.webp)

**credit to:** [**Reference.Pictures**](https://reference.pictures/)

[![Grafit-Sample-064.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-064.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-064.jpg)

**credit to:** [**Grafit Studio**](https://www.artstation.com/grafit/store?tab=digital_product)

[![Grafit-Sample-062.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-062.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-062.jpg)

**credit to:** [**Grafit Studio**](https://www.artstation.com/grafit/store?tab=digital_product)

[![Grafit-Sample-078.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-078.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-078.jpg)

**credit to:** [**Grafit Studio**](https://www.artstation.com/grafit/store?tab=digital_product)

[![Grafit-Sample-073.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-073.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/grafit-sample-073.jpg)

**credit to:** [**Grafit Studio**](https://www.artstation.com/grafit/store?tab=digital_product)

[![Reference-Pictures_Expressions_Frannie-034 copy.webp](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-frannie-034-copy.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-expressions-frannie-034-copy.webp)

**credit to:** [**Grafit Studio**](https://www.artstation.com/grafit/store?tab=digital_product)

</details>**Sources:**  
**Civardi, Giovanni, 2016. Figure Drawing: A Complete Guide. Search Press**

# Bones

**(in alpha testing)**

# The Skull (Joseph Theophilus)

<details id="bkmrk-this-line-will-be-vi"><summary>Preview:</summary>

This study examines the human skull, which forms the structure of the head and foundation of the face. My favorite bone group to draw—though I find its symbolism with death or witchcraft rather satirical.

</details>**Synonyms: Cranium; Braincase; Noggin; Head bone**

---

### **Summary**

The skull (Latin: Cranium) is a bone group made of 22 interlocking bones that protect the head. It houses and safeguards the brain, eyes, and inner ear. The skull has two main parts: the cranium which encloses the brain, and the facial skeleton which forms the face. It protects vital organs, provides attachment points for facial and chewing muscles, and supports sensory organs. The skull connects to the spine at the first neck vertebra for head movement, and to the lower jaw for jaw function in speech and eating.

#### **Basics**

The skull is a complex bone group that form's the protective casing for the brain and the structural framework of the face. From an anterior (front) view, you can see how different bones fit together like puzzle pieces, each with distinct shapes and colors in this study.

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The cranial vault, shown in blue-green tones, includes the </span>**frontal bone**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> forming the forehead and the </span>**parietal bones**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> creating the rounded top of the skull. The </span>**temporal bones**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (in maroon/purple) sit on either side at the temples, housing the ear structures.</span>

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The facial skeleton is equally intricate. The </span>**sphenoid bone**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (yellow, behind the eye orbits) acts as a keystone connecting many cranial and facial bones. The </span>**zygomatic bones**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (cheekbones, in yellow) give the face its width and form the outer edges of the eye sockets. The small </span>**nasal bone**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (yellow) forms the bridge of the nose, while the </span>**maxilla**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (upper jaw, in green-white) holds the upper teeth and forms much of the mid-face structure.</span>

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, the </span>**mandible**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (lower jaw, shown in turquoise) is the only movable bone in the skull, articulating with the temporal bones to allow for chewing, speaking, and facial expressions. Notice how it's completely separate from the rest of the skull, highlighting its unique mobility.</span>

[![AA1.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/wKZaa1.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/wKZaa1.jpg)

#### **Connections**

The skull is considered a bone group because it's made up of multiple bones that are fused or joined together to protect the brain and sensory organs. These bones connect through fixed joints called sutures (in adults) or soft spots called fontanelles (in infants), which lock together like puzzle pieces to create a strong skull.

**Which other bones does the skull connect to?**

The skull connects to the spine at the first neck bone (atlas), which allows the head to nod up and down. It also connects to the lower jaw (mandible), which is the only movable joint in the skull and allows for chewing and talking.

[![c1 atlas.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/1n3c1-atlas.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/1n3c1-atlas.jpg)

**Which important body parts or muscles connect to the skull?**

Many muscles attach to the skull, including:

- Chewing muscles that connect to the jaw and sides of the skull.(Temporalis and masseter)
- Neck muscles that connect to the back and base of the skull for head and neck movement(Suboccipital, SCM, Trapezius muscles)

[![temp,mass,scm.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/tempmassscm.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/tempmassscm.jpg)

[![trapezius and suboccipital.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/trapezius-and-suboccipital.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/trapezius-and-suboccipital.jpg)

- facial muscles that attach to various skull bones for facial expressions.

[![MUSCLES OF THE FACE.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/muscles-of-the-face.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/muscles-of-the-face.jpg)

<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>***for more information on muscles of the face (see previous page)***

#### **Functions**

**What is this bone / bone group used for? Why do we have it?**

The skull has three main jobs:

**Protection**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> - It protects the brain, eyes, and inner ear from injury. The hard bone acts like a helmet for these delicate organs.</span>

**Structure**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> - It gives the head its shape and provides a framework for the face and facial features.</span>

**Attachment**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> - It provides anchor points for muscles used in chewing, facial expressions, and head movement.</span>

The skull also contains openings that allow nerves and blood vessels to pass through, connecting the brain to the rest of the body.

#### **How to draw the bone / bone group**

Whenever I draw anything, I usually break it down into really simple shapes, then add the details from there. The skull can also be broken down into really basic shapes. Here is a step-by-step process of how I draw the skull - hope this helps

Step 1: Start out by drawing a sphere or circle. The sphere here represents the cranium, which is 2/3 of the entire skull.

[![1.2.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/1-2.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/1-2.jpg)

Step 2: Draw a straight vertical line through the center of the cranial mass (now highlighted in green). This helps with the positioning of the skull. The axis of this line is determined by the perspective of the skull. Introduce the jaw by extending the lines of the cranial mass.

[![step2.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/step2.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/step2.jpg)

Step 3: Add a horizontal line across the cranial mass. This line represents the eye socket line, which lies halfway down the skull. Notice that this creates a "t" shaped line. The "t" line is the line of symmetry of the skull; the vertical line divides the skull into two equal parts.

[![step3.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/step3.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/step3.jpg)

Step 4: Draw the key landmarks: the eye sockets, cheekbones (zygomatic arch/bone), teeth line, jaw angle, and nasal opening. Try not to draw every single bone—keep it simple. Then add details.

[![steps4.5.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/steps4-5.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/steps4-5.jpg)

Step 5: Add more details.

[![step5.5.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/step5-5.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/step5-5.jpg)

### **Advanced**

Applying the same steps, one can try drawing the skull in different angles or perspectives.

[![ad4.2.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/ad4-2.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/ad4-2.jpg)

Add more details.

[![ad5.3.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/ad5-3.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/ad5-3.jpg)

#### **Study Tips**

- **Simplify the structure**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Start with basic shapes: sphere for cranium, wedge for face, box for jaw. Build complexity gradually.</span>
- **Key proportions**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Eyes sit halfway down the skull. Nasal opening starts at two-thirds. Entire skull is roughly 3.5 "heads" tall including jaw.</span>
- **Key landmarks**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Master the eye sockets (orbits), cheekbones (zygomatic arch), nasal cavity, and temporal lines. These define everything and translate directly to portrait work.</span>
- **Multiple angles matter**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Side and three-quarter views teach structure better than front views alone. The profile especially reveals how much the face projects forward.</span>
- **Planes over details**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> - The cranium is rounded; the face has angular planes. Understanding this distinction helps your rendering. Deep shadows in eye sockets and nasal cavity are your friends.</span>
- **Common mistakes to avoid**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Placing features too high, making the cranium too small, drawing the jaw too narrow, and over-detailing before nailing proportions(always keep it simple).</span>
- **Best practice**<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Do timed studies: 2 minutes for gesture/overall shape, 10 minutes for proportions and major landmarks, 30+ minutes for detailed rendering. The quick studies train your eye faster than you'd expect.</span>

Use photo references initially, then graduate to studying real skulls or high-quality casts for true three-dimensional understanding.

<details id="bkmrk-everything-beyond-th"><summary>Everything beyond</summary>

Understanding the skull shows you where features sit - eyes at mid-skull, nose length from nasal bone to upper teeth, cheekbone height from zygomatic arch width. The skull's flat surfaces (forehead plane, cheekbone plane, jaw plane) help you light faces right and create solid volume, which helps when drawing heads tilted, turned, or seen from weird angles without reference. Wide vs narrow skulls, big vs flat cheekbones, strong vs weak jaws create different faces and character designs, and knowing what's bone vs soft tissue helps you draw aging faces since the skull stays the same while skin sags. The skull is where facial muscles attach, so understanding brow ridges, cheekbones, and jaw structure shows you why expressions create certain wrinkles and shadows. Every face you draw is the skull plus soft tissue - learn the skull well, and you can build any head from imagination, making it the base of all portrait and character work.

[![after basic.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/after-basic.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/after-basic.jpg)

</details>#### **Reference Pictures (for study only)**

<details id="bkmrk-name-the-source-%28web"><summary>from Reference.Pictures and Unsplash</summary>

[![jackson-wilson-B5Ddx7kx8yk-unsplash.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/jackson-wilson-b5ddx7kx8yk-unsplash.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/jackson-wilson-b5ddx7kx8yk-unsplash.jpg)

[![anne-nygard-WKcwxlUV3iM-unsplash.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/anne-nygard-wkcwxluv3im-unsplash.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/anne-nygard-wkcwxluv3im-unsplash.jpg)

[![Reference-Pictures_Skull-123 copy.webp](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-skull-123-copy.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-skull-123-copy.webp)

**credit to:** [**Reference.Pictures**](https://reference.pictures/ "Reference.Pictures")

[![Reference-Pictures_Skull-620 copy.webp](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-skull-620-copy.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-skull-620-copy.webp)

**credit to:** [**Reference.Pictures**](https://reference.pictures/ "Reference.Pictures")

[![Reference-Pictures_Skull-461 copy.webp](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-skull-461-copy.webp)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/reference-pictures-skull-461-copy.webp)

**credit to:** [**Reference.Pictures**](https://reference.pictures/ "Reference.Pictures")

[![europeana-4lbwZ7vaEhA-unsplash.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/europeana-4lbwz7vaeha-unsplash.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/europeana-4lbwz7vaeha-unsplash.jpg)

[![lina-white-K9nxgkYf-RI-unsplash.jpg](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/lina-white-k9nxgkyf-ri-unsplash.jpg)](https://www.anatomyarchive.org/uploads/images/gallery/2026-01/scaled-1680-/lina-white-k9nxgkyf-ri-unsplash.jpg)

</details>