Sketch Book for the Artist

PORTRAITURE

Head and Neck

THE HEAD AND NECK are best conceived as one unit

arranged in four parts: cranium, face, neck, and throat.

Each is of equal importance. The cranium is essentially

egg-shaped and pivots on the first vertebra. The face is

suspended beneath, like a softly curved triangle. The neck—

a powerful, shapely column of layered muscles rigged to

vertebrae—adjusts and holds the angle and expression of

the head. The throat is delicate, hard, and lumpy to the

touch, formed of cartilaginous rings, glands, thin muscles,

and looser skin. Framing the throat, two columnar neck

muscles (sternomastoids) project the head forward and

also turn it to the opposite side.

Shorthand diagram

This is a simple shorthand diagram representing the cranium, face, neck, and throat. It can

be learned and visualized in different positions very easily, giving the novice a firm footing

on which to stand and develop their drawings of the head and neck.

Cranium Begin with an egg shape.

Tilt it on the paper to change the

position of the head.

Face Draw a rounded triangular

shape below the forward point of

the egg to represent the face.

Neck This shape represents the

trapezius; the largest surface muscle

of the neck and shoulders.

Throat A triangular shape

represents the throat. (The nose

makes the diagram clearer)

Applied shorthand

After copying the diagram above, animate it. Practice drawing the

cranium at different angles, add the face beneath, then the neck,

shoulders, and throat. Shape your diagrams so they are more lifelike,

but avoid adding detailed features too soon.