Loomis Method for Face Drawing

The Loomis method is used for drawing a proportionate face. It provides a structured approach to drawing the human head and face with correct proportions and anatomical accuracy. This technique was developed by Andrew Loomis, a renowned American illustrator. Start with simple sketches and gradually add details. Follow the step-by-step demonstration given here.

• Step 1: Start with a circle to represent the cranium.
• Step 2: Divide the circle into 4 equal parts. From the top point, draw a vertical line which will represent the line where we will draw the nose and the direction of the face.
• Step 3: Flatten the ball from the side in the other half of the circle. Loomis suggests to imagine a knife slicing off small sections of the ball on each side, resulting in a flattened ball.
• Step 4: Draw a horizontal eyebrow line joining the two points of the horizontal diameter of the circle. From the Inner circle, draw the vertical line which will join the vertical line on the other side. The point where they intersect will be the top forehead point.
• Step 5: The point where the eyebrow line and the vertical nose line meets will be the cross. The center of these two points will be the hair line.
• Step 6: Futher divide the line below into similar size. The first half below the eyebrow line will be the nose and the second half will be the chin. These landmarks are in this order from top of the face to bottom:
  1.  Top of the head
  2. Hairline – the line where hair usually starts
  3. Eyebrow Line
  4. Nose line where the nose ends
  5. Chin line – the line where the chin ends
• Step 7: Draw the jawline, an extended oval from the two ends of the circle.
• Step 8: Draw the ear in the right bottom portion of the inner circle. Draw the hairline touching the ears. Eyebrows will lead from the cross intersecting the inner circle. For the nose, draw a triangle.
• Step 9: Finally, the layout is ready. Draw the face over it. Add details to the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, paying attention to the proportions and placement based on the initial guidelines.

Like any drawing technique, the Loomis method requires practice to master. While the Loomis method provides a general guideline for proportions, individual features can vary widely. Adjust the basic shapes and proportions to match the specific characteristics of the person you are drawing.