Page 142 - sarah-simblet_sketch-book-for-the-artist

PORTRAITURE142

Head and Neck

THE HEAD AND NECK are best conceived as one unit vertebrae—adjusts and holds the angle and expression of
arranged in four parts: cranium, face, neck, and throat. the head. The throat is delicate, hard, and lumpy to the
Each is of equal importance. The cranium is essentially touch, formed of cartilaginous rings, glands, thin muscles,
egg-shaped and pivots on the first vertebra. The face is and looser skin. Framing the throat, two columnar neck
suspended beneath, like a softly curved triangle. The n e c k — muscles (sternomastoids) project the head forward and
a powerful, shapely column of layered muscles rigged to 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. Face Draw a rounded triangular Neck This shape represents the Throat A triangular shape
Tilt it on the paper to change the shape below the forward point of trapezius; the largest surface muscle represents the throat. (The nose
position of the head. the egg to represent the face. of the neck and shoulders. 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.