Drawing the Structure and Anatomy of the Head

This 5-day drawing workshop focuses on creating a solid understanding of the anatomy of the head as the base for building the structure of the portrait. Participants will be taken through a number of shorter poses, where with a lineal drawing, the construct of the head will be broken down into a series of big to small steps. A considerable amount of time will be spent discussing and understanding the planes and features of the face, especially how these are being explained through anatomy and how features can be conceptualized in simple geometric forms. Also, students will learn a series of rules and mathematical principles to help find proportion and idealization of the human face. Parallel to these concepts, we will also be focusing on rules of light applied to form, value, shapes, and quality of line to continue learning the fundamentals of portrait drawing.

In the videocast below, instructor Esteban Rodriguez talks about his step-by-step methodology, and how understanding the structure and anatomy of the head creates a more enjoyable experience for portrait artists.

About ARA Workshops

Each participant gets lots of one-on-one attention from our superb instructors. ARA instructors teach year round so, unlike many artists who offer summer/holiday workshops our instructors are professional teachers as well as successful award-winning artists Whether you are an award winning experienced artist or have never painted before, our instructors will tailor to your skill level.

If you have any questions or are having trouble with online registration, please contact us.

Workshop hours

Most workshops are scheduled five days per week, Monday to Friday, with weekends free (unless otherwise noted). The hours are usually 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but will occasionally go to 5:00 p.m.

Out-of-town?

If you are coming from out of town and need local accommodations, click here to see our list of inexpensive places to stay near the Academy.

Can’t make it this time?

We offer our workshops on a regular basis. Sign up for regular email workshop updates.

Where to buy art supplies?

Click here for a list of local art supply stores

Materials List

• Graphite pencils (HB, and 2B, two of each should be purchased)
• One pad of white paper 18″ X 24″
• Coloured paper is fine, just make sure it’s a neutral grey colour
• Kneadable and white erasers
• Utility knife
• Sanding block
• Knitting Needle (used for measuring)
• Drawing board 18″ x 24″, no larger