Lesson 12: Formulas for the Front View of the Human Head

In Lesson 12, we transition from the profile to the absolute front view of the human head. While the side view introduced us to the mechanical logic of the skull, the front view requires a different set of formulas to ensure perfect symmetry and alignment. Mastering this "Phase 1" construction is essential for drawing portraits that feel structurally sound rather than just "sketched."

The core foundation: A vertical height line divided exactly in half to establish the horizontal Eye Line.

The Foundational "Plus Sign"

The front view construction begins with a simple straight vertical line representing the total height of the head. We immediately divide this line exactly in half with a horizontal crossbar. This central intersection is your Eye Line—the most critical anchor for the entire face.

From here, we use a series of half-divisions to locate the rest of the features:

• The Brow Line: Divide the space between the Eye Line and the top of the head in half.
• The Nose Base: Divide the space between the Eye Line and the bottom of the chin in half.
• The Mouth & Chin: The space from the nose base to the chin is divided into three equal sections to place the mouth and teeth.

Precision mapping: Using half-subdivisions to lock in the base of the nose and the three-part division of the jaw.

Translating Height to Width

One of the most common mistakes is guessing the width of the head. Lesson 12 provides a mathematical solution: The height of the mouth/chin area (the bottom third of the face) is used as a measurement unit. By "translating" this vertical height horizontally, we determine the exact width of the skull. This ensures the cranium isn't too wide or too narrow for the jaw we've plotted.

The 'Three-Eye Rule': The head is precisely three eyes wide—one for each socket and one eye-width for the bridge of the nose.

The "Three-Eye Rule" and Eye Sockets

To place the eye sockets, we use the Three-Eye Rule. The width of the head at the eye line consists of three equal units: one eye socket, a center space (the bridge of the nose), and the second eye socket. We construct these as simple square "boxes" first, ensuring they sit perfectly on the horizontal axis before refining them into organic orbital cavities.

Defining the Jaw Taper

Finally, we connect the width of the cranium to the chin. The jaw isn't a straight line; it angles inward from the cheekbones toward the centers of the mouth divisions we established earlier. By following these specific "Phase 1" guidelines, you create a symmetrical, 3D framework that allows you to invent character designs with consistent anatomical accuracy.

The final Phase 1 result: A rock-solid structural formula that serves as the foundation for any front-view character design.