C  A  D  O  G  A  N    A  R  T

F A C I A L  F E A T U R E S  3  The Nose

 

fig a.

Firstly, measure the level of the bottom of the nose on the facial length area. Make sure it is not too long as it is less than a third of
the facial length from the hairline to the chin tip. Indicate the length with a small seagull shape as in fig a.

 

fig b.

Think of the nose as a long triangular shape with four planes:
one top plane, two side planes and an under plane as in fig b

 

 

fig c.

Shade the two side planes and the under plane as in the diagram.
The under plane is the darkest as it is in shadow because it is pointing downwards. Leave the top plane unshaded until you have studied the nose highlight shape.

 

 

fig d.

You will observe that the highlight of the nose (the top plane) is broken down the centre. The highlight is broken at the end of the nose bone and starts again where the cartilage tip begins.

Finally erase all the dark outline shapes that were your guide
and blend in the shading around the top plane highlights down the centre of the nose.
 

 
In fig e you will see the three quarter profile nose. it shows the three planes of the nose, i.e. the top plane, one side plane and one half of
the under plane. One of the side planes is hidden as is one of the nostrils. You will notice also that the tip of the nose is very near the edge of the cheek on the far side. The further the head turns the tip
of the nose will be closer to that edge until that side of the face disappears.
At the very top of the nose, between the eyebrows,there is an area termed as the delineation area. This marks the ending of the forehead and must be subtly shaded. Not too dark or the face will appear to be frowning.

fig f.

fig f shows the full side profile. You will only see one of the side
planes and half of the under plane. Also you will only see a slimmer
view of the highlighted top plane area.

 
Pointers.
 
Check and measure the nose length. Quite often it is too long. if the drawing is in colour, don't use black for the nostrils.
Any orifice on the head has veins close to the surface and is a dark red colour. Always remember to break the highlight down the centre of the nose. It is rarely continuous.
Finally, there is usually a cast shadow underneath the nose. Do not make it too dark of it will look like a moustache....not complimentary in women!!
 

FACIAL FEATURES 4  "The Mouth" >>
 

DRAWING OR PAINTING PROBLEMS?

 ASK THE EXPERT  

 

home |  portraits | fine art |  greetings cards |  christian links | contemporary 

students  |  tutorials | about | contact

New Year Art Sale