How to Draw Faces: Luke Skywalker

Promotional Drawing-How to Draw Luke Skywalker by Kirk McConnell, 2012

This is from my first promotional poster I did for the City of Ontario Library, California. It is a basic layout of drawing the face. In this case I had selected Luke Skywalker from his early years before he became a Jedi. 

On this basic layout, the person who would like to learn how to draw Luke will first have to understand the basic composition of the head. Having looked at other art books, most if not all, use a circle with a simple cross-hair formation to begin the structure of the face (See step 1).
During this process remember to draw lightly. It is important to do this so you can erase your pencil marks later.  In step 2, I have added some more lines. When drawing the face it is very important to see and understand the distance of the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Even the hair requires a little bit of attention. No worries, though, I will definitely have more "how to draw faces" samples for practice and future lessons. This one is just a sample.


I noted on the picture that one can draw realistically or in a cartoon manner. I tend to draw more cartoon like in my pictures, but I also possess a thorough knowledge and experience drawing portraits in pastels, charcoal, and other mediums. One way to become good at drawing faces is to practice drawing your own face while looking in the mirror. As you draw, you will begin to familiarize yourself with your own facial geometry and have a better understanding of how something ought to look.


Another way to practice is by looking at pictures in magazines and trying to copy them realistically. This can take some time, and occasionally be frustrating, but rewarding when you complete a drawing you know you made. I look forward to sharing more about how to draw pictures step-by-step with you. 

Until next time, keep drawing.

How to Draw a "Clone Trooper"

I have wanted to have a "how to draw" blog for sometime. I cannot say that all of my drawings will be perfect. But my desire is to make the drawings step-by-step with enough clarity that anyone who wants to learn how to draw will not be afraid to learn how to draw. It is my hope that you will become more confident as you practice drawing each day and grow in the knowledge you will acquire. (Click on the picture to see larger.)

Sometimes when you draw, you have to learn how to "see" and not just look. One thing that is very important when you draw is being able to see shapes in relation to the lines and other elements that go into composing a picture. The drawing below is a very basic step-by-step. At the time I made this picture, I was looking at an issue of Star Wars Insider magazine, and examining how the "Clone Trooper" looked from the animated series. I attempted to keep the image looking as close as possible to the original. When you draw a likeness, it is important to remember details. Yet, do not get so caught up in every single detail that you get discouraged and stop drawing. I know my character drawing for this picture is good, but it could be better, and I will tell you this, as I improve, I will post my improvements too. Even good artists make mistakes. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes that is how one learns.

As you try to draw from this image, take your time. Draw lightly. Be sure to erase your pencil marks after you ink your picture. It is your choice to leave it as-is, or color the drawing. Good luck as you begin learning to draw.

Until next time, keep drawing.