How to draw a boy face

Drawing a realistic boy's face teaches proportions that apply to all portrait drawing. The classic 'rule of halves' makes placement of eyes, nose, and mouth much easier — and once you understand it, faces stop being intimidating.

How to Draw a Boy's Face Step by Step

1. Draw the head shape — an oval slightly wider at the top (forehead) and narrower at the chin. The chin comes to a soft point.
2. Draw the eye line — a horizontal line exactly halfway down the oval. Eyes sit ON this line, not above it. This surprises most beginners.
3. Place the eyes — two almond shapes on the eye line, with one eye-width of space between them.
4. Draw the nose — halfway between the eye line and the chin. A simple upside-down Y shape for the nostrils and tip.
5. Draw the mouth — halfway between the nose and the chin. A curved upper lip (like a relaxed M shape) and a fuller lower lip.
6. Add the ears — one on each side of the head, between the eye line and nose line.
7. Draw the hair — a boy's hair typically has a defined hairline. Short, textured, or swept to one side.
8. Add shading — shadows on the sides of the nose, under the lower lip, and on the neck under the chin.