← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

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GRADES 3–5 · Proportion · Whole Portrait Challenge

The Top of the Head: Use It in a Portrait

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Make a warm-up study and a head-and-shoulders portrait that uses the skill. Focus on the top of the head.

Shared feature reference for Proportion
Shared feature reference. It may not show this task’s exact pose, accessory, or style. Use the teacher’s matching reference too.

Draw it step by step

Leave room above the eyes for the skull.

  1. Practice the focus once in a small box. Plan a larger head-and-shoulders drawing, choosing observed or original cartoon style.
  2. Draw the whole head outline.
  3. Compare eye level with crown and chin.
  4. Move the eye guide if the forehead has been squeezed.
  5. Use the practiced skill in the larger portrait. Keep other details simple; mark where the skill improved the final work.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: Hair begins directly above the brows

Repair: Include the skull under the hair.

Check your work: Where did the warm-up change a decision in your final portrait?

Materials: pencil, eraser, paper, and a mirror or teacher-approved reference. Optional black drawing pen; no painting required.

The Top of the Head: Use It in a Portrait · Practice page

Name ____________________ Make light trials first. Divide a box further if your task needs extra versions.

1 · Warm-up: The Top of the Head
2 · First plan
3 · Revise one choice
4 · Independent application

My evidence: Where did the warm-up change a decision in your final portrait?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________