← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

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GRADES 3–5 · Proportion · Construction

The Back of the Skull: Plan It in Shapes

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Make one labeled shape plan and one drawing built from it. Focus on the back of the skull.

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

Include the mass behind the ear.

  1. Divide the practice space in two. In the first half use only large guide shapes; label three useful landmarks.
  2. Sketch a side-view head mass.
  3. Place the ear within that mass.
  4. Add the face profile and compare front and back distances.
  5. In the second half rebuild the subject using your plan, then remove guides that no longer help.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: A flat back of the head

Repair: Restore the skull volume behind the ear.

Check your work: Can you point to three landmarks that helped place the drawing?

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

The Back of the Skull: Plan It in Shapes · Practice page

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

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

My evidence: Can you point to three landmarks that helped place the drawing?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________