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GRADES 3–5 · Proportion · Simple Portraits

The Back of the Skull: Keep the Important Lines

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Make a full study and a simplified version with only the essential lines. 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.

Make a light observed study. Identify three contours or overlaps that communicate the form.
Sketch a side-view head mass.
Place the ear within that mass.
Add the face profile and compare front and back distances.
Redraw using only those essential marks. Omit texture and reduce shading; ask a partner what remains clear.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: A flat back of the head

Repair: Restore the skull volume behind the ear.

Check your work: Which removed details were unnecessary? Which line could you not remove?

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

The Back of the Skull: Keep the Important Lines · 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: Which removed details were unnecessary? Which line could you not remove?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________

Teach this handout · 30–45 minutes

Prepare: Choose a clear reference showing the back of the skull. The shared illustration introduces the feature only; supply a matching mirror view or teacher-approved photo when the exact pose, accessory, or hairstyle is not pictured.

Demonstrate: Model sketch a side-view head mass. Then deliberately show this drawing problem: a flat back of the head. Think aloud as you repair it: Restore the skull volume behind the ear.

5 minutes noticing, 5 demonstrating, 15–25 drawing and revising, 5 sharing. Collect the practice page and a specific explanation of one change. Evaluate the target skill and revision—not attractiveness or speed.

Grade	Support and challenge
3	Use a large feature study and one observed change. Supply page divisions and model the first landmark. Two trials are enough before application.
4	Complete the listed sequence. Compare two versions and label the contour, proportion, or overlap that changed.
5	Use an unfamiliar reference or second viewpoint after mastering the first. Explain which choices should stay consistent when simplifying or exaggerating.

Offer adapted grips, larger spaces, extra time, or a spoken reflection. Use fictional characters for deliberate distortion; do not mock classmates or stereotype identities. Obtain consent before drawing a peer. Proportion guides are comparisons, not rules for all faces.