← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

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GRADES 3–5 · Proportion · Whole Portrait Challenge

The Back of the Skull: 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 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. Practice the focus once in a small box. Plan a larger head-and-shoulders drawing, choosing observed or original cartoon style.
  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. 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: A flat back of the head

Repair: Restore the skull volume behind the ear.

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 Back of the Skull: 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 Back of the Skull
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: __________________________________________________