Behind the Head Drawing: Our 3-Phase Workshop Guide

A look inside RSA’s classical approach to drawing the human head

At the Raminfard School of Arts, we believe strong drawings start with strong structure. That’s why our recent head drawing workshop focused on a clear, three-phase method that helps students break down complexity and build confidence from the ground up.

Here’s a glimpse into what we covered and how this method can transform your figure work.

Phase 1: Construction & Proportions

We begin every head drawing by establishing the underlying form — not the features. Students used the Loomis method and envelope block-ins to map major shapes using light pencil pressure on newsprint.

Key takeaways:

• Use a sphere for the cranium and a wedge for the jaw
• Focus on gesture, tilt, and major landmarks (brow, nose, chin)
• Avoid drawing features too soon — just simple volumes and planes

“Draw the house before the windows.”

Phase 2: Features on Form

Once structure was in place, students began mapping facial features with attention to planar logic and form integration. No floating eyes or flat noses here.

In this phase, we emphasized:

• Using triangulation and axis lines for accuracy
• Wrapping lips around the muzzle
• Placing eyes within sockets—not on top of the face
• Thinking in planes instead of outlines

Phase 3: Value & Rendering

Using a Kimberly 9XXB pencil, we modeled light and shadow directly onto the established forms. This is where the drawing began to breathe.

Students practiced:

• Massing large shadow shapes before rendering details
• Layering value gradually and preserving highlight areas
• Using edge hierarchy (soft vs. sharp) to control focus
• Letting features emerge naturally through light logic

“Model the egg before drawing the eye.”

What Students Said

“I used to always start with the eyes — now I see how building the structure first changes everything.”
— Workshop Attendee, 2025

“This step-by-step method gave me so much more confidence. It finally makes sense.”
— Beginner Student

Want to Learn This Method?

Whether you’re new to portrait drawing or looking to refine your skills, our next Head Drawing Workshop will give you tools that actually work. You’ll leave with a stronger understanding of structure, light, and the classical drawing process.

Follow us on Instagram or join our email list to be the first to hear about upcoming sessions.

🎨 12 Principles Every Artist Should Know

Mastering your craft starts with mastering the fundamentals. These timeless principles are essential for any artist working in drawing or painting—whether you’re just starting out or refining your style.

1. Draw Every Day: Build confidence, coordination, and control through consistent sketching.
2. See Like an Artist: Train your eyes to observe values, shapes, and edges—not symbols.
3. Understand Light and Shadow: Forms come to life through accurate value relationships, not just color.
4. Start with Big Shapes: Block in major forms before adding detail—structure first, texture later.
5. Use a Limited Palette: Restrict your color choices to improve harmony and deepen your mixing skills.
6. Mind Your Edges: Varying soft, hard, and lost edges creates visual interest and realism.
7. Composition is King: Great design holds attention—plan your layout thoughtfully.
8. Be Patient with the Process: Layers take time. Don’t rush what needs to evolve.
9. Learn from the Masters: Study Sargent, Zorn, Sorolla, Bouguereau and others. Let their brilliance guide yours.
10. Critique Your Work: Step back often, assess honestly, and make deliberate adjustments.
11. Stay Curious: Ask questions, experiment, and never stop learning.
12. Enjoy the Journey: Progress is messy—celebrate your growth and love what you do.

Whether you’re painting plein air, building your portfolio, or refining technique in the studio—these principles are your compass.

Save this list, print it, share it. Let it guide your next painting session.

The Joys and Challenges of Plein Air Painting

Painting outdoors is a thrilling, sensory experience that demands both spontaneity and skill. At RSA, our plein air workshops bring artists into nature’s studio, where light, color, and atmosphere shift by the minute.

Our recent “Golden Hour” workshop in Malibu was a perfect example. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, students captured the warm glow and dramatic shadows on canvas. Wind, changing light, and the hum of the ocean added to the challenge—and the beauty.

These sessions offer more than just painting instruction; they teach artists how to see with fresh eyes and respond to the moment with courage and creativity.

Whether you’re new to plein air or looking to refine your outdoor technique, our workshops offer the perfect blend of challenge and inspiration.

Transitioning Through RSA’s Workshops

For many adults, making art started as a pastime—a way to unwind. But at RSA, we’ve seen countless students evolve from hobbyists to artists with confidence and vision, thanks to our immersive one-day workshops.

Take Jessica, who began with a Zorn Palette workshop and discovered a passion for portraiture. Or Mike, whose first plein-air outing led to a new obsession with capturing natural light. Our workshops are designed to challenge, inspire, and unlock new levels of artistic growth.

These aren’t just classes—they’re transformational experiences.