Drawing people is a challenge for many beginning artists. The face can be especially tricky. Don't worry, though - you can get plenty of tips and practice as you draw the easy, step-by-step faces below.
Getting the right proportions can mean the difference between a realistic face and a surreal Picasso-style painting (which, incidentally, you can also sketch below).
As you work through these tutorials, pay attention to the size and placement of the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.
Faces are not static - facial expressions change with a person's emotions. Below, you will learn to draw features that express surprise, laughter, fear, sadness, frustration, concentration, disgust, and embarrassment.
Facial features also change as we age. You can learn the basics of indicating childhood, adulthood, or old age in a portrait.
Of course, humans are not the only creatures with expressive faces. You can practice drawing animal, mythical creature, robot, and emoji faces as well.
You will also find some friendly faces from familiar cartoons.
Most of the faces are drawn in portrait style as if the person were facing you. A few are in profile, as seen from the side. You will even find some in 3/4 perspective, a viewpoint between profile and portrait.
61 Easy Face Drawing Ideas
1
Surprised Face
When you feel surprised, what happens to your face? Your eyebrows raise and your eyes and mouth grow large and round, just like the boy in this picture.
2
Black Girl
This young woman is looking fabulous with her trendy hairstyle, hoop earrings, lipstick, and turtleneck sweater.
3
Easy Lisa Simpson Drawing
Lisa Simpson is a great portrait for beginners because her face is made from simple lines and circles. There is not even a distinction between her face and spiky hair!
4
Easy Robot Face
With glowing eyes, a grill-like mouth, and mechanical eyebrows, the face of this metal man is as emotive as any other character's face.
5
Cartoon Face
Looking for character inspiration? Start with this smiling man. His facial features are reminiscent of classic cartoons like The Jetsons.
6
Boy Face
This little boy could be the son or a younger version of the cartoon face above. Note the round cheeks and other childlike features.
7
Laughing Face
What happens to your face when you laugh? Perhaps you close your eyes and open your smiling mouth like the girl in this picture. Note the creases at the corners of her eyes.
8
Black Boy
This young man is wearing a hairstyle known as a flat top or fade. Notice that his youthful face is narrower than many of the adult males on this list.
9
Reindeer Face
Is he Dasher or Dancer, Prancer or Vixen, Comet, or Cupid, or Donner, or Blitzen? Or maybe this is Rudolph? You will have to get out your colored pencils or markers to decide.
10
Husky Face
This working dog has an intense stare. He is responsible for braving cold temperatures and pulling a dog sled. If you have your colored pencils handy, you can shade his eyes a classic blue.
11
Goat Face
Goats are known for the unusual shape of the pupils of their eyes. You will notice that they are not completely round like those of most animals.
12
Pretty Girl
This girl is looking glamorous with flowing hair, bright eyes, and just the right amount of makeup. Her hand resting on her face gives her a dreamy expression.
13
Giraffe Head and Face
Gentle giraffes have two (or sometimes three) unique horns called ossicones on top of their heads. They also have a blotchy pattern of brown spots on their face and neck.
14
Cute Heart Smiley Face
How often do you use the heart or winky smile emojis? You can combine them in this cute sketch - and you don't even need a cell phone plan in order to send it!
15
Afro Hair
This glamorous woman is rocking a natural hairstyle called an afro. Her tightly curled hair has been teased into a circular shape around her head.
16
Flower Face
Do you ever wear flowers in your hair? This woman has draped herself in large flowers, and it is impossible to distinguish her locks of hair from the flower's leaves.
17
Grandma Face
What features let you know that this portrait is of an aged woman? Pay attention to the shape of the cheeks and chin, the hairstyle, and the wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.
18
Black Man's Face
This portrait could be considered an age progression of the black boy above. Can you see how his facial features have because more angular and defined with age?
19
Chinese Dragon Face and Head
The Chinese dragon is recognizable by the tree branch-like antlers on its head, its hair, its mustache, and barrels extending from the nose.
20
Hand Covering Face
Have you ever covered your face in embarrassment, frustration, or because you can't believe the silly thing your friend just did? Most of this girl's face is hidden by the gesture.
21
Male Face from the Side Profile
Faces look different when viewed from different angles. You have been practicing drawing faces from the front. Now, you can learn about drawing one from the side.
22
Man's Face
Did you draw the face in the profile above? Now, you can draw the same man from a portrait viewpoint. You can learn a lot from drawing the same character in different ways.
23
Girl Face
This little girl appears excited and happy. Draw her round cheeks and playful pigtails.
24
Panda Face
Pandas have one of the most striking faces in the animal kingdom. Their chubby, furry faces are white with black ears, a black nose, and black patches over their eyes.
25
Frog Face
Perhaps you've never come face-to-face with a frog or toad - until now. Note its rounded features and large amphibian eyes.
26
Face from 3/4 View
Face-forward and side views aren't the only ways we see people's faces. Practice the 3/4 perspective with this drawing of a woman.
27
Gorilla Face
Gorillas' faces differ from other primates in that they have a bony ridge above their eyes and a sagittal crest on top of the head. You will also notice that their nostrils are not entirely separated.
28
Black Anime Girl
Can you capture this anime character's fashion-forward style? Of course, you can! Learn how to sketch her eyes and gestures with attitude.
29
Blank Face
You will find many emotions depicted on this list. Why not use this blank face outline to practice drawing your character with different facial expressions? Many animators and illustrators employ this technique.
30
Realistic Elephant Head and Face
Because of its enormous ears and prehensile trunk, the elephant has one of the most unique portraits in the animal kingdom. In addition to its useful nose, its teeth have also become tools known as tusks.
31
Thinking Face
This drawing may make you stop and say, "Hmmm." The distant gaze, raised eyebrows, thoughtful frown, and hand resting on the chin indicate that this man is deep in thought.
32
Face Portrait
This lovely lady is ready for her closeup. Sketch her portrait, including her flowing hair, earrings, and stylish makeup.
33
Easy Dog Face
This playful puppy portrait is sure to make you smile. In classic style, the pup has floppy ears and a spot over one eye.
34
Abstract Face
Pablo Picasso and other artists popularized the abstract style of this portrait. Instead of seeking realism, the features are broken down into geometric shapes.
35
Crying Face
What does your face look like when you are sad? Like the boy in this portrait, knitted brows, a frown, and tears running down the cheeks indicate sorrow.
36
Scared Face
When you feel scared, what happens to your face? Like the boy in this portrait, your mouth likely opens and your eyes grow big. Your hair may even stand on end!
37
Funny Face
Can you make a funny face? Yes, you can! And you're not likely to find a funnier face than the painted visage of a clown. But clowns perform best in pairs - find this clown a friend below.
38
Cheetah Face
Cheetah's faces have small spots and eyeliner-line stripes around the eyes and nose. Sketch the intense gaze of this wild cat.
39
Disgusted Face
What happens to your face when you taste something yucky or smell something stinky? You likely wrinkle your nose and twist your mouth like the woman in this tutorial.
40
Old Man Face
Did you draw the grandmother, above? Now you can draw an elderly man as well. Note the wrinkles on his forehead and the roundness of his cheeks.
41
Easy Unicorn Face
Make friends with this smiling unicorn. This might be a portrait of an ordinary horse except for one important detail - the spiral-shaped horn in the middle of her forehead!
42
Easy Cat Face
Kittens are one of the cutest critters around. You can draw this simple cat's face with its triangular ears and stripes on its forehead and cheeks.
43
Cute Girl Face
This beautiful girl has wavy hair, pouty lips, sparking eyes, and star-shaped earrings. She is a teenage dream!
44
Clown Face
Did you draw the funny face above? Add a second clown to your collection, complete with a silly hat, unruly hair, exaggerated makeup, and an absurdly large bow tie.
45
Realistic Face
As discussed above, drawing lifelike people relies on getting the proportions right. Practice this portrait, in which the face is divided into halves, thirds, and fifths to help you place and size the features.
46
Easy Bear Face
An assortment of ovals is all that you will need to complete this baby bear or teddy bear portrait.
47
Labrador Retriever Head and Face
Did you draw the cartoon dog face, above? Now, try your hand at this detailed and realistic pet portrait.
48
Tired Face
How does your face change when you feel tired? This boy wears a frown, has deep circles under his eyes, and every feature seems to sag downward with the weight of gravity.
49
Happy Face
Wake up the tired young man you drew above and let him smile! Notice how smiling affects not only the mouth but also the eyes and eyebrows.
50
Bat Face
What do bats look like up close? Some of them can be kind of scary! Check out this creature portrait, but remember - vampire bats like this one are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
51
Black Woman
Practice drawing the detailed, curly hair and well-defined facial features of this elegant woman.
52
Tiger Face
Channel the eye of the tiger with this furry and ferocious portrait. This tiger has an intense gaze, a furry ruff around its neck, and its characteristic stripes.
53
Face
Level up your portrait drawing skills with this basic man's face. After you've mastered this drawing, experiment with changing his facial features to resemble someone you know.
54
Anime Girl Face
What makes anime girl faces look so cute? Much of it is in the eyes - they are large, sparkly, and expressive. This anime girl also has a gentle smile that makes her a bit mysterious.
55
Anime Boy Face
This anime boy is drawn from the side, in profile. You can still see the most telling anime characteristics - his geometric eye and spiky manga hair.
56
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Face
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael? That depends on how you color your finished drawing. Why not draw all four? The color of the bandana is the most distinguishing feature.
57
Sad Anime Face
Anime characters are known for their expressive eyes. This girl's eyes are pinched in sorrow, watering and producing tears.
58
Woman's Face
Increase your portrait drawing skills with this basic woman's face. Once you have mastered this tutorial, try changing her hair or facial features. Can you make her look like someone you know?
59
Cartoon Angry Face
When you see this face, you'll know it's angry. How? The furrowed brow, pinched eyes, and gritted teeth are giveaways.
60
Bear Face
If you thought the guy above was angry, check out this fearsome beast! He, too, has a furrowed brow and is baring his teeth. The signs of anger are nearly universal.
61
Confused Anime Face
Confusion for anime characters is often expressed by replacing the eyes or the pupils of the eyes with spiral shapes. This girl also has tousled hair and an open-mouthed frown.
See a Google Web Story of this Face Drawing Ideas Blog Post.
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