Master Head Drawing & Construction with Proko's Michael Hampton

.gepped.png headers” or “Proko construction drawings, but many are unaware of the man behind the tutorials—the inimitable Michael Hampton, AKA Proko. Hampton is an artist, educator, and YouTuber who has dedicated his career to democratizing art education, particularly when it comes to drawing the human figure. Understanding Proko’s approach to head drawing and construction can significantly enhance any artist’s skill set.

Proko, short for “pro shores,” is a term often used in figure drawing to describe the structure and form of the human body. Hampton employs this concept extensively in his head drawing tutorials, focusing on understanding and constructing the human face and head using simple, easy-to-learn techniques. His approach emphasizes the importance of seeing the head as a sphere with additional features rather than a complex structure to memorize.

a drawing of a person's head with different angles and shapes on it,

The Proko Method: Constructing the Head

The core of the Proko method involves building the head using a series of simple shapes—a sphere, a cylinder, and a few cubes. Hampton starts by drawing a simple sphere for the head, making it easy to construct the lower face, chin, and jawline.

Proko - How to Draw the Head from Extreme Angles

To illustrate the head drawing technique, let's explore the sphere and cylinder method in more detail:

The Sphere and Cylinder Method

how to draw the human head with this step by step drawing instruction book for beginners

The sphere and cylinder method is Proko's gold standard for head construction. It involves drawing a sphere for the head and a vertical cylinder for the torso. By doing this, you can establish the overall form and proportion of the head, making it easier to draw other features.

Here are some steps to implement this method:

Begin by drawing a sphere for the head. Remember, the sphere should be slightly elongated (an oval) to create a more realistic human-like shape.
Draw a vertical cylinder from the bottom of the sphere to create the torso, which helps orient the head's position and proportion.
Divide the sphere into six equal parts (sixths) vertically. These divisions will help you place features like the eyes, nose, and mouth accurately.

a drawing of a man's head and torso with lines drawn on the side

Placing Facial Features

Once the basic structure is in place, the next step is placing the facial features accurately. Hampton encourages artists to divide the face into thirds horizontally to position the eyes, nose, and mouth correctly. Here's a simple breakdown:

The first third: This section contains the hairline and the top of the eyebrows. It's crucial to leave enough space for facial features like the nose and mouth in the remaining two-thirds.
The second third: This is where the eyes, eyebrows, and the base of the nose reside. It's roughly the same size as the forehead.
The third third: Here, you'll find the bottom of the nose, the top of the mouth, and the chin. This section is the largest of the three.

Proko's Art Fundamentals and Beyond

Hampton's teachings extend far beyond head drawing and construction. His YouTube channel, Art Fundamentals, is a treasure trove of information for artists of all levels. Some popular topics include perspective, proportions, and color theory, among many others. Each video is expertly crafted, balancing high-quality visuals, clear explanations, and a dose of humor.

an instruction manual for how to draw the head and neck, with instructions on how to use

two different images of an old man's head and another drawing of a woman's face

an image of a man's face and head with various facial expressions on it

a drawing of various facial expressions and shapes on a piece of paper with green marker pens

the human head is shown with different angles and directions to describe what it looks like

a drawing of three faces with different lines on the face and shoulders, all in red

the instructions for how to draw an avatar

Proko's dedication to education and accessible art instruction have earned him a massive following. With over 1.5 million subscribers and counting, his lessons continue to empower artists worldwide.

Taking Proko's Lessons Further

Here are a few ways to dive deeper into Proko's teachings and improve your drawing skills:

Subscribe to Proko's YouTube channel (Art Fundamentals) to stay updated on new tutorials and resources.
Consider purchasing Proko's drawing and anatomy books, such as “Figure Drawing: Design and Invention” and “Dynamic Anatomy: Mastering the Form of the Human Body.”
Join the Proko community by participating in online forums and social media groups where fellow artists share their work and experiences.

Embracing Michael Hampton's Proko method for head drawing and construction can greatly enhance your art skills. By understanding and practicing these techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating more confident, accurate, and dynamic artwork. So grab your pencils, set up that drawing board, and start honing your skills with Proko today!