Proko Head Drawing & Construction by Michael Hampton: Master the Art of Portrait Sketching

Discover the fundamentals of portrait drawing with Michael Hampton's Proko heads method, a comprehensive approach that emphasizes construction over memorization. Renowned as an online art learning resource, Proko offers a structured, easy-to-follow program that has helped countless aspiring artists perfect their figure drawing skills.

an image of the head and shoulders of a man with different facial expressions on his face

Proko's head drawing system, as taught by Michael Hampton, is predicated on understanding the underlying structure of the head, rather than relying on visual appearances alone. By breaking down the head into its basic geometric shapes, students can accurately render facial features and expressions, enhancing their ability to create lifelike portraits.

Core Concepts of Proko's Head Drawing

Proko's head drawing approach revolves around three key principles: spheres, cylinders, and underlying structure.

an image of some drawings on paper with words and pictures around it that say head facial feature & shape design notes

By recognizing these foundational elements in the human head, artists can establish a strong base for their drawings, ensuring precision and consistency in their work.

Spheres and Cylinders

the head rottation and perspective drawing is shown

Hampton emphasizes the importance of viewing the head as a collection of spheres and cylinders. The skull itself is a series of interlocking, oblong spheres, while facial features like the eyes and mouth are best understood as ovals and cylinders.

Apprendre à dessiner la tête en utilisant ces formes simples mais puissantes permet aux artistes de mieux comprendre les relations entre les différentes parties du visage, de mieux capturer les expressions et de donner vie à leurs portraits.

Underlying Structure

sketches of the head and shoulders of a man

The underlying structure of the head is the key to understanding its appearance and movement. By studying the underlying arrangement of bones, muscles, and fat, artists gain a deeper appreciation for the head's intricate anatomy.

Proko emphasizes the importance of observing both live models and reference materials to develop this understanding. By combining this knowledge with the sphere and cylinder method, artists can create dynamic, expressive portraits.

Step-by-Step Guide to Proko Head Drawing

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

Michael Hampton's Proko head drawing course offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to mastering portrait drawing. Key stages include:

Drawing the Head in Three Views: Start by drawing the head in three views - front, side, and three-quarter - to understand its basic proportions and form.
Building the Head from a Sphere: Construct the head from an undersketch of a sphere, adding features and refining the form as you progress.
Refining the Drawing: Finally, refine your drawing, paying close attention to the relationships between facial features, light and shade, and the overall composition.

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

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

Proko - How to Draw the Head from Extreme Angles

some drawings of different facial expressions and head shapes, including the skull's upper half

a drawing of a man's head with glasses on top of his head, and another face in the background

The course also covers crucial topics like facial proportions, anatomy, and expression, arming students with the tools they need to create captivating portraits.

Embracing Michael Hampton's Proko heads method is more than just learning to draw; it's about understanding and connecting with the human form on a deeper level. By mastering these techniques, artists can unlock new creative potential and achieve greater artistic success.