Loomis Method of Portrait Drawing

Hey, do you want to draw amazing portraits like a pro? Well, you’re in luck, because today I’m going to tell you all about the Loomis Method, a super cool technique that will make your portraits look awesome!

The Loomis Method was invented by Andrew Loomis in the 1940s, a famous illustrator and art teacher. He wrote several books on drawing, and his method is still widely used by artists today. The Loomis Method is based on using simple shapes and grids to construct the head and face. It’s like building a Lego portrait, but with less plastic and more fun! Here’s a breakdown of the key principles:

1. Grid System:

The method utilizes a grid system to establish the basic proportions of the head from various angles. This grid helps you place facial features accurately and ensures a balanced composition.

Loomis devised different grids for front, side, and three-quarter views, each with specific measurements and proportions.

2. Planes and Shapes:

Instead of focusing on individual features first, Loomis teaches how to break down the head into basic geometric shapes and planes. This simplifies the complex form and helps you understand the underlying structure.

The main shapes include the cranium (a sphere), the jaw (a cube), and the nose (a series of wedges).

3. Feature Placement:

Once the basic shapes are established, the method guides you on precisely placing the facial features within the grid and planes. This ensures proper spacing and avoids distortions.

Loomis provides detailed instructions for each feature, including the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and eyebrows, with specific measurements and relationships to other parts of the head.

4. Construction and Refinement:

After placing the features, the method teaches you to gradually refine the drawing by adding details, shading, and texture. This involves understanding facial anatomy and light interaction to create depth and realism.

Loomis emphasizes the importance of observation and practice, encouraging students to study real faces and apply the principles to capture individual likenesses.

So, what are the benefits of the Loomis Method? Here are some of them:

– It gives you a structured approach: The grid and shape system offer a clear roadmap for beginners, reducing overwhelming complexity. No more guessing where to put the eyes, nose, and mouth!

– It improves accuracy: By focusing on proportions and placement, the method helps avoid common mistakes and create realistic portraits. No more alien-looking faces or crooked noses!

– It’s versatile: The principles can be applied to various portrait styles and head angles. You can draw anyone from any angle with the Loomis Method!

-Enhances expression: By understanding the structure of the head, you can manipulate it to create different expressions and emotions.

-Makes you look cool: Seriously, who doesn’t want to draw awesome portraits like Loomis? He was a master of his craft and his style is timeless

But wait, there’s more! The Loomis Method also has some limitations. Here are some of them:

– It can be rigid: Some artists find the grid system too restrictive and prefer a more fluid approach. They like to draw with more freedom and expression, not following rules and guidelines.

– It focuses on structure: While important, overemphasizing structure can lead to a stiff or mechanical look if not balanced with other artistic considerations. You still need to pay attention to things like shading, lighting, colour, and texture.

– It requires practice: Mastering the method takes time and dedication, and it’s not a shortcut to instant portrait mastery. You still need to practice a lot and learn from your mistakes.

So, is the Loomis Method worth learning? Absolutely! It’s a valuable tool for aspiring portrait artists. Its structured approach and emphasis on proportions can provide a strong foundation for developing your drawing skills and creating accurate and expressive portraits.

If you want to learn more about the Loomis Method, here are some additional resources for you:

– Books: “Drawing the Head and Figure” by Andrew Loomis, “Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth” by Andrew Loomis. These are the classic books by the master himself. They are full of examples, explanations, and exercises that will teach you everything you need to know about the Loomis Method.

– Websites:

1.AshishPatelAtelier:  https://ashishpatelatelier.com/drawing-courses/)

2.Andrew Loomis Foundation (andrewloomis.org), 13 Steps for Drawing Heads using the Loomis Method (bingedrawing.com).

These are some websites that offer free online tutorials and tips on how to use the Loomis Method. They are easy to follow and very helpful.

– YouTube channels: AshishPatelAtelier, The Drawing Club, Proko, New Masters Academy. These are some YouTube channels that feature videos on how to draw portraits using the Loomis Method. They are fun to watch and very informative.

I hope this blog post helps you on your journey to mastering portrait drawing with the Loomis Method! Remember, practice makes perfect, so grab your pencil and paper and start drawing! And don’t forget to have fun!

If you want to learn more about the Loomis Method, check out his books or online tutorials.

You’ll be amazed by how much you can improve your portrait drawing skills with this method. Happy sketching!