Summary of the "Ball and Plane" Method from "Drawing Heads & Hands" by Andrew Loomis

Andrew Loomis' “Ball and Plane Technique” is a structured method for drawing the human head with accurate proportions and perspective. It simplifies the head into basic geometric forms, making it easier to construct from different angles. Here’s how it works:

1. Start with a Ball – The head is first represented as a sphere, which approximates the cranium. This helps establish volume and makes it easier to rotate the head in space.

2. Slice Off the Sides – Since the human head isn’t a perfect sphere, Loomis suggests cutting off the sides to create a flatter plane where the side of the head (temporal region) sits. This forms the basic structure of the skull.

3. Find the Centerlines – By drawing vertical and horizontal guidelines on the sphere, you can establish the facial centerline (which follows the tilt and rotation of the head) and the **brow line** (which divides the face into upper and lower sections).

4. Add the Jaw & Planes of the Face – The lower portion of the face (jaw and chin) is constructed as a blocky shape extending from the sphere, connecting at key landmarks. Loomis simplifies facial features into planes to clarify the structure before adding details.

5. Refine Proportions & Features – Using general proportions (e.g., the brow, nose, and chin evenly dividing the face), you can place features accurately within the structured form. The method keeps the head three-dimensional and anatomically correct, no matter the angle.

Loomis’ approach is especially useful because it helps beginners construct the head in perspective, ensuring solidity and accurate proportions rather than relying on guesswork.

Follow this link to see me demonstrate this technique hundreds of times in

Short Timelapse videos

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