D R AW I N G P R O G R A M

Head Drawing Phase III:

15-Second, 30-Second, 1-Minute Poses

OVERVIEW
In this lesson we will explore the art of head quick sketch as it applies to figure quick sketch, the third
phase in the figure program, as well as storyboarding, animation and idea generation. We will explore
this discipline by using two of Jeff’s favorites, Charles Dana Gibson and Joseph Clemet Cole. This will
also help to clarify simplification, idealization, and most importantly hand dexterity which will be used
in all areas of your art.

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 1
 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Head Drawing Phase III:
15-Second, 30-Second, 1-Minute Poses

M ATERIALS
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SETTING UP
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Suggested Reading:
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‡The Gibson Girl and Her America:
The Best Drawings
Charles Dana Gibson/Edmund Vincent Gillon
‡Joseph Clement Coll: The Art of Adventure
John Fleskes
‡The Magic Pen of Joseph Clement Coll
Walt Reed

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 2
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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Head Drawing Phase III:
15-Second, 30-Second, 1-Minute Poses

ASSIGNMENT: 15-second, 30-second, 1-minute poses

In these exercises we will practice the art of head quick sketch often use in figure quick sketch. This
skill will later be used in figure inventions, story boarding, illustration idea generation, and a host of
other areas. We will be working from Joseph Clement Coll and Charles Dana Gibson, but you can
also work from other artists and photos.

Part 1: Watch my video demonstration of these extremely quick head sketches.

Part 2 Make sure you order the Charles Dana Gibson book noted on the materials page. You will
need to refer to this for the heads I used. Feel free to do others from the book as well.

Part 3: These are an art in and of themselves, so take your time as you get a handle on them.
The key will be doing hundreds of these over time.

Part 4: After completing the ones I demonstrated, move on to other artists you admire who indicate
heads well. I find comic artists particularly useful.

Note: When approaching these sketches, start by filling up a good portion of your paper with ovals.
Then plug these heads into the ovals. Also practice designing the heads with partial information and
see what you can manage as you strive for a quick read. The viewer should be able to know the relative
size as well as angle of the head at a quick glance.

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 3
 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Head Drawing Phase III:
15-Second, 30-Second, 1-Minute Poses

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 4
1
 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Head Drawing Phase III:
15-Second, 30-Second, 1-Minute Poses

TIP: Take note of how the cross is used to quickly establish the center line and eye line. This will set up the
tilt of the head as well as whether it is straight, three-quarter, or profile. I often use a shape similar to a pair
of sunglasses to contain the eye sockets. The nose is locked down using the shadow cast down from it and
two dots to indicate where the outside of the lips are located.

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 5
 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Head Drawing Phase III:
15-Second, 30-Second, 1-Minute Poses

TIP: Notice as we get into the 30-second and 1-minute heads, we can capture the hair shape or hat as well
as some of the shadow mapping on the face. Always think design and containment of your shapes. Try to
distill every feature into a simplified shape that grasps the essence of that feature. It is all about cultivating
a high level of design and efficiency of thought. It is absolutely imperative you keep your charcoal pencil
well-sharpened. Good luck and have some fun with these.

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

© Watts Atelier of the Arts, LLC, 2013 www.wattsatelier.com 6
 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
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KEYNOTES: 15-second, 30-second, 1-minute poses

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Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

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