Mastering Planes of the face: A Complete Guide to Painting Portraits with Depth

Introduction

Understanding the planes of the face is a fundamental skill for portrait artists. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, breaking down the face into geometric planes helps you simplify complex forms, control values, and create realistic lighting.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through my process of painting a portrait using planar analysis, combining classical techniques with modern approaches. I’ll also reference expert insights from renowned artists and anatomy books to deepen your understanding.

Why Study the Planes of the face?

Before diving into the tutorial, let’s explore why this method is so powerful:

1. Simplifies Complex Forms

The human face is a three-dimensional structure, but beginners often struggle to capture its curves. By breaking it into flat planes (like a low-poly 3D model), we can focus on value transitions rather than getting lost in details.

“Think of the head as a series of blocks before refining it into curves.”
— Andrew Loomis, Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth

2. Improves Light & Shadow Understanding

Planes of the face reacts differently to light:

Front-facing planes (forehead, nose bridge) catch the most light.
Side planes (cheekbones, temples) are mid-toned.
Receding planes (eye sockets, under the chin) stay in shadow.

“Light reveals form. If you can’t see the planes, you can’t paint the light.”
— Steve Huston, Nuts and Bolts of Figure Painting

3. Used by Classical & Digital Artists

From Bridgman’s anatomy studies to modern 3D sculpting, planar analysis remains a core technique. Even Disney animators use simplified planes to maintain structure in stylized faces.

Step-by-Step Painting Process

Materials Used

Paints: Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Cobalt Blue, Ivory Black
Brushes: Flat, filbert, and soft blending brushes
Tools: Palette knife, sponge for texture
Reference: Sculpted head with clear planes (similar to Asaro Head model)

Step 1: Blocking in the Planes of the face

Basic Structure

Sketch the egg-shaped cranium and jawline.
Mark the center line (adjust for tilt).
Place the eyebrows, nose, and mouth using the Loomis method (eyes at midpoint, nose at 1.5-eye-length down).

Mapping Planes

Forehead: 3 main planes (center + two sides).
Nose: Pyramid-like structure with front, sides, and bottom.
Cheeks: Angular transitions from cheekbones to jaw.

Pro Tip: Use the Asaro Head model (a popular sculptural reference) to study the Planes of the face.

Step 2: Value Study

I mixed a 9-step value scale (from white to black) using Burnt Sienna and white, then darkened with blue/black.

Plane Location	Value	Color Mix
Forehead (center)	2 (light)	White + touch of Burnt Sienna
Temples	4 (mid)	Burnt Sienna + white
Eye sockets	7 (dark)	Burnt Sienna + Cobalt Blue

🔹 Key Insight: Keep edges sharp where planes meet (e.g., jawline), but soften transitions on rounded areas (cheeks).

Step 3: Adding Color & Depth

While the underpainting was monochromatic, I introduced subtle color shifts:

Warm tones (red/yellow) on nose, cheeks, and lips.
Cool tones (blue/gray) in shadows for atmospheric depth.

“Shadows aren’t just darker—they’re cooler. Light isn’t just brighter—it’s warmer.”
— James Gurney, Color and Light

Step 4: Refining Likeness

Adjusted eye tilt (a common mistake in portraits).
Added subtle reflected light under the chin.
Used broken edges (soft + hard transitions) for realism.

🔸 Common Mistake: Over-blending flattens the form. Preserve some brushwork to maintain structure.

Advanced Tips from Professional Artists

Dynamic Lighting (From Michael Hampton’s Design & Invention)

Try Rembrandt lighting (triangle highlight on one cheek) for dramatic volume.

Digital Shortcut (For Concept Artists)

Use a planar brush in Photoshop to block values quickly.

Sculptural Approach (From Gnomon Workshop)

Study skull anatomy to understand why planes exist (e.g., brow ridge, zygomatic arch).

Final Thoughts & Further Study of the Planes of the face

This exercise isn’t about one perfect painting—it’s about training your brain to see like an artist. For deeper learning:

Books: Bridgman’s Life Drawing, Hampton’s Figure Drawing
Models: 3D scan an Asaro Head (free downloads available).
Practice: Paint 10+ planar heads in different lighting.

Now it’s your turn! Grab a brush and start simplifying the Planes of the face. 🎨