Framing the face: where things sit
Why the empty space around a face matters as much as the face.
May 2026 · 1 min read
When you draw a portrait, you are tempted to place the face dead-centre. But perfect centre often looks lifeless. If the face turns slightly to one side, leave a little more space on that side so the gaze has "room to travel".
Do not crowd the top of the head
A common mistake is to draw the face so high that the chin drops off and the top of the head sticks to the edge. Leave a little breathing space above the head; that small gap turns a portrait from a "passport photo" into a picture.
