How do I draw realistic faces?

How do you draw peoples faces?

• Okay, so I like to draw, but I feel like I'm REALLY inferior in comparison to so many other art/creative kids in my school. I look at my stuff, and it does not look as good. So I want to learn how to draw things really well. Trees, structures, landscapes, but I want to try something new. Faces. When I draw faces t comes out more as a cartoonist, and my drawings aren't exactly "neat". So I want to learn how to draw faces of people in a book I'm writing so I can just have a visual (I guess) on their characteristics. It's like I have a good idea and a picture in my head, and when it goes on paper it doesn't turn out as good. -sigh- /: Anyway, Thanks for any input you give out!! (:

• Answer:

  Male and female faces are different challenges to tackle. Males have less distinguishable characteristics, and can be more difficult to produce in a less-cartoonish way. Hair is important, it effects the whole look of the face. And eyebrows are critical, they can make or break a face sketch. Pointing the eyes in certain directions, can create immediate, attentive looks, or sharp emotions. You'll probably experience difficulty with the nose, at first. A normal 'hook' nose can be more realistic, but getting it right, can be a real challenge. Line and dot noses are easier, but less realistic, and have to be done right, also. The twist of a lip can add a convincing smirk. Practice and plenty of eraser is required, if you do it the old fashioned way. You might try some tracing to help you get used to it. Then spend time developing your technique with freehand pencil. Using pictures as 'models' helps a lot. This is the 'do it yourself' method, but- after some hard work, and some frustrations- it can produce results. If you have enough computer, you can use sites like DAZ to create CG stills.