Step-by-step: Breaking down facial structure

1I almost always start with a line-work sketch when trying to figure out the anatomy. There’s no point in getting too detailed when exploring the underlying structure, and the line-work will come in handy later on, once I begin the painting process. I just like to have fun at this point.

2Once the basic idea has been established, I’ll lower the Opacity of the sketch or the final and produce a mock- up of what the skull might look like. This is important because it lays the ground work for the musculature, which provides the bulk of the topical anatomy.

3Working with both the sketch layer and the skull layer’s Opacity lowered, I’ll lay down the general outline and start to define the muscle groups. Look at musculature charts of similar animals like lions or bears, and figure out how the muscle would attach to your original skull.