Before I talk about ears, I want to show a diagram of light hitting a sphere in order to introduce the concept of “formulas”. It's crucial to understand this pattern because it is a manifestation of a fundamental formula that describes how light interacts with any object.
The formula for light hitting an object follows the same pattern.
Let's break this pattern down because the sphere is the simplest form to demonstrate the patterns of light and shadow, which apply to all opaque surfaces.
A high resolution image of this sphere is here.
From the light source on the left, where it hits the closest part of an object, is a highlight. Next comes a halftone - the color of the object in its natural state not hit by direct light. Just beyond the halftone, the soft-edged form shadow begins as the sphere bends away form the light. The form shadow is a term for the shadow an object creates on it self, and can be thought of as the dark side of the object.
The next stage reveals the core shadow. If you squint, you will see what appears to be a darker ring around the sphere. The core shadow links together the sphere’s gradual form shadow with reflected light emanating from the surface on which the sphere sits - light from the surface reflects onto the bottom area of the sphere. The cast shadow describes the contour of the form on a surface where light cannot reach. The cast shadow is typically what we think of when we hear the word “shadow”.
The funny thing about ears - everyone knows that you can't draw them if they aren't visible in your drawings. Yes, hair will camouflage ears, but it's obvious when you don't know. You may be able to get away with it in the short term, but eventually, you will have to confront the obstacles. Why not take time to learn how they are put together?
Think of the earlobe as an additional piece tied on with two straps.
You can also think of the ear's shape as a backwards stylized question mark.
Let's begin.
I sketch in a few loose pencil strokes. The top curve, called the helix, is wider than the bottom lobe area
The inner curve of the upper helix does not mirror the top. The tubercle, as it’s called, has its own shape. The inner edge of the tubercle is called the scapha and everyone's is different.
I draw the shapes of the shadows - the darker areas indicate they are further back in space. Now we have created some depth. They are still simply shapes.
The ear example on the right shows an incorrect approach to tackling the inner curve; they are never the same width. Each ridge of cartilage is unique. Pay attention to the shapes. If you get stuck, you can always draw the shadows. The form will reveal itself.
Now I add patterns of shadow. What areas come forward? What areas recede? The value shades depict how far back the shapes move in space. The inner rim of the ear is known as the antihelix. It gets more light than its upper and lower areas of attachment. The "v" shape in the upper area of the helix is called the "triangular fossa" - it does look like an upside down triangle.
The flap of stiff cartilage that covers the entrance of the ear canal is called the tragus - most people have two little bumps on theirs. No two are alike. Pay attention to the shape of the shadow behind it instead of trying to draw the ridge itself.
I render the width of the tubercle by drawing the shape of its cast shadow on the top of the antihelix. The antihelix presents as two branches. I showed them branching in a simplified drawing in my post introducing this series. These two ”branches” are known as the legs of the antihelix.
When in doubt, simplify.
It's time to darken the cast shadows. Adding darker values to the cast shadows makes the ear appear even more three-dimensional.
I use some light pencil strokes to map out the bumps and valleys of cartilage in the earlobe. The “antitragus” is the bump of cartilage directly above the lobe.
A new shadow shape appears from darker values within the initial lighter layers. To me, this new shape looked like a hedgehog balancing on a very large nose. This area of the ear is called the concha, which is related to the word “conch”. If you look carefully, you can see why it was named after a shell. It spirals back into the inner ear through the ear canal.
The cast shadows of the lower helix are darkened where the lower helix attaches to the antihelix.
I deliberately leave a hard edge on the cast shadow made by the top curve of the helix.
I develop the core shadows so they create the illusion of turning form, which can be thought of surface curvature.
When you understand the basic patterns of light and shadow and know the light source, you can apply to any object the same sets of rules that I showed on the sphere. The patterned repetitions of light and shadow apply to all forms.
The interior ear follows a predictable course established by the general patterns of light and shadow. The highlight is followed by the halftone, followed by the form shadow as the cartilage bends away, followed by the core, which is the very instant that the form moves completely out of the light source. Augmenting the overarching pattern from the principal light source is that of the reflected light, where the surface reflects light back onto the form.
The cast shadow is the culmination of these patterns. It starts out with a crisp edge right underneath the mass, and gradually fades into a softer shape as it moves away from the object before the whole process repeats itself.
And there you have it. A human ear.
Drawings © Johanna Westerman 2016 for this steemit tutorial
I think the hedgehog could have his own strip :) Great work, I need more!
Funny accident - but why not? Thank you, @vegascomic!
Kind of like a one panel Ziggy... funny ironic.
Again, an excellent article. Great work on the drawing as well as the Steeming! Namaste :)
Thank you, @eric-boucher. I'm glad you are enjoying my series.
I love your drawings and the way you make notes for each! Thanks for sharing this!
That's what I call 'art'!
Thank you, @richman. I'll keep them coming.
Wow what a phenomenal use of SteemIt. I have a high regard for art and is why it is the focus of my new concept called SteemAway. You can see what it is all about and consider steemawaying your art too. Go to http://steemaway.win
Thanks again for a great tutorial!
^votE
This is truly an amazing way to make and pull people back to the drawing tables. I really enjoyed reading and watching it and I am sure it is of great help for me. I draw a lot ( Also share that here on my blog) but I have always struggled with portraits and humans. I am going to start with an ear and eye and just focus on them until I get it! Thank you for sharing this amazing piece of art!
I really like how you opened with the explanation with the sphere and light. Really great detailed post!
This is the fundamental key step that many who start out want to skip. Drawing simple shapes convincingly pays huge dividends later.
Life drawing of simple objects with different simple textures, like eggs for example, with 1 light source in a dark room is one of the first things I suggest for students starting out.
Very very good tutorial, @fairytalelife !
My brother draws, and says the same thing. He practiced more with light and simple shapes then he did with putting together a complete drawing for a long while.
Thanks, @doctorstrange. You are right. It's the only way to learn. I liken it to playing scales on the piano. It's busywork that makes a world of difference in your craft.
So fun, being in an art workshop. Thanks for the tutorials Johanna!
I'm glad you are having fun! Thank you, @ajavajive
very fantastic and compelling work, I have learned a lot of things, from the beginning until the end , thank you . :)
Thanks, @uziriel. I'm glad you found it helpful. That makes me happy!
Your posts make me want to start sketching again. Thanks.
Wow, @mynameisbrian. I do like to hear that. I hope you go for it. Thank you!
Excellent post @fairytalelife !.. Very detailed I think even I could draw an ear from looking at this..well done:)
@cryptoiskey - great! Let's see it. :)
Thank you. That is the ultimate compliment.
good sketch
This post took me back to Art collage! :D
Thank you and nice work.
Thanks, @b0y2k. Were they good memories?
sometime ratio is hard to control,you simplify the process.good to see more work coming from u.
Thanks, @kyleb15. I know it can get away from you. This is how I learned and it was far less intimidating when the steps were broken down.
That's phenomenal! Love it!
I'm so glad, @sascha. Your work is equally admired!
I enjoy each one of your tutorial.
https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@steempowerwhale/i-am-steempowerwhale-and-i-am-here-to-upvote-your-lifetime-dreams
I really love these kind of posts. maybe you try next time with videos? just a suggestion.
This is tutorial truly amazing! While I'm not an artist, I have doodled and any time I need to draw an ear, I often use an
a or backward s
as my start point/guide. :)
@merej99, those work too. Thank you!
You're blowing my mind with these vivid, and detailed drawings.., and yes, charming and distinct instruction... You have inspired me, so much so -- to release my own (sort of) tutorials on a subject I consider myself to be quite skilled at -- "the art of making the perfect cocktail." Not quite the human form, but something I thought the Steemit community might need after a long day of posting. Always such a pleasure to digest material you are so gracious to share @fairytalelife :))
Thanks you, @macksby. I would very much enjoy that kind of tutorial. You are absolutely right - especially after formatting this post. ;)
The most useful advice I learned when I started drawing was that in realistic drawings there are no lines. There may be hard or soft edges, but it is the change in shading/highlighting that creates the shape, not lines. Outlines don't exists in the real world. When I focused on this aspect of my own drawings it immediately and dramatically improved my work
I prefer to use a keyboard rather than a pen, but the hedgehog made this tutorial a perfect one.
Another great art lesson. I can't help but notice how so much of indecision even in art is helped by
reverting to "simplicity".
You are right, @team101. And thank you. Draw the shapes and the form will come together.
Very informational! Thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Eric.
what a wonderfully quirky article..Got to love Steemit.
Thanks, @ukblogger. It's a first for me too.
Great Blog. I have the new iPad Pro at my company and I wonder if you could record the hole process of drawing the ear there? might look quite awesome. of course not as precise as these drawings! cheers
ears are so hard to draw. You gonna do a tutorial on hands?
Coming soon, @frk
youre the man now dawg
brilliant tutorial! more of this please :)
Thanks, @lilli. More is on the way
There it is! See? I knew it. :)
Nice. I'm still perfecting my stick figure.
Your shading work is amazing! Great post and description on the process.
I'm glad you found it helpful, @cmtzco. Comments like yours make me want to keep doing these. Thank you!
Wow it is so cool to watch how you work these up. I love the hedgehog, lol. I wish I could draw, you gave me some hope that maybe I can learn.
@drlupo, thank you. I'm glad you are inspired. Of course you can!
I can't wait to draw the lips tomorrow!
Nose first, @drinkzya - then you get dessert
I think I've said this and I know I speak for everyone when o say this but.... CAN YOU DRAW A PENIS PRETTY PLEASE!!!???
very details tutorial @fairytalelife , thanks
Thanks to you, @faraz. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
lol this came at a perfect time for me, thanks, bookmarking this.
I'm glad, @liquiddrainbowx. Thank you!
That shadow shape creature made my day.
Thanks, @rubenalexander. Your comment made mine! Why not? :)
I might actually be able to draw an ear in the near future. This was a good post.
@fairytalelife congratulations on success of your post, here's my funny take on drawing tutorials
https://steemit.com/art/@unrealisback/how-to-draw-my-face-when-i-see-how-to-draw-posts-make-huge-payouts
absolutely fabulous tutorial!! you are such a talented artist AND teacher!
Thank you so much, dear @natureofbeing. But so are you!
love that little shadow!
Thank you, @micheletrainer - it was an afterthought! :) But it works, right?