Jacquelin Vanderwood
November 2004
Here are some simple methods to learning how to draw facial changes in animation. Below we have a rather happy face next to a sad face. If we combine the two halves of each face, we immediately get a rather puzzled look. Draw three ovals and apply the same hair style to each. For the first face, you can tell it's happy because the eyes are open wide, the mouth swoops up into a smile and the eyebrows are high up. For the sad face, the eyebrows swoop down in sadness, the eyes are half closed and the mouth is somewhat of an upside down U. If we connect these two halves together then we have to manipulate the mouth to a more realistic version of the sad and happy one.
Here we have four versions of the same face. The first face is smiley. The last face is angry. The second face would then have to begin to become angry but still have somewhat of a happy look. On the other hand, the third face has a scowl which is almost angry. If you have trouble learning the different facial changes I suggest using a mirror.
Here is a more advanced version of the facial progression. The first face is dull and non-expressive. The last face is in full fright mode. The more advanced the animation, the more faces you'd actually have to draw.
Here's a side animation progression. I have them numbered for the purposes of drawing sequence. Begin with face 1, then 2, and so on. Look at the way the face changes over time. Take note of people as their faces change and practice drawing them.
Copyright (c) 2004, Jacquelin Vanderwood, All Rights Reserved
