Before drawing eyes or lips, Redman trains artists to see the entire head as a single, solid mass. He categorizes almost all human heads into three fundamental shapes: The standard, balanced baseline shape.
Here are the specific problems with PDF learning and the solutions:
Look for what sticks out first. Is it a massive forehead? A tiny chin? Deep-set eyes? This becomes your anchor. 2. Exaggerate the Relationships
The central concept of Redman’s teaching is , an idealized "average" face based on classic portraiture proportions. how to draw caricatures lenn redman pdf work
Unlike others, Redman doesn’t give formulas (e.g., “nose = 3x size”). Instead:
He encourages imagining the face as a molded rubber form. If you "squeeze" the top of the head (the forehead), the jaw must "bulge" out to maintain the face's mass, ensuring the exaggeration feels balanced and grounded in anatomical logic. How To Draw Caricatures by Lenn Redman - Book Review
The book offers various styles, from quick sketches to fully rendered caricatures. Before drawing eyes or lips, Redman trains artists
A common misconception among beginners is that drawing a caricature simply means making a nose comically large or an ear disproportionately long. Redman’s foundational thesis is that a true caricature captures the and the personality of the subject, rather than just distorting their physical features.
If you are working through the lessons found in the Redman guide, you will generally follow this structured workflow to create a piece: Step 1: Observation and the "First Impression"
: Many caricature forums summarize his "Point-of-Entry" system. If you'd like, I can help you practice by: Breaking down the 4 basic head shapes Redman uses. Explaining his "In-and-Out" technique for profile views. Is it a massive forehead
: Redman’s cross-hatching and ink-control techniques are masterclasses in themselves. High-resolution PDFs allow you to zoom in closely on his original illustrations. Step-by-Step: How to Practice Like Redman
Redman’s book organizes the chaotic human face into a highly structured, step-by-step drawing formula. Whether you are reading his physical book or studying a digital PDF copy, his method relies on four fundamental pillars. 1. The Anatomy of Exaggeration
: (Often grouped with the facial relationship) acts as a pivot point for the other features.