Skull and Facial Muscle Anatomy

[2–3 classes, 80 min each]

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students will explore the structure of the human face by studying both the skull and the facial muscles. Using a portrait photograph of themselves, they will create layered drawings on vellum paper to better understand how underlying anatomical structures influence appearance. Over three sessions, students will draw and shade a skull, illustrate the major facial muscles, and complete a labeled anatomical overlay. This project combines observation, anatomy, and artistic technique to deepen understanding of the human form.

Lesson Objectives

Explore the anatomical structure of the human skull and facial muscles.
Develop observational drawing and shading skills.
Understand how underlying bone and muscle structures influence facial appearance and expression.
Create a layered anatomical overlay using vellum paper.

Builds on: Portrait Drawing

Anatomy and Portraiture

Artists study anatomy to better understand how the human face is constructed. The skull provides the foundational structure — the shape of the eye sockets, the width of the jaw, the bridge of the nose — while the facial muscles sit above the bone and are what actually produce expression: a raised brow, a smile, a squint. By examining both layers, artists can create portraits that feel structurally accurate and convincingly alive, rather than just a likeness copied from the surface.

Layered Drawing Technique

Using transparent or semi-transparent paper, such as vellum, allows artists to build images in layers. This technique helps visualize what lies beneath the surface and is often used in both scientific illustration and design.

Discussion Brainstorm

What features of your face do you think are influenced most by your skull structure? What features are influence mostly by muscle?
Why might artists benefit from studying what lies beneath the skin?
What differences do you notice between a skull and a living face?
Which facial muscles do you think are most active when you smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows?
How can understanding both the underlying skeleton and the muscles above it help us better understand the structure and expression of the face?

You'll Need

Printed portrait photograph (front-facing)
Vellum paper
HB pencil and eraser
Colored pencils
Fine liner or pen (optional)
Regular and double-sided tape
Reference images of the skull and facial muscles

What to Do

Part 1: Skull Drawing

Begin by reviewing the lesson and observing reference images of the human skull.
Place vellum paper over your printed portrait photograph.
Using an HB pencil, carefully draw the skull aligned with your facial proportions.
Focus on major structures such as the eye sockets, nasal cavity, and jaw.
Add shading with a black colored pencil to create depth and form.
Label the key parts of the skull.

Part 2: Facial Muscles

Place a new sheet of vellum paper over your portrait.
Using reference images, draw the major facial muscles in pencil — such as the frontalis (forehead), orbicularis oculi (around the eyes), orbicularis oris (around the mouth), zygomaticus major (cheek), and masseter (jaw).
Color the muscles using a red colored pencil and shade with indigo blue to create depth and form.
Pay attention to how each muscle connects to the skull and to nearby muscles, and which expressions each one controls.
Label each muscle as you draw it.

Part 3: Final Composition

Review and refine both your skull and facial muscle drawings.
Ensure labels are clear and neatly presented.
Layer the vellum sheets over your portrait to create a complete anatomical overlay.
Make any final adjustments to improve clarity, alignment, and presentation.
Ensure all the layers are firmly taped together.

Terminology

Skull — The bone structure that forms the head and supports the face.

Facial Muscles — Muscles beneath the skin that control facial expressions.

Anatomy — The study of the structure of living organisms.

Overlay — A layer placed over another image to add additional information or detail.

Vellum Paper — A semi-transparent paper used for layering drawings.

Shading — A technique used to create the illusion of depth and form using light and dark values.

Elementary

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