How to draw skulls?

A human skull drawing can be very difficult as it involves drawing a 3D object in a 2D format. This article explains how you can do it in simple step-by-step instructions.

Starting

Start the skull sketch by drawing a light oval in pencil. On the page, you need to ensure that the oval is vertical. You should also trace an oval around the base of a vase or piece of construction paper, if the need arises.

Eye holes

Draw the eye sockets in with a pencil first. The sockets should be of two holes in the shape of horizontal ovals. The sockets should be side by side and should be about two-thirds up on the oval.

Nose

Draw a hole for a nose in pencil. The nose should be drawn in a crooked shape.

Cheekbones

Now sketch the cheekbones in pencil. Trace the top of the oval and then, when your pencil reaches the same level as the eye sockets, start to slightly curve into the middle of the face in order to create the basis of a cheekbone. When you reach the bottom of the eye socket with your pencil, push the line back out towards the oval and the cheekbone will be completed.

Jaw

Draw the mouth and the jaw in with a pencil. Draw a straight line down from where the cheekbones end towards the bottom part of the skeleton face that you have already drawn. Curve the line slightly inwards towards the middle of the oval, and then connect the two lines in order to complete the two sides of the face.

Mouth

From the mark in between the cheekbones and jaw, draw two lines with one heading towards the bottom of the jaw and one angled slightly in, and then across to the other side of the cheekbone in order to complete the skull's mouth.

Teeth

Draw teeth in the mouth by making straight vertical lines in the mouth, with a single horizontal line in order to separate the top from bottom teeth. Draw as many or as little teeth as you like.

Making it look real

Add small marks with the pencil to the various cavities on the skull and any dents and marks that you wish in order to make the skeleton look realistic. If you want your skull to smile, give it a few smile creases on the sides of its face.

Finishing

Finish off drawing over the skull with a black marker so as to make the lines stand out more. Colour it anyway you like, and make it your own individual drawing. Maybe you can add some skull crossbones.