The above diagram is representative of a typical head abstraction I use when drawing realistic

portraits. It is based off the Reilly and the Watts abstractions. I took from them what made the most
sense to me, according to my understanding of facial anatomy. I don't always use every one of these
rhythms and I sometimes add other rhythms not shown here. But these are the most frequently used
and most helpful, in my experience.

The abstraction can be adapted very easily to caricature when attempting to construct highly
exaggerated heads at different angles. The abstraction in caricature helps you to control the anatomy
and perspective when used properly.

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Outline the shape of the head and neck.

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Draw the brow and eye socket rhythms

from one side of the face to the other.
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 Draw the rhythms for the upper and
lower eyelids.

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Draw the nose rhythms, consisting of the
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front, bottom and side planes. Connect

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the bridge of the nose to the brows.

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Draw the naso-labial rhythm.

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 Draw the muzzle rhythm.

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Draw the rhythms from the lips and chin.

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Additional rhythms I sometimes use are:

A. Brow - downward arch
B. Inner eyelid
12 C. Nasal cartilage
D. Lower cheekbone to nose
E. Nodes (corners of the mouth)

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