How to Draw a Nose From the 3/4 View

Finished nose drawing from the 3/4 view with detailed pencil shading.

We continue to show you how to draw a nose from different angles. Here we will show you how to draw a nose from the 3/4 view.

When drawing a portrait, you need to know how to create all parts of the face. And in order for you to be able to construct any face from any point of view, we have created this series of tutorials for you.

If our tutorials on constructing parts of the face from the front are necessary to draw a full-face portrait, then this guide will be useful if you want to depict a portrait from the 3/4 view.

How to draw a nose from the 3/4 view step by step

Step 1: Mark the nose guidelines

To draw the nose correctly, it is necessary to mark the centerlines first. Start with a long vertical line that indicates the middle of the face. Mark the location of the base of the tip of the nose at the bottom of the line and the location of the bridge of the nose at the top.

Marking the centerline and key points for the nose from the 3/4 view.

Step 2: Sketch the nose forms

Using very light lines and the guidelines from the previous step, sketch the outlines of the nose. Sketch the bridge, the tip, and the wing of the nose. While drawing these parts, keep in mind that the nose is a three-dimensional form and try to convey this volume on paper.

Sketching the bridge, tip, and wing of the nose with light lines.

Step 3: Refine the nose contours

Now, using darker and sharper lines, draw the outline of the nose. Construct the wing of the nose and the visible part of the nostril more clearly. Do not forget to constantly compare the different parts of the sketch with each other to avoid mistakes.

Refining the nose contours and defining the visible nostril and wing.

Step 4: Add subtle edge lines

To give the nose drawing a more three-dimensional look, sketch the edges with very light lines and erase all the guidelines. Draw the line of the bridge, the tip, and the wing of the nose. To check your sketch for mistakes, move it farther away from you from time to time or look at it in a mirror.

Adding subtle lines along the bridge, tip, and wing of the nose.

Step 5: Add shadows to the nose

To do this, you need to draw shadows using classic hatching. Start with the darkest areas, then draw the midtone shadows. Leave the lightest areas untouched. If you have sketched the nose by following all the steps above, it is time to make the final touches, find any mistakes, and correct them. Look for even small mistakes in the relationship between the light and dark areas and fix them as well.

Finishing the 3/4 view nose with hatching, shadows, and tonal details.

Do not forget that constant practice is the main ally of any artist. To solidify the skills learned in this nose drawing tutorial, try sketching it a few more times using the steps above.

Also try drawing a person’s face, detailing the nose and other facial features, while keeping the different parts of the face consistent and giving the portrait a finished look.

To draw a nose accurately and convincingly, it is necessary not only to know how to sketch lines and add shadows but also to understand the drawing anatomy of the nose.

If you know at least in general terms what the nose consists of and what forms affect its appearance, it will be much easier for you to draw this part of the face.

In addition to knowing anatomy, it is also useful to do drawing exercises that help you understand how to depict shadows convincingly.

For example, our tutorials on drawing a sphere and drawing a cylinder are exercises that develop the ability to apply shadows on rounded surfaces.