I attended a figure drawing class for the first time in years, and it was an eye-opening experience. As someone who works in makeup, I couldn’t help but notice the parallels and differences between drawing on paper and working on a face. Both involve creating an illusion of depth, but one translates 3D onto a flat surface, while the other enhances features on a living, three-dimensional canvas.
Figure Drawing: From 3D to 2D
Figure drawing takes a 3D subject and renders it onto a 2D surface. Using shading, highlights, and line work, you create the illusion of depth. A key lesson from the class was understanding how light interacts with the body—every curve and angle shifts based on the light source, and capturing these subtleties brings the drawing to life.
This process requires breaking down what you see into shapes and values—like solving a puzzle. Where is the darkest shadow? The brightest highlight? These decisions define the form.
Makeup: Enhancing a 3D Canvas
Makeup starts with a three-dimensional surface—the face. Instead of creating depth, you’re enhancing or reshaping existing features. Techniques like contouring and highlighting are akin to shading, using light and dark tones to play with perception. A well-placed contour slims a nose, while highlighter makes cheekbones pop.
Unlike drawing, makeup involves working with textures and colors that interact with light in real time. Unlike the smooth predictability of paper, the face as a canvas can be wildly unpredictable—with unique textures, scars, or blemishes that must be worked with or around, adding a layer of challenge and creativity to the process. No two faces are the same, so understanding their unique planes and dimensions is key to achieving balance.
Parallels and Differences
Both figure drawing and makeup artistry require an understanding of light, shadow, and anatomy. Observing and interpreting—whether sketching a shoulder’s curve or enhancing a brow—guides the viewer’s eye to what you want them to see. Both involve creative decisions about emphasis and subtlety.
The key difference lies in permanence. Drawings can last nearly forever, while makeup is fleeting, alive with the wearer’s movements. Drawing distills a 3D form into 2D, while makeup builds outward on a 3D structure.
Figure drawing reminded me how interconnected art forms are. Whether pencil on paper or a brush on skin, both celebrate and elevate the beauty of the human form. I’m inspired to bring lessons from the drawing class into my makeup practice. Understanding light, shadow, and form transcends mediums—if you’ve tried one, I encourage you to explore the other. You might be surprised by what you learn. If this resonates with you, consider enrolling in one of the upcoming art or makeup classes to deepen your skills and creativity!
