Redman simplifies complex facial anatomy into basic geometric structures to ensure drawings remain recognizable. This echoes foundational cartooning techniques that use a few core shapes to manage spatial relationships. Facial Element Primary Shape Focus Common Alterations Spheres, Squares, Triangles Stretching the cranium vertically or squashing it Eyes Circles or ovals
Because How to Draw Caricatures by Lenn Redman is a classic text, digital copies and PDFs can often be found through open-source archives, library lending networks (like Internet Archive), and specialized art forums.
The cornerstone of Redman’s philosophy is the concept of the Inbetweener
: By establishing what a "normal" face looks like—standard distances between eyes, the average width of a nose, and typical chin placement—you can identify exactly where your subject deviates from that norm. how to draw caricatures lenn redman pdf work
Lenn Redman was an American animator, cartoonist, and author. He spent decades refining his ability to look at a face, identify its defining characteristics, and exaggerate them without losing the subject's likeness.
Redman emphasizes that every face has a dominant line or rhythm. It might be the sweeping curve of a jawline, the sharp angle of a brow, or the tilt of the mouth. Redman instructs artists to find this single, defining line first and build the entire caricature around it to preserve the subject's energy. 4. The Geometry of Features
Redman believed that caricature is not just about drawing "ugly" or distorted faces. Instead, it is an interpretive art form. It uncovers the psychological and physical truth of a person. His book serves as a structured, step-by-step workbook designed to train your eyes to see what ordinary people miss. Core Concepts of Redman’s Work The cornerstone of Redman’s philosophy is the concept
Redman’s emphasis on clean, minimalist lines translates perfectly to modern vector art and character design for animation. Finding and Using the Work Safely
Though written decades before the advent of digital tablets, How to Draw Caricatures remains highly relevant for digital illustrators using Procreate, Photoshop, or Clip Studio Paint.
Unlike many “just exaggerate” guides, Redman’s system is and teaches you to see structure first . His book is full of before/after examples of celebrities (Lincoln, Einstein, etc.) using this shape-based exaggeration. Redman emphasizes that every face has a dominant
While finding a free PDF of the complete 166-page book is highly unlikely due to copyright, you can get the book or its core content through these legitimate channels:
I can tailor your next drawing drills to suit your specific goals and skill level! How to draw caricatures | Adobe
Is the subject's lower lip larger than the top? Do they have a prominent chin or a receding jawline? Redman emphasizes capturing the negative space between the bottom of the nose and the top of the chin to establish the subject’s profile character. Why Artists Look for Lenn Redman PDF Works
Mastering the art of caricature requires much more than just a passing ability to render a face; it requires a deep understanding of human psychology, proportion, and exaggeration. For decades, aspiring and professional artists alike have turned to Lenn Redman's definitive guide, How to Draw Caricatures . While the physical book was originally published in 1984, the methodologies taught within it remain foundational for artists. Whether you are studying an accessible How to Draw Caricatures by Lenn Redman - Book Review on YouTube, reading a digital edition from Internet Archive , or studying a Scribd document, Redman’s time-tested principles are proven to elevate your caricature work.