How do you draw a neck?

Drawing a neck involves capturing its cylindrical form, the subtle muscles, and how it connects to the head and chest. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Basic Structure:

- Start with a vertical line to represent the centerline of the neck.

- Draw two horizontal ovals at the top (for the head) and bottom (for the chest).

2. Cylinder:

- Imagine the neck as a cylinder. Draw a curved line on each side of the centerline, connecting the ovals.

3. Front Muscles (Sternocleidomastoids):

- Draw two teardrop or wedge-like shapes on either side of the centerline. These represent the sternocleidomastoid muscles.

- The wider part of the teardrops should be at the chest, gradually tapering towards the head.

4. Trapezius Muscle:

- Draw a wider curved line at the back of the neck, connecting the head and chest ovals.

- This represents the trapezius muscle.

5. Head Connection:

- Draw the chin and jawline, connecting them smoothly with the neck.

6. Chest Connection:

- Refine the line at the chest, creating a slight bulge where the collarbone and neck meet.

7. Neck Details:

- Add slight curves to the sides of the neck cylinder to suggest a more organic cylindrical shape.

- Draw creases or folds on the sides of the neck, indicating muscle movement.

8. Shading (Optional):

- Add subtle shading to define the muscles and enhance the dimensionality of the neck.

9. Refinement:

- Clean up your lines and erase unnecessary guidelines.

10. Practice:

- Experiment with different angles and poses to master drawing necks.

Remember that every individual's neck may vary slightly in terms of shape and muscle development. Reference photographs or observe people's necks to refine your understanding of neck anatomy.