Head Study for iPhone

App summary and purpose

Head Study, created by Stephen Bauman Artwork, is a study aid for artists focused on head and portrait anatomy. It combines simplified planar breakdowns with an anatomically accurate male skull model so you can examine how the planes of the face relate to the bone structure beneath. The app is intended as a visual reference and teaching aid for observational practice, not as a step-by-step drawing tutorial.

Interactive anatomy and visualization tools

• Switch between the planar diagram, the skull model, and the muscle layer to compare surface planes with internal structure.
• Modify multiple light sources — their placement and intensity — to study how form and shadow behave under different conditions.
• Enable an annotated overlay that highlights important landmarks and offers concise anatomical notes.
• Rotate and zoom the 3D models freely to inspect forms from any viewpoint.

How it supports skill development

This resource helps artists translate three-dimensional head forms into convincing drawings and paintings. By studying simplified planes alongside accurate bone and muscle references, you can develop stronger proportion sense, improve value relationships, and better predict how light defines form. The app works well as a sketching aid during practice sessions or as a quick reference while you paint.

Who will get the most from it

Beginners will find the simplified planes approachable for learning major structural relationships. Intermediate and advanced artists can use the skull and muscle layers to refine anatomical accuracy and improve portrait realism. The combination of layered models and adjustable lighting makes it useful across many skill levels.

Additional lessons and contact

The Head Study app was designed to complement a series of portrait drawing and painting lessons available on Stephen Bauman’s Patreon. For access to those lessons and to contact the artist, visit: https://patreon.com/StephenBaumanArtwork. For specific questions about the app or course content, use the messaging or contact options provided on that page.