Rule 8 | Measure

Lesson 2 | Rolling skulls

45 min.

Start by measuring height and width. Always draw more than one line, and let them intersect where you think the lines are right.

Step 1 | Walk trough the gallery.

Scroll through the gallery and approach these skulls by Ron Mueck in the Fondation Cartier in Paris.

Link to the exhibition …

Memento Mori is a Latin phrase meaning „remember you must die.“

Rooted in ancient philosophy and Christian tradition, it serves as a reminder of life’s brevity and mortality. By contemplating death, we’re encouraged to focus on living meaningfully, valuing the present, and prioritizing what truly matters.

Artists often depict memento mori themes with symbols like skulls, skeletons or wilting flowers, highlighting the transient nature of life. This concept invites reflection on our existence and reminds us to embrace humility and purpose.

Walking Skeleton, Gesina ter Borch, c. 1656, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

Step 2 | Measure - find directions - then sketch!

Dashes -little lines and even dotties help to find the form

Skulls offer an exciting opportunity to explore the interplay of lines and form, allowing us to balance structure and intuition in the drawing process.

1 | Preparation
Ensure you have a clear idea of a skull’s basic form. Begin with a light outline, focusing on structure rather than details—think of it as a basic framework. Visualize the skull as a three-dimensional shape of two balls to help capture its proportions.

2 | Fluttering Line
Use the “Fluttering Line” technique to sketch gentle, irregular lines to find the overall form.

These “fluttering” lines introduce a sense of movement and life, letting you establish a first structure without pressure. Think of it as visual noise from which the skull will gradually emerge.

3 | Line Bundles
Focus here on creating bundles of lines around areas of the skull that you want to emphasize, like the eye sockets and jawline. These line bundles help give the skull a sense of depth and make the drawing feel more three-dimensional.