The foundation of Redman's method is the concept of the . He teaches that every face exists in relation to a "classic" or average set of proportions. By using this average as a mental reference point, you can identify exactly how your subject's features deviate from the norm.
By anchoring your art in the classic rules of anatomy and proportion laid out by masters like Lenn Redman, your caricatures will look less like random distortion and more like brilliant, humorous psychological portraits.
: To simplify the process, Redman breaks the face down into five essential shapes: the head, eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Seeing these as simple geometric forms first makes it easier to manipulate them without losing the person's likeness. Key Techniques in the Book
The enduring power of How to Draw Caricatures is a testament to Lenn Redman's genius as both an artist and a teacher. It's a book that doesn't just teach you to draw; it teaches you to see the world with a caricaturist's eye.
The central principle Redman teaches is the art of "exaggeration"—not distortion.