Clear Easy Guide To Successful Portrait Drawing Art For The Absolute Beginner

Have you ever been captivated by the beauty and intricacies of portrait drawings? Do you want to learn how to create stunning portraits from scratch? If you're an absolute beginner in the world of portrait drawing, fear not! This clear and easy guide will provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to create impressive portraits that will leave everyone in awe.

The Importance of Portraits

Portraits have been a significant form of art for centuries. They capture the essence and emotions of the subject, allowing us to delve into their world. Portraits are not merely a representation of physical appearances; they have the power to convey stories, emotions, and memories. Whether you want to create portraits as a hobby or pursue a career in the arts, this guide will help you develop the skills needed to bring your portraits to life.

Gathering the Right Tools

Before starting your portrait drawing journey, it's important to have the right tools at your disposal. The most basic tools include high-quality pencils, erasers, paper, and a sharpener. Opt for a range of graphite pencils, starting from 2H for lighter shades and going up to 6B for darker tones. Experimenting with different pencil types will allow you to achieve various effects. Additionally, choose a paper with a smooth surface, specifically designed for detailed drawings.

Drawing Portraits for the Absolute Beginner: A Clear & Easy Guide to Successful Portrait Drawing (Art for the Absolute Beginner)

by Mark Willenbrink (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12940 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	131 pages

FREE

Understanding Proportions and Shapes

One of the fundamental aspects of portrait drawing is understanding proportions and shapes. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the classic proportions of the face. Pay attention to the placement of facial features, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. Remember, capturing accurate proportions is crucial in creating a realistic portrait. To achieve this, practice sketching various face shapes and experiment with different angles and perspectives.

Mastering Shading Techniques

Shading is what gives a portrait depth and dimension. Knowing how to manipulate light and shadow is a skill every portrait artist must develop. Start with basic shading techniques, such as hatching and cross-hatching, to create different shades and textures. Gradually, you can progress to more advanced techniques, such as blending or stippling, to enhance the realism in your portraits. Observing different light sources and studying photographs will help you understand how shadows behave and how they contribute to the overall composition.

Adding Personality and Expression

While accurate proportions and shading are essential, it's important to capture the personality and expression of the subject. Every face carries unique characteristics and stories. Pay close attention to facial features, quirks, and expressions that make the subject stand out. These details will add depth and realism to your portraits, making them truly captivating.

Seeking Feedback and Continuous Improvement

No artist is perfect, and the path to mastering portrait drawing is a continuous learning process. Seek feedback from fellow artists or join art communities where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, as it will push your skills to new heights. Remember, practice is key. The more you draw, the better you'll become.

Portrait drawing may seem intimidating at first, but with the right guidance and plenty of practice, anyone can become a skilled portrait artist. Remember to gather the necessary tools, understand proportions and shapes, master shading techniques, and capture the essence of your subject. Embrace the journey of continuous improvement and never shy away from seeking feedback. With dedication and passion, your portraits will soon leave a lasting impression on the world. So pick up your pencils and start creating beautiful portraits today!

Drawing Portraits for the Absolute Beginner: A Clear & Easy Guide to Successful Portrait Drawing (Art for the Absolute Beginner)

by Mark Willenbrink (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12940 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	131 pages

FREE

Open this book as an absolute beginner, and come away as a proud portrait artist.

Mark and Mary Willenbrink's Absolute Beginner books have helped thousands of novices tap into their inner artists. In this book, Mark and Mary help the beginning artist take on portraits, showing that absolutely anyone can draw faces. Their encouraging, easy-to-follow instruction style makes learning fun—you'll be amazed by how quickly you achieve impressive results.

Drawing Portraits for the Absolute Beginner covers everything from warming up with sketches, and capturing facial expressions, to framing your finished work. Page by page, you'll build the skills and confidence you need to draw lifelike portraits of your friends and family.

What's Inside:

   • A simple two-stage approach to drawing portraits: sketch a likeness, then build up values to bring it to life
   • Step-by-step instruction for drawing eyes, noses, mouths, hairstyles, hands, glasses and other tricky elements
   • 13 complete demonstrations featuring a range of ages and ethnicities
   • Tips for evoking more personality in your portraits by using props, costumes and accessories