How to Draw a Portrait
Six steps for drawing a face, from basic shapes and facial proportions to a simple trick for hair.
When it comes to drawing people, you must be observant. To really catch the essence of a person, you must be able to observe the fine details and put it to paper. Whether it’s the curve of their nose, or the angles in their chin, you must be able to notice that.
Step One: You will need a model. It’s best to draw from life because of the skills you will learn, but even if you don’t, you still need a subject to draw. If you’re drawing from a picture, make sure it’s high resolution so you can get all the details.
Step Two: Make sure you have the necessary materials. It can be as simple as a piece of lined paper and a pencil, or if you’re advanced, you’ll want more materials.
Step Three: Begin with basic shapes. Study your model. What shapes really stick out? Do they have an oval, square, or circle face? Pinpoint the basic shapes and draw them out. It’s OK if your model starts out as a bundle of shapes.
Step Four: Start with the majors. These include eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Notice the relationship in space between them. The eyes are almost exactly in the center of the face, and ears start in line with the eyes. To make sure that the eyes are the right size, there should be space for five eyes along the center of the face. The nose and mouth are exactly a third down after the eyes. The ends of your mouth are in line with the corneas of the eye.
Step Five: Once every basic shape is in order, you can then begin to add detail. It is imperative to notice the contrast with your model. Your model will have many shades, and as a more advanced artist, you will have the necessary materials to add each shade. If not, at least make sure to catch the darkest darks and the lightest lights.
Step Six: Many people think of drawing hair and it sends them off in the opposite direction. I am going to let you in on a little trick to make things more simple. Draw your basic hair outline. Now separate all of the hair into parts, and at the end of each part, draw lines out from each end. When finished, you will be amazed with the outcome.
Now say three nice things about your portrait. Whether it’s like DaVinci, or looks like it’s been done by a second grader, you did it, and you’re amazing.
