Drawing Portraits For The Absolute Beginner : A... -

Textured paper can make skin look "grainy," so a smooth Bristol or sketch pad is often preferred for portraits.

The bottom of the nose usually aligns with the bottom of the earlobes.

Focus on the specific curves, the weight of the eyelid, and how the light hits the iris. Treat the face as a collection of abstract shapes and shadows. 2. Understanding Proportions (The "Standard" Face) Drawing Portraits for the Absolute Beginner : a...

Sketch a light circle for the cranium and a tapered box for the jaw.

These can be molded into points to "pick up" light and create highlights in the eyes or on the tip of the nose. Textured paper can make skin look "grainy," so

A common mistake is placing eyes too high. In a standard head, the eyes sit halfway between the top of the skull and the chin.

Most beginners draw a generic almond shape for an eye. Treat the face as a collection of abstract

Before drawing details like eyelashes or wrinkles, you must build the "skeleton" of the drawing: