The
general proportions
of a head that we outlined on previous pages are
ideal for drawing realistic heads from your imagination.
They are also a good reference if you feel that you
are making major errors in your portraits.
However,
when you draw a portrait from life, a more accurate
approach to drawing is needed. You need to record the
subtle variations of the features which make that individual's
face unique. Such an approach was used to build our
pencil portrait above.
There
are three basic stages in the creation of this image:
1.
Using line drawing to organise the position,
shape and proportion of the features.
2. Using
softly shaded tone to create the form and texture of
each feature.
3. Using
larger areas of tone to unite all the elements of the
portrait.
Pencil
Portrait Step 1
Establishing
the basic features
Most
artists make the greatest number of changes at the
start of a drawing. Therefore it is important to draw
lightly at first, as lightly drawn lines are easier
to erase.
You
begin a portrait with the eyes as they are the main
focal point. Take care where you choose to position
them on the page as this will affect the overall balance
of the portrait. Mouse over the image above and you
will see that right eye is situated on the vertical
centre of the page. This is a strong compositional starting
point for a three quarter view portrait.
The
size and position of the other features are directly
related to the scale and placement of the eyes.
If
you get the correct relationship between the eyes, nose
and mouth, you will end up with a good likeness.
Pencil
Portrait Step 2
Building
the outline of the portrait
The
next step is discover the size of the head by establishing
the distances between the eyes and the top of the head
and the eyes and the chin. Note that these measurements
should be similar.
The
main features are then framed by the outline of the
face and hair, while the neck and shoulders form an
angular support for the head. The hairline on the right
side of the face creates a sweeping curve as it meets
the neckline of the t-shirt. This movement builds a
strong visual link between the head and shoulders.
At
this stage, the drawing is no more than a set of carefully
measured features that establish the final proportions
of the portrait.
Pencil
Portrait Step 3
Building
detail in line
The
final stage of the line drawing in this portrait is
to sketch some of the detail in the hair and the folds
on the t-shirt.
The
lines of detail in the hair should follow the direction
and shape of the locks as they split into different
strands. They should be drawn quickly and forcefully
to give a natural rhythm and vitality to the shape of
the hair.
The
folds in the t-shirt help to emphasise the form and
angle of the shoulders. They should be gentle and uncomplicated
curves that do not distract your attention from the
rest of the portrait.
