How to draw portrait like a PRO

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the essential steps to draw a portrait like a professional artist. Based on Ksy Elf's video, you will learn about basic anatomy, facial structure, and practical techniques for drawing a human head. This comprehensive guide offers clear instructions and tips to enhance your drawing skills.

Step 1: Learn Basic Anatomy for Artists

Understanding the basic anatomy of the human head is crucial for effective portrait drawing.

• Study Major Features: Familiarize yourself with the skull structure, as it forms the foundation of the face.
• Proportions: Learn the standard proportions of the face:
  • The head is typically divided into equal thirds (hairline to eyebrows, eyebrows to bottom of the nose, bottom of the nose to chin).
  • Eyes are generally positioned halfway down the head.
• Practice Sketching: Create simple sketches to practice these proportions from different angles.

Step 2: Understand Facial Structure

Now that you grasp the anatomy, focus on the facial structure and how to draw each part of the face.

• Eyes:
  • Draw the basic almond shape.
  • Add details like eyelashes and pupils.
• Nose:
  • Start with a simple triangle shape.
  • Add nostrils and refine the bridge.
• Mouth:
  • Sketch a simple line for the mouth's center.
  • Add curves to represent the lips.
• Ears:
  • Position the ears between the eye and the nose level.
  • Draw the outer shape and inner details.

Step 3: Step-by-Step Drawing Demonstration

Follow these steps to create a complete portrait.

1. Outline the Head: Start with an oval shape for the head.
2. Mark Guidelines: Use light lines to indicate where the eyes, nose, and mouth will go.
3. Draw Features: Based on your understanding of facial structure, begin adding details.
4. Refine the Drawing: Erase unnecessary lines and enhance the features.
5. Shading: Use light and shadow to add depth to your drawing. Focus on areas like under the chin, around the nose, and under the eyebrows.

Step 4: Choose Art Materials

Selecting the right materials is essential for achieving the best results.

• Pencils: Use a range of pencils (2H for light lines, HB for general use, 2B for shading).
• Paper: Choose smooth drawing paper for fine details or textured paper for more expressive strokes.
• Erasers: Have both a kneaded eraser for gentle corrections and a standard eraser for clean-up.
• Blending Tools: Use blending stumps or your fingers for smooth shading transitions.

Step 5: Tinting Paper for Drawing

To enhance your portraits, consider tinting your paper.

• Choose a Color: Light colors like beige or gray can give warmth to your portraits.
• Apply Evenly: Use a soft sponge or cloth to apply the tint evenly across the paper surface.
• Let it Dry: Ensure the paper is completely dry before starting your drawing.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will significantly improve your portrait drawing skills. Remember to practice regularly, focus on proportions, and experiment with different materials. As you gain confidence, explore your style and express your creativity in your portraits. Happy drawing!