Drawing tutorial : In this video, I want to show you how I draw a portrait from a photo while trying to become more accurate for life drawing.
I make this drawing from a photograph but at the same time imagine that I am drawing a real person. Keeping that in mind, I don’t use any technique that can’t be applied to a situation where a model sits in front of me.
I don’t use tracing paper, grids, projectors or any kind of geometric measuring tool…
This video will show you a few tips that you can use in your practice to get better prepared for life portrait drawing. This exercise doesn’t replace life drawing but can train you for it.
These tips are good to train your eye to become more accurate. They are not really relevant if your plan is to draw only from photographs and rely soly on tracing paper, but they can make a huge difference if you would like to draw someone’s portrait from life and feel that you need some preparation.
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Comments
30 responses to “How to draw a portrait from a photo and become more accurate for life drawing”
How would you go about doing this especially for the first steps if you want to draw bigger or smaller version of that reference ?
Funny I pretty much use your technique.. I have become much better however it’s very stressful for me.. it’s become the least favorite part of painting process for me because I know its the most critical
I don't understand,,, "Ony what I could do with a Real Person in front of me…" What does a real person have anything to dow ith tracing lol. What, will they grab the tools from your hand and say, "You fool! How DARE you!" lol. Do you typically lie about tracing? I'm sorry, but, you do you, I don't think I've ever traced a line in my life — and don't really plan to either. Half the fun for me is the excitement and energy of the surprise of the next line.
This is fascinating. It's a wonderful take on drawing from a photo, and one I haven't seen in the fifty years I've been involved in the arts. I think drawing from photos is a good learning tool, as is using grids and other such techniques, but I've always believed these things should be abandoned as soon as possible because they can interfere massively when trying to learn the skills required for life drawing.
Now, I'm also a firm believer in being able to draw from the imagination, and incorporating memories and plain old personal life experience, largely emotions, but also people, into the work. I really can't do this with photos, with grids, etc. Because of this, I stopped drawing from photos as soon as I could get realistic drawings on paper, with rare exceptions, often as a favor to someone, but every great now and then for the money. Favors I did two or three times per year, copying a photo for money was much less frequent.
But your take on it really does add a new dimension, a new reason to use a photo to improve life drawing. Though there is one difference.
I can't remember who told the story, other than it being an artist who was holding a life drawing class. The life model was a woman, if it matters, and the professor could tell one of the students, a male, was getting more and more antsy, and seemingly had trouble concentrating. He thought it might have been because this was the first time they had a nude model, but then the situation became clear when the upset student screamed at the model, "For God's sake, will you PLEASE stop breathing!"
At least photos don't breath. Or sneeze, or cough, or yawn. I've had all three happen. It never bothered me, but it drove some of the students crazy.
excellent class! how do you get your pencil point so long? shaving it with a knife?
I thought I was lame because I couldn't get likeness just right. Turns out it is actually a common thing to struggle with and only practice will make it better. It seemed obvious but my brain was telling me otherwise!
outstanding drawing…………!!
I honestly envy ppl who are this organized
How do you make the hair if you are drawing a person with longer hair
what if your photo is smaller then your canvas
Man… Auto subscribed. Sooo valuable.
Wat pencil did u use for dis
This video is still helping 6 years later
I wish I could try drawing standing up!
Love it, thanks
Amazing
I have the same “visions” when drawing portraits, I also see animal features or familiar shapes on a persons face like the “mosquito head” he talked about at 9:45, I thought I was the only one. Is there a name for this, I’d like to know what it’s called.
Instead of mitror you can actually take a picture with your phone. It also very clearly displays the mistakes
Subbed fantastic.
чувак попробуй с натуры нарисовать хотя бы спичечный коробок,ты что ксерокс
One of the best portrait video I have ever watched…
👏👏👏👏you deserve a million
What pencil did you used?
So much simple yet valuable information. I loved this. And look forward to using your tips. Thankyou
Well said.. when I started using grid lines… It took away all the fun while drawing. …Sketching is not an engineering homework.
I'm using my observations to calculate and draw a portrait. Although it's not completely accurate but with enough practice , I'm getting there. . But what most important is I'm loving the whole process of sketching. ❤️
amazing
That's just amazing 🤍.
ehehehehe can you teach me how to do this all in under an hour im getting tested on it-
no dimension in the right eye and the chin is kinda flat looking, other than that it's a great Portrait!
I love watching you seeing. Before I draw, I must practice seeing.