plate no. 4548
Ali
Martin Yeoman, 1996
some experience helpful
Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in proportion, shading, and capturing the likeness of a subject using a limited palette. It also emphasizes line quality and expressive mark-making.
technical profile
palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall shape of the head and shoulders, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Establish the basic planes of the face, focusing on the brow, nose, and mouth.
- step 03
Begin adding darker values in areas of shadow, such as under the brow and around the nose.
- step 04
Develop the hair, using short, curved strokes to suggest texture and volume.
- step 05
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 06
Add details to the clothing, using simple lines to suggest folds and wrinkles.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend values to create a sense of depth and form.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the drawing.
color palette
primary · sanguine
secondary · white (paper)
Vary pressure to achieve different values of sanguine. Use blending to create smooth transitions.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·blending
- ·contour drawing
- ·value shading
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions can ruin the likeness.
- →Overworking the drawing can lead to a muddy or lifeless result.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure can make the drawing appear flat.
- →Not paying attention to the direction of light can create unrealistic shadows.
materials
surface · drawing paper
required
- ·Sanguine pencil or crayon
- ·Drawing paper (toned or white)
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Blending stump or tortillon
- ·Pencil sharpener
- ·Fixative spray
optional
- ·Sandpaper block
- ·Chamois cloth
Choose a paper with a slightly textured surface to better hold the sanguine. A toned paper can help establish mid-tones.
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