plate no. 1690

Annunziata

pencil, paperRealismportraitportraitfigurewomanearringhairprofile

some experience helpful

This drawing allows students to practice rendering form with value and learn how to suggest texture using different pencil strokes. It also provides an opportunity to study portrait proportions and facial features.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall proportions and pose of the figure.
step 02
Establish the main shapes of the head, neck, and shoulders.
step 03
Block in the darkest areas: hair, earring, and shadows on the clothing.
step 04
Begin to build up the mid-tones, paying attention to the planes of the face.
step 05
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add texture to the hair using short, directional strokes.
step 07
Soften edges and blend values to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final highlights to the face and earring.

color palette

primary · graphite · charcoal

secondary · white (paper)

Vary pressure and use blending to achieve different shades of gray. Use a kneaded eraser to lift highlights.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·blending
·value shading
·rendering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the drawing and losing the freshness of the initial sketch.
→Failing to establish a full range of values, resulting in a flat image.
→Getting the proportions wrong, especially the placement of the facial features.
→Ignoring the direction of light and shadows, leading to a lack of form.

materials

surface · drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)

required

·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
·Charcoal pencil
·Kneaded eraser
·Blending stump or tortillon
·Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)
·Pencil sharpener
·Ruler

optional

·chamois cloth
·fixative spray

Experiment with different grades of pencils to achieve a full range of values. Use a light touch when applying graphite to avoid making the drawing too dark too quickly.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

chat about this artwork

in this vein