plate no. 0849
Arno Babajanian
some experience helpful
This drawing helps develop observational skills and understanding of value and line weight to create form. Students will learn to simplify complex shapes and use hatching and cross-hatching to create depth.
technical profile
palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 4 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall proportions and basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
- step 02
Refine the sketch, paying attention to the angles and curves of the face and hairline.
- step 03
Begin adding darker lines to define the contours and shadows, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 04
Use hatching and cross-hatching to build up the values, creating depth and form.
- step 05
Pay attention to the direction of the lines to suggest the planes of the face.
- step 06
Add details to the hair, clothing, and background, using varying line weights to create interest.
- step 07
Soften some edges and blend some areas to create a more natural look.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to complete the drawing.
color palette
primary · graphite · paper white
secondary ·
Varying pressure and layering of graphite creates different shades of gray.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·contour drawing
- ·value shading
- ·line weight variation
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the drawing and losing the freshness of the sketch
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the face
- →Creating muddy or undefined shadows
- →Using lines that are too uniform in weight
materials
surface · sketch paper
required
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·sketch paper
- ·eraser
- ·pencil sharpener
optional
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·tortillon/blending stump
Use a variety of pencils to achieve different values and textures. A kneaded eraser is helpful for lifting graphite and creating highlights.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
related artworks
Dolly Sisters
Kees van Dongen
Nude with Loaves
Jean Helion
My Father
Carlos Botelho
Helen
Chronis Botsoglou
The portrait painter in the country
Albin Egger-Lienz
Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague
Maria Bozoky
Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city
Paul Werner
Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)
James Ensor