plate no. 6400
Portrait of Paul Emil Jacobs
Leopold Pollak, 1845
some experience helpful
This drawing provides a good opportunity to practice shading techniques and creating depth using a limited value range. Students can learn to render textures like hair and fabric with graphite.
technical profile
palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the drawing, such as the beard and hair.
- step 03
Begin layering graphite to build up the mid-tones, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 04
Use a blending stump or tortillon to smooth out the transitions between values.
- step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the drawing and add any final details.
- step 07
Use an eraser to lift out highlights and correct any mistakes.
- step 08
Consider adding a light wash of diluted graphite to the background for a subtle effect.
color palette
primary · graphite · white (paper)
secondary ·
Varying pressure and layering creates different shades of gray.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·blending
- ·value shading
- ·rendering texture
common pitfalls
- →Applying too much pressure too early, making it difficult to erase.
- →Not paying attention to the direction of light, resulting in a flat drawing.
- →Over-blending, which can make the drawing look muddy.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value, resulting in a lack of depth.
materials
surface · smooth drawing paper
required
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·drawing paper
- ·eraser
- ·blending stump/tortillon
- ·pencil sharpener
- ·kneaded eraser
optional
- ·ruler
- ·drawing board
- ·fixative spray
Use a variety of graphite pencils to achieve a full range of values. Experiment with different blending techniques to find what works best for you.
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
Romantic Landscape
Karl Lessing
Self-portrait with his brother Francesco
Giuseppe Tominz
Oenone Refuse de Secourir Pâris au Siège de Troie
Léon Cogniet
Duke of Alba
Francisco Goya
Blick Aus Dem Wald Ins Tal
Andreas Achenbach
Young Girl Fixing Her Hair
Sophie Gengembre Anderson
The Plough Inn
William Shayer
Hudson River Landscape
Johann Hermann Carmiencke